Fijai: Mr. Matthew Adjardjah, former Head of Policy Development at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), has urged national leadership to design policies grounded in research and tailored to the needs of the Ghanaian youth. Speaking at the Seventh Quadrennial and 54th Regional Delegates Conference of GNAT's Western Regional Branch in Fijai, Mr. Adjardjah criticized policymakers for often overlooking the youth, who form the critical mass of the population, and instead crafting policies centered around adult concerns.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Adjardjah emphasized the need for data-driven policymaking, arguing that sentiments should not influence governmental decisions. He highlighted that governance is primarily the responsibility of adults, who must prioritize the interests of the youth to ensure sustainable national development. The conference, held under the theme 'Educating an African Fit for the 21st Century: The Role of Policymakers and Unions in Ghana,' aimed to highlight the importance of all stakeholders in shaping the future of the Ghanaian child.
Mr. Adjardjah, also a former GNAT Development Planning Director, stressed the importance of parenting, mentorship, and a conducive learning environment in preparing the youth for a promising future. He called for investment in infrastructure, guidance and counseling services, and modernized learning methods. He further advocated for a continent-wide educational policy that addresses Africa-specific needs, especially in the sciences and emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence. African universities, he suggested, should be the hub for innovation in agriculture, technology, and socio-economic development.
Mr. Peter Obeng Nyamekye, Western Regional GNAT Chairman, outlined several accomplishments from the past four years, including the renovation of the regional GNAT hostel and the construction of a 2-unit classroom block for Kwakubosea D/A Primary School. GNAT also resolved a long-standing land dispute in Bibiani and provided support such as learning materials to Appiatse Primary School after an explosion incident, and university bursaries for 50 women under the GNAT/CTF Women in Education scheme.
Membership in the Western Region increased from 19,399 in 2021 to 22,192 in 2024, due to aggressive recruitment in teacher training institutions. Mr. Nyamekye noted challenges like logistical difficulties and delays in grant disbursements but mentioned that inherited debts had been cleared. Looking ahead, GNAT plans to develop hostel lands commercially, establish a satellite office in Sefwi Wiawso, and launch a 'Welcome Fund' for newly trained teachers. Mr. Nyamekye expressed appreciation to GNAT Headquarters and partners, affirming his belief that 'the best comes from the West.'
