The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is formally requesting clearance from the government to recruit additional faculty members.
This, according to UTAG, is to reduce the “unacceptable” lecturer-to-student ratio in the universities.
UTAG has explained that the current lecturer-to-student ratio is adversely affecting academic quality and, most importantly, the health of its members.
In a communique, UTAG members of the NEC of UTAG engaged in discussions concerning lecturer-to-student ratios across public universities.
“Members expressed their unwavering commitment to upholding academic excellence within Ghanaian universities. Unfortunately, in all public universities in Ghana today, lecturers are handling huge numbers of students, ranging from 200 to more than 1,000 students per class.
“The situation is worsened by the huge numbers resulting from the Free SHS policy intervention without a corresponding increase in infrastructure and faculty,” the communique said.
Regarding promotion arrears, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of UTAG expressed concerns about the delays in the payment of promotion arrears beyond three (3) months.
Thus, members advocated for fair and realistic compensation practices, specifically addressing the arrears accrued during the promotion cycle.
“Members argued further that there should be fairness since most external reviews and promotion examination processes almost always exceed one year,” the communique added.
By Laud Nartey|3News.com
