Pre-tertiary Teacher Unions in the country have commended the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum for his unwavering commitment to their welfare.
The unions, comprising the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Concerned Teachers Association (CCT-GH), Ghana National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and Teachers and Education Workers Union (TEWU), acknowledged the minister’s open-door policy, which has fostered positive outcomes and motivated teachers to contribute more to the country.
Speaking at the Ghana Teacher Prize 2024 held in Kumasi on Saturday, Rev. Isaac Owusu, President of GNAT, expressed the unions’ gratitude to the Minister for his effort and leadership style that had led to a peaceful co-existence between the Unions and the Government.
Rev. Owusu who was delivering a solidarity message on behalf of all Teacher Unions in the country during the GTP 2024 pledged their willingness to continue collaborating with the government for effective outcomes.
The unions’ appreciation underscores Dr. Adutwum’s proactive approach to addressing their concerns, promoting a conducive teaching environment, and enhancing the overall education sector.
The GNAT President on behalf of the Unions also commended the government for the swift payment of the Continuous Professional Development Allowance in September as promised by the government and hoped that in November, the Data Allowance would equally be paid as promised.
Rev. Owusu however appealed to the government through the Education Ministry to prioritize some issues which affect effective teaching and learning as well as the survival of teachers.
He mentioned them as allowances for teachers in deprived areas, correction of the salary disparities and the wrongful placement of some teachers on the Single Spine Salary structure, and outstanding issues concerning the promotion of the Deputy Directors to Directors.
Rev. Owusu also mentioned the Human Resource Information Management System (HRIMS) issues which have caused undue delay in the upgrading, re-activation and promotion, the payment of Tier 2 which has been in arrears for 13 months as well as the rising spate of indiscipline among students in schools especially attacks on innocent teachers and their colleagues.
By Felix Baidoo
