Accra: The Teachers and Educational Workers' Union (TEWU) of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, has urged the government to expedite the recruitment of Education Support Personnel (ESP) across educational institutions. The union emphasized that this move would alleviate the workload on the current staff, who are overstretched in their efforts to maintain educational standards.
According to Ghana News Agency, King James Azortibah, the General Secretary of TEWU-TUC, made this appeal during a press briefing in Accra in commemoration of World ESP Day, observed annually on May 16. This day acknowledges the essential contributions of ESP, who are non-teaching staff, in providing inclusive and equitable quality education both in Ghana and worldwide. The global theme for this year's celebration is 'Go Public! Invest in Education Support Personnel: Ensure inclusive education', which underscores the importance of substantial public investment in education, including adequate resources for ESP roles.
Azortibah highlighted that, based on TEWU membership data, the last decade has seen a significant number of ESPs exit the workforce due to retirement, resignation, or death, averaging about 200 departures per month. The union's data indicates that approximately 600 ESP members will retire by the end of 2025, necessitating immediate government intervention.
The dwindling numbers of ESP, particularly security personnel, is a growing concern. Azortibah cited instances where secondary schools operate with only one security officer responsible for thousands of students. The union is advocating for enhanced rights, working conditions, and professional recognition in accordance with the Education International Declaration on the Rights and Status of ESP members.
Azortibah also called upon the government to recognize ESP members as essential education workers and to include them in policymaking processes. Mrs. Anais Dayamba, Regional Coordinator for Education International Africa, acknowledged the crucial role of ESP in creating optimal learning environments for students and urged the government to increase investment in the education sector to improve outcomes.
Ms. Rose Quaye, Head of Industrial Relations at TUC, praised ESP workers for their pivotal role, especially during the implementation of the double-track system, in ensuring the provision of essential services in education. She reaffirmed TUC's commitment to supporting the union in fulfilling its mandate and encouraged the continuation of the union's awards scheme to motivate staff.
