Agona Swedru: The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has reiterated calls on the government to take swift action to provide adequate motivation for teachers to enhance their welfare. 'A Well-motivated teacher is inspired and encouraged to give up his or her utmost best to offer quality teaching that will help train the child properly to become a responsible leader,' Mr. Daniel Lavoe, Agona West Municipal GNAT Chairman, stated.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Lavoe made the call during the 7th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of GNAT held at Agona Swedru in the Central Region. The conference also marked the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Ghana Education Service (GES), where discussions on achievements, challenges, and the future path were held.
Mr. Lavoe emphasized that the government needs to provide unwavering support to teachers, giving them the necessary assistance to deliver quality service to the nation, thereby contributing to the well-being of children. The conference, being the highest decision-making body, meets every four years for members to discuss and adopt crucial issues concerning the welfare of teachers, which are then submitted to regional and national conferences for adoption.
He highlighted that since the inception of GES 50 years ago, basic and senior high school (SHS) education has provided significant opportunities for many Ghanaian youths. Education has empowered children to study various subjects from basic to SHS, and the current government is considering offering free tertiary education for first-year students, contingent upon financial feasibility.
Mr. Lavoe stressed the need for adequate investment and recognition from the government to enable teachers to perform effectively, which would enhance the quality of teaching and learning. He urged the government to ensure better pay for teachers with improved motivations and suggested mechanizing car maintenance allowances into the salaries of teachers.
He also voiced concerns over the centralised policy of posting newly trained teachers by the government, which has resulted in staffing imbalances, with rural areas facing teacher shortages. Mr. Lavoe proposed that District Directors of Education should handle postings to prevent overstaffing in some schools.
Additionally, Mr. Lavoe appealed to the Agona West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and Member of Parliament (MP) to provide adequate furniture and staff common rooms for teachers. He called on the MP, MCE, and other institutions and companies to establish awards for teachers, particularly in Agona West, to motivate and encourage quality teaching and learning.
Elections were conducted to elect new executives to manage the affairs of Agona West GNAT for the next four years. Mr. Lavoe was re-elected unopposed as Chairman, with Mr. Abubakar Adams as Vice Chairman, Mr. Ebenezer Okyere as Treasurer, Mr. Daniel Amoani as Trustee, and Mr. Joel Acquah as Youth Coordinator. Other elected members include Madam Helena Hudson as GNATLAS, Mr. Kenneth Egyir as SHS representative, Mr. Felix Owusu Tawiah as Basic School representative, and Mr. Eleanor Mensah as Education Administration representative.
