The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas Musah Tanko, has stated that over 300k teachers in Ghana have threatened to go on strike if the government fails to address their demands within 24 hours.
Tanko expressed his concerns during his recent interview in Accra on Wednesday. According to him, despite calling off a previous strike, teachers are growing increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of negotiations and the lack of action from the government.
Among the key demands put forward by the teacher unions are:
- A 20% increase in basic pay for teachers in deprived areas, which has not been implemented for the past 15 years.
- Payment of a professional development allowance of GHC1,200 per year for teachers, which has also been pending.
Tanko emphasized that the failure of the government to address these issues is eroding the gains made in the education sector and is causing agitation among teachers nationwide. He stressed that teachers have reached their limit and urged the government not to take their concerns lightly.
Tanko also expressed frustration with the lack of authority among representatives from the Ministry of Finance who participate in the negotiations. He highlighted that these representatives are unable to make binding decisions, which further delays the resolution of the issues at hand.
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Tanko issued a stern warning to the government, stating that if they do not act swiftly to address the concerns of teachers, they will be left with no choice but to proceed with a nationwide strike. He urged the government to take the matter seriously and ensure that the negotiations are conducted with the necessary urgency and commitment.
Teaching is one of the noblest professions, shaping the minds and futures of generations to come. However, teaching in Ghana doesn’t have these qualities. In Ghana, many teachers are facing significant challenges due to poor salary levels, lack of allowances, and inadequate conditions of service. This situation not only affects the well-being of teachers but also has detrimental effects on the quality of education provided to students.
One of the primary issues facing teachers in Ghana is the low salary levels. Many teachers struggle to make ends meet with their meager salaries, especially considering the high cost of living. This makes it difficult for them to focus on their jobs effectively and provide quality education to their students. Despite their crucial role in society, teachers are often undervalued and underpaid.
In addition to low salaries, teachers in Ghana often do not receive allowances that are essential for their professional development and well-being. For example, professional development allowances, which are meant to support teachers in improving their skills and knowledge, are either inadequate or non-existent in many cases. This lack of support hinders teachers’ ability to grow professionally and deliver the best possible education to their students.
Furthermore, the conditions of service for teachers in Ghana are often substandard. Many teachers work in overcrowded classrooms with limited resources, making it challenging to create conducive learning environments. Additionally, some teachers face issues such as delayed promotions, lack of job security, and inadequate access to healthcare and other benefits.
Despite the significant investments made by the government in education infrastructure and student welfare, the same level of attention has not been given to supporting and empowering teachers. This neglect of teachers’ needs is unsustainable and undermines efforts to improve the quality of education in Ghana.
It is imperative that the government and relevant stakeholders prioritize the welfare of teachers by addressing issues such as salary levels, allowances, and conditions of service. Investing in teachers is investing in the future of the nation, as they play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals.
The poor state of teaching service in Ghana, characterized by low salaries, lack of allowances, and inadequate conditions of service, is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention and action. By providing teachers with the support and resources they need, Ghana can ensure a brighter future for its students and society as a whole.