Teachers in Wechiau community abandon schools to engage in commercial activities

Residents of Wechiau in the Wa West District have expressed their concerns about the commitment of teachers in the community.

They noted that on market days, a number of teachers are seen leaving their educational responsibilities to engage in commercial activities, particularly using motor tricycles to transport goods and passengers.

Speaking to Info Radio in Wechiau, Abdulai Rashad, a resident says the teachers’ behavior is negatively affecting the students’ performance.

“We have three schools in this town. The pupil's BECE results just came, and if you call any of the children to bring their results for you to see, you will be surprised about their grades. If you see a candidate with even grade 30, the said child has done well.

“And the teachers in the schools are not helping the situation because you can sit here and see teachers riding tricycles. Even headteachers seen using tricycles to conduct business to the detriment of the pupils in school," he stated.

Madam Rukaya Issah, a resident, blames the community for the teachers' actions. She noted that the community is not united in fighting this issue.

“Whenever we complain, the teachers say that President Nana Akufo Addo has asked them to look for additional jobs. We do not know whether he is no longer paying them or what the problem is. But the community is not united to fight the canker. If we were united, I, as a woman, could fight teachers who abandoned classrooms for commercial activities.”

Mr. Abudu Abu, the Assembly Member for the Wechiau Electoral Area emphasized that community member can address the problem themselves. He also expressed his concern regarding the community's failure to unite and make decisions that would drive their development forward.

He also blamed the district's education directorate for not acting against the teachers involved in the activity.

“The teachers are supposed to change, but the problem is with the Education Director. Some of the teachers involved have been reported to the Director thrice. Why will you not transfer or query them?” he quiried.

Mr. Ametus Tug-uu, the Wa West District Education Director, addressed the community’s concerns by revealing that a headteacher had been demoted as a consequence of the situation. He urged the community to report any teachers involved in the misconduct to the Directorate.