By Emmanuel Nyatsikor
Adaklu Kodzobi (V/R), Mar. 20 GNA – Mr. Christopher Galenkui, Youth Coordinator of the Ho District of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Wednesday stated that the success of country’s educational system depended not only on its policies and curriculum but on the dedication and well-being of teachers.
He noted that there was a growing crisis in attracting and retaining qualified teachers.
Mr. Galenkui stated this in an address at the Adaklu Abuadi local conference of the GNAT at Adaklu Kodzobi in the Adaklu district.
It was on the theme “Learning for a Sustainable Future: Attracting and Retaining Teachers for Quality Education and Union Participation.”
The Ho District GNAT is made of Ho Municipal, Ho West, Adaklu and Agortime/Ziope Districts.
Mr. Galenkui said if the country could build a future where learning would thrive, then support and growth of educators should be prioritized and also their participation in unions to safeguard their rights and responsibilities ought to be strengthened.
He stated that teachers were architects of society because they shaped minds, inspired innovation and built the foundation of sustainable progress.
Mr. Galenkui intimated that strong education system did not prepare students for jobs but fosters critical thinking, creativity and resilience adding “all these are essential in solving the complex challenges of climate change, inequality and economic uncertainty.”
“Ensuring quality education for a sustainable future should be an issue at the heart of the Ghanaian Society,” he emphasized.
Mr. Galenkui noted that the ability of teachers to deliver quality education was being threatened due to low salaries, heavy workloads, inadequate professional development and lack of support systems.
“These challenges lead to burnout, demotivation and ultimately a teacher shortage that puts the future of education at risk,” he stressed.
He said to ensure learning for a sustainable future, teaching should be made attractive and rewarding.
Mr. Galenkui noted that salaries and other benefits for teachers should be attractive, saying, “teaching must be financially viable.”
He called for professional development and career growth for teachers, supportive work environments, recognition and respect for them.
He called on Teacher unions to protect the rights and interests of teachers, ensure fair wages and help provide a platform for them to influence educational policies.
“If the government is committed to attracting and retaining teachers then it should create an enabling environment for teachers to express their views on educational policies,” he said.
Mr. Galenkui urged Teacher unions to come together not only to strengthen their profession but also to enhance the quality of education for the future generation adding “strong teacher unions leads to stronger education system and stronger education system builds resilient societies.”
Mr. Prosper Shitti was elected chairman of the Abuadi local GNAT which comprises teachers from schools in eleven communities in the Adaklu district at the conference.
He polled 20 votes to beat Mr. Ernest Dompreh, the incumbent who polled 15 votes.
Ms. Olivia Sedofia and Ms. Belinda Nudey were also elected Secretary and Treasurer respectively.
GNA
MA/BM