The Central Regional Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Godwin Yaw Andam, has called for greater respect, improved working conditions and adequate remuneration for teachers across the country.
According to him, teachers play a critical role in shaping the future of Ghana and must therefore be provided with the support and conditions necessary to perform their duties effectively.
Mr Andam made the call at a World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Assin Fosu College of Education in the Central Region.
The event, which brought together GNAT members and other stakeholders in education from across the region, was held under the theme: “Teachers Empowering Teachers: Architects of the Future.”
Speaking at the celebration, Mr Andam stressed that the teaching profession must be treated with the dignity and respect it deserves.
He said improving the welfare of teachers should remain a priority, arguing that educators cannot be expected to deliver quality education when their working conditions do not adequately reflect the importance of their profession.
Mr Andam further called for fair remuneration for teachers and urged the government to give serious consideration to the proposal for a 13-month salary for teachers.
He said improved compensation and better conditions of service would contribute to motivating teachers and strengthening their commitment to the profession.
The Vice Principal of the Assin Fosu College of Education, Dr Regina Sally Maison, also underscored the importance of equipping teachers with the necessary resources to perform their duties.
She said teachers could not effectively prepare students for the future without access to the appropriate tools and support.
Dr Maison’s remarks highlighted the need for investment not only in teacher welfare but also in the resources and infrastructure required to support effective teaching and learning.
She said empowering teachers must go beyond recognition and appreciation, stressing the importance of creating an environment in which educators can work effectively.
The Assin Fosu Municipal Chief Executive, Baba Gariba, who spoke on behalf of the Central Regional Minister, Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, also acknowledged the broader role teachers play in society.
He said teachers contribute to shaping the lives, values and aspirations of young people, making their work significant beyond the classroom and academic instruction.
He therefore joined calls for greater recognition of the contribution teachers make to national development.
The World Teachers’ Day celebration provided an opportunity for teachers and education stakeholders in the Central Region to reflect on the challenges confronting the profession while highlighting the need for greater collaboration and support.
The event also reinforced calls for policies that improve teacher welfare, provide adequate teaching and learning resources, and create conditions that enable educators to contribute effectively to the development of Ghana’s human capital.
Story by Joseph Cobbina
