Members of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in the Kasena-Nankana West District marked World Teachers’ Day with a passionate appeal to the government to urgently implement promised allowances—including accommodation, risk, and rural hardship allowances—to ease the growing challenges faced by educators in the district.
The celebration, held at the Chiana Catholic Social Center, under the theme “Elevating the Teacher Status of Teachers for Quality Education,” brought together hundreds of teachers, education officials, and stakeholders to reflect on the critical role of teachers in national development.
In a keynote address, the Upper East Regional second cycle institute, Mr. Solomon Abakare, lamented the deteriorating working and living conditions of teachers, particularly those posted to remote and underserved communities within the district. He emphasized that despite repeated assurances from successive governments, key allowances meant to cushion teachers against harsh conditions remain unimplemented.
In an interview with the media, GNAT District Chairman Mr. Ignatus Akibasi emphasized the need for the government to implement key allowances that have long been promised but remain unfulfilled. These include accommodation allowance, risk allowance, and other incentives.
The Upper East Regional vice chairman, Mr. Alhassan Abdul-Raman, used the opportunity to call on the Ministry of Education and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to open immediate negotiations and expedite the process of implementing all allowances before the current situation escalates into potential industrial unrest.
Mr. Abdul-Raman maintains that without significant improvements in their conditions of service, the national goal of quality education will remain a distant dream, as the constant struggle for basic needs overshadows their dedication to teaching and learning.
The celebration ended with a renewed resolve from the teachers to continue their advocacy for better treatment and a call on all stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of the teacher.
