The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has called for improved pay and conditions of service for teachers to enable them to contribute effectively to national development. This call was made by Mr. Prosper Tachie, National President of GNAT, during the launch of the GNAT Week celebration in Accra to mark World Teachers' Day. The celebration's theme was "Empowering Teachers: Architects of the Future." GNAT emphasized the need for a shift from the minimum wage to a living wage that adequately supports workers, their spouses, and children.
Mr. Tachie highlighted that inadequate remuneration has been a challenge for teachers over the years and expressed concern about the allocation of resources to education, particularly the management of the sector's wage bill. Despite education being one of the largest enterprises in every economy and employing a significant proportion of public sector workers, teachers face difficulties regarding remuneration and other conditions of service. The education budget was reportedly reduced from more than GH¢33 billion to GH¢27 billion, with GNAT not given an adequate explanation for the reduction.
The GNAT president also raised concerns about the implementation of promotions for teachers, noting that about 6,000 members who had been placed on the appropriate salary scales were still awaiting payment of their arrears. These issues have become particularly important as GNAT's collective agreement is due for renewal this year. Mr. Tachie expressed hope that ongoing engagements with relevant stakeholders would produce positive outcomes for teachers. He emphasized that teachers play a critical role in developing the psychosocial and other faculties of learners and should be recognized as key architects of the future development of the country.
Mr. Samuel Affadu, Deputy General Secretary in charge of Administration and Labour Relations, urged teachers to take greater ownership of activities marking World Teachers' Day rather than relying solely on the government to declare the occasion a public holiday. He suggested that teachers could make the occasion meaningful through activities at the district and local levels. An initiative at the district level involved teachers sourcing support to organize an awards program to recognize outstanding teachers. Similar activities could be replicated across districts and local branches to ensure that communities recognize and appreciate teachers and their contribution to education.
Mr. Affadu encouraged teachers to use the occasion to reach out to communities and support families facing difficulties, stressing that teachers have a responsibility that extends beyond the classroom. The GNAT leadership presented educational materials to Madavunu D/A Basic School and Besiasi M/A Basic School to enhance teaching and learning. This initiative aims to improve educational outcomes and provide teachers with the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively.
The GNAT Week celebration and World Teachers' Day activities highlight the critical role teachers play in shaping the future of Ghana. GNAT's calls for improved pay and conditions of service are part of a broader effort to enhance the welfare of teachers and improve educational outcomes. The association's efforts to engage stakeholders and promote positive change are crucial in addressing the challenges facing teachers and the education sector.
As GNAT continues to advocate for teachers' rights and improved working conditions, the association remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes. The celebration of World Teachers' Day serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and appreciating teachers' contributions to education and national development. GNAT's initiatives aim to promote a supportive environment for teachers to excel in their roles and contribute to Ghana's growth and development.
Key points
- GNAT calls for a shift from the minimum wage to a living wage for teachers.
- The association expresses concern about the reduced education budget and its impact on teachers' welfare.
- GNAT urges teachers to take ownership of World Teachers' Day activities at the district and local levels.
