The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) on Tuesday held its 7th quadrennial (54th) district delegate conference for teachers in Funsi under the theme; GES at 50: Achievement, teacher motivation, challenges, and the way forward.
In his keynote address at the conference, Mr. Felix Owusu – Ansah the Upper West regional GNAT secretary recounts that this year’s conference is especially significant as it coincides with the golden jubilee of the Ghana Education Service (GES).
“We are called not only to reflect on a half century of progress but also to critically examine the present realities and shape a purposeful future for our profession”.
Ansah noted that, fifty years of service in education is no small feat. Adding that, GES has played a pivotal role in expanding access to education, improving infrastructure, and promoting professionalism among teachers.
The Human Resource (HR) for the Wa East District Mr. Mohammed Damba Issah, who represented the District director of education Wa East, mentioned that one of the most transformative achievements in recent years is the implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy in 2017.
“This bold initiative has opened doors to thousands of students who might have otherwise been left behind due to financial constraints.”
Mr. Mohammed Damba Issah added that as at 2023, over 1.6 million students have benefited from the policy. He noted that the government of the day has promised to continue and even put in plans to expand the policy to the private schools across the country.
The Ghana Education Service Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database coordinator (IPPD) for the Upper West Region Mr. Ziemah Nicholas who was the Guest speaker employ all teachers in the region to celebrate not just 50 years of existence, but 50 years of purpose, 50 years of building minds, 50 years of nurturing character, and 50 years of shaping destinies.
Mr. Ziemah Nicholas also calls on government to give teachers in the rural areas a favourable treatment to make up for their sacrifices. Adding that the 20% incentives for teachers should be implemented without further delay.
The conference was climax with the election of new executives for GNAT to manned the affairs of the association for the next four years. Mr. Abubakari Zangdaa Sumaila was elected as the district GNAT chairman for Wa East.
