The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) recently held its 2024 statutory National Council meeting at the GNAT Village, Abankro, near Ejisu in the Ashanti Region. From July 22 to 25, the Governing Council deliberated on pressing issues affecting the teaching profession and the broader educational landscape in Ghana. The communique issued at the end of the meeting highlights a series of critical concerns, urgent calls for action, and proposed reforms aimed at improving the quality of education and the welfare of teachers in the country.
1. Addressing Outstanding Issues in the Collective Agreement
One of the paramount issues discussed was the need for the government to urgently address outstanding matters in the Collective Agreement signed with the teacher unions. The Council emphasized the importance of maintaining competitive, fair, and professional salaries for teachers, comparable to other professions requiring similar educational levels. The urgency of resolving promotion discrepancies, particularly from Deputy Director (DD) to Director I (DI), was underscored, with a clear call for resolution by September 2024. The Council also reminded the Minister of Education of his commitment to initiate discussions on the Deprived Area Allowance, a promise that had yet to be fulfilled.
2. Advancing Human-Centered Education Technology
As the world continues to embrace the digital revolution, the Council recognized the transformative potential of technology in education. However, it cautioned against using these tools as a substitute for teachers. Instead, technology should empower educators to enhance students’ inquisitiveness, critical thinking, and creativity. The ongoing issues with the delivery of the TM1 laptops were also highlighted, with a firm reminder to the Minister of Education to meet the new deadline of August 31, 2024, to avoid unrest within the educational sector.
3. Urgent Need for Dedicated Funding for Public Basic Education
The Council asserted that quality public education is unattainable without adequate funding. It called for the government to guarantee funding for public education at a minimum of 6% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 20% of total government expenditure, as outlined in the Education 2030 Framework for Action. The communique stressed the importance of transparent spending that is insulated from austerity measures, advocating for sustainable education financing through tax revenue.
4. Tackling Joblessness, Hopelessness, and Homelessness Among the Youth
Reflecting on alarming statistics and warnings about escalating youth unemployment in Ghana, the Council expressed deep concern about the growing sense of joblessness, hopelessness, and homelessness among the nation’s youth. Citing data from the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER), the Council noted that only 10% of graduates secure employment in their first year post-national service, with many taking up to 10 years to find jobs. The communique urged immediate collective action from the government and all stakeholders to avert potential social calamities.
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5. Ensuring Electoral Integrity and Peaceful Elections
With the 2024 general elections on the horizon, the Council called on the Electoral Commission of Ghana to uphold its constitutional mandate to protect the nation from potential electoral-related violence. The Council also urged political parties to exercise caution in their rhetoric to prevent inflaming tensions during the election period.
6. Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Reforms
The Council’s discussions on the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) were particularly pointed, with calls for significant reforms to address the perceived inadequacies in the current system. The Council endorsed a one-month ultimatum by Organised Labour for SSNIT to engage with them to resolve outstanding pension management issues, which are seen as contributing to the financial difficulties and premature deaths of pensioners.
7. The Exodus of Teachers: A Growing Concern
The increasing trend of teachers leaving the profession for better opportunities abroad was another major issue of concern. The Council attributed this exodus to harsh economic conditions, unattractive service conditions, and low morale. It called on the government to address these issues to retain teachers within the Ghanaian education system.
8. Advocacy for Social Dialogue and Inclusive Policy-Making
The Council strongly advocated for teachers and their unions to be central to the policy-making process in education. It emphasized the need for coordinated and institutionalized social dialogue between the government and teacher representatives. This call was particularly relevant in the context of the upcoming Free SHS Bill, with the Council demanding that teacher unions be involved from the outset to ensure their concerns are incorporated.
Conclusion
The 2024 GNAT National Council meeting highlighted a series of urgent and critical issues that need to be addressed to improve the educational landscape in Ghana. From the need for fair salaries and proper technology integration to addressing youth unemployment and ensuring peaceful elections, the Council’s communique serves as a call to action for the government and all stakeholders. The future of Ghana’s education system and the well-being of its teachers depend on the prompt and effective resolution of these issues.
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