The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government over its failure to pay the 20 percent Deprived Area Allowance for teachers, a promise that has remained unfulfilled since 2009. According to GNAT, this longstanding issue, along with delays in addressing promotions and upgrades for teachers, could lead to increased unrest if not resolved promptly.
Speaking during an interview in Accra on October 4, GNAT’s General Secretary, Thomas Tanko Musah, criticized the government for showing “bad faith” in these matters. His comments come ahead of World Teachers’ Day, observed globally on October 5, which this year has the theme, “Valuing Teachers’ Voices – Towards a New Social Contract for Education.”
Musah highlighted the frustration among teachers, particularly regarding the delay in their promotions and the non-payment of the Deprived Area Allowance, which impacts their progression on the Single Spine Salary Structure. He warned that tensions are already high, and without swift action from the government, the situation could escalate into widespread agitation.
“The only way to avoid agitations is to do what is right,” Musah said. He noted that the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education should act now rather than waiting for teachers to resort to strikes or protests before responding. “It’s bad faith to wait until workers take action before you invite them to talk,” he added.
In response to calls for calm, the Ministry of Education and GES have asked teachers to suspend any planned demonstrations while their concerns are being addressed. However, Musah remains critical, urging the authorities to keep their promises.
On a broader level, Musah also touched on the vital role teachers play in shaping students’ character, stressing that this aspect of education has been neglected. “As teachers, we are concerned about the character of children. You can give someone knowledge, but if you don’t build their character, you are in for trouble,” he said.
He lamented the growing indiscipline among students, with reports of weapons being brought to school. “We are gradually losing the character bit. Students now come to school with knives and other dangerous items. Teachers used to have the power to mold students into responsible citizens, but now it’s more difficult,” he noted.
Musah expressed concern that this decline in discipline has broader societal implications, including a lack of patriotism and respect for elders among today’s students. He even suggested the drastic measure of setting up military or police barracks in schools to maintain order. “We may soon need to station soldiers or police officers in schools to protect life and property,” he warned.
Despite these challenges, Musah praised the contributions of teachers to national development, particularly their role in nurturing future leaders. However, he emphasized the need for urgent reforms to ensure that both knowledge and character-building remain at the forefront of education in Ghana.
SOURCE: https://dew360.net
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