Teachers urged to converge under a union
Mr Hayford Kwadwo Osei, Asunafo South District Director of Education, has appealed to teachers in the country to converge under a national union to promote their welfare.
He said as the largest population in the formal sector, if teachers remained under one umbrella, they would grow to become a stronger pillar and play an influential role in national policy implementation.
Addressing teachers at a durbar to mark the Brong-Ahafo Regional celebration of World Teachers Day at Goaso in the Asunafo North Municipality, Mr Osei also appealed to government to improve the working conditions of teachers to ensure that they are retained in the profession.
The Brong-Ahafo Regional branch of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) organised the durbar, which was under the theme: “Teachers care to lead for quality education”.
Mr Osei said though the 1992 constitution allowed freedom to form associations and unions, teacher unions ought to understand that it was when they come together as a united union that their voices would be heard.
He said with the same goal of promoting quality education and enhancing their living conditions, teachers ought to forge ahead in unison and end unnecessary attitudes that divide their ranks.
Mr Osei also appealed to host communities to support the efforts of teachers as they play the role of providing quality education in the country.
“We should also endeavour to accept postings to serve in any village or town without complaints” he said, adding that teachers sent to deprived communities should remain disciplined and avoid alcoholism.
Ms Helena Awurase, Officer in charge of the Women’s Desk, GNAT headquarters, called on the government to consider incorporating modest accommodation for teachers whenever new schools are constructed.
This, she said, would encourage teachers to readily accept postings especially to rural communities.
Mr Jones Yeboah Yelbuori, Asunafo North Municipal Director of Education, said as education management is entrusted into the hands of teachers they are expected to be punctual in school and committed to their roles and responsibilities.
He said the demand for quality education would not go away because education generally held the key to sustain human development and growth.
Fifteen deserving teachers drawn from all the 13 GNAT districts in Brong-Ahafo were given DVD receiver and home theatre speakers each for their contribution to the growth of GNAT.
Source: GNA