The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has held its 7th Quadrennial Congress of the 54th Delegates Conference in the Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region.
Speaking at the Congress, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the Association, Patrick Boison, said the purpose of the union is to promote the interests of its members and to secure better conditions of service for them.
“The union has put in place a lot of measures, activities, and programs to empower us both physically, emotionally, and even sometimes spiritually,” he revealed.
Patrick Boison added that GNAT is putting in a great deal of effort to ensure that the welfare of teachers is improved. In light of this, they have introduced several welfare packages, and he believes members from various schools will return and champion the cause so that every member can be identified with the union’s activities.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, said teachers are the bedrock of the country’s development. Therefore, they should exhibit a high sense of professionalism to achieve high standards.
“Sustainable Development Goal 4 states: ‘Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.’ This goal emphasizes that by 2030, we will eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational,” he opined.
The Kwaebibirem MCE mentioned that the government has made a good start, and he hopes all stakeholders will work together to improve teaching and learning in the municipality. He emphasized that lateness to school, absenteeism, negative attitudes toward work, and deviation from the code of conduct of this noble profession should not be encouraged.
Coincidentally, the Ghana Education Service is also celebrating its 50th anniversary in May this year (2025).
In his remarks, the Education Director for Kwaebibirem Municipality, Emmanuel Asiedu Mantey, said GNAT deserves applause for its unwavering support to the teaching fraternity.
“Through its trade union services, GNAT has consistently advocated for the rights and welfare of teachers. Their role in salary negotiations, career profession dialogues, and professional development has been crucial,” he added.
According to Asiedu Mantey, GNAT’s welfare initiatives, legal services, and support structures have added immense value to the teaching profession, complementing the efforts of the Ghana Education Service (GES).
“In our journey over five decades, we have made important strides in teacher motivation, infrastructure development, curriculum reforms, and access to education. Many districts have seen the implementation of teacher incentives, school improvement support, and learning materials provision.”
“Yet, we must also face the reality of challenges that continue to impede progress. These include inadequate teaching resources, delays in processing promotions, staffing gaps, and logistical constraints. Despite these obstacles, our teachers continue to exhibit an inspiring level of commitment and resilience, often going above and beyond the call of duty. Their perseverance remains the heartbeat of our education system,” said Emmanuel Asiedu Mantey.
By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.
Source// Obohnewsonline.com.
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