The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), is demanding an unqualified apology from Mrs Matilda Amissah-Arthur, the Second Lady for being “disrespectful to teachers.”
Mr Thomas Baafi, Deputy General Secretary Responsible for Education and Professional Development of GNAT, who demanded the apology, said the comments made by Mrs Amissah-Arthur were inconsistent with logistical challenges confronting teachers across the country.
[contextly_sidebar id=”66aQ4nFJbNMyjPFPRn4BaSnsY3rbpWbF”]“Basic inputs like chalk, exercise books, teacher’s note books, registers and even syllabuses are lacking in many schools,” he said, adding that there are many other frustrations including accommodation and teachers being employed for long periods without pay and urged the government to remedy the situation.
Mr Baafi made the demand in Tamale on Friday during the graduation ceremony of 294 teachers who had undergone a five-day in-service training to update their skills in teaching pedagogy.
The training was organised by GNAT in collaboration with the Canadian Teacher’s Federation aimed at updating the skills of teachers as part of the Nkabom programme.
Mrs Amissah-Arthur reprimanded the headteacher of the Kukurantumi Presby Primary School for chalk and other teaching materials.
Mr Baafi said GNAT found the statement of Mrs Amissah-Arthur very distasteful adding “A simple request for basic inputs by a headteacher, who has the responsibility to the needs of the school should not attract tantrums.”
Mr Baafi said teachers need to constantly update their knowledge and skills since the volume of new knowledge generated daily is great and request the need for teachers to be involved in capacity building periodically.
Mr Jacob Paul, Acting Director General of the Ghana Education Service, urged teachers to continue to do their best to ensure that they produce competent and dedicated human resources for the advancement of the nation.
Mr Paul urged teachers to accept postings to rural and remote parts of the country explaining that there is more reward in service to humanity.
Madam Diane Lawler, Team Leader for Nkabom School Development and a member of the Canadian Teacher’s Federation said the Federation was very grateful to have partnered GNAT and assured teachers in the country of more fruitful relationship.
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Source: GNA