By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), May 30, GNA – The Ho District Chapter of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has held its 7th Quadrennial (54th) Delegates Conference in Ho, bringing together representatives from Ho Municipality, Ho West, Adaklu, and Agotime-Ziope.
The conference is to reflect on achievements, address challenges, and strategise for the future.
The conference, held was themed: “The Ghana Education Service @50: Achievements, Teacher Motivation, Challenges and the Way Forward.”
In her welcome address, District GNAT Chairperson Ms Lois Tipong-Asare highlighted notable milestones including the opening of a new GNAT District Secretariat.
“We are proud of our achievements, but we must be honest about the challenges,” she said.
“There has been a change in the curriculum, but the corresponding textbooks and learning materials are woefully inadequate. This hampers effective teaching and learning.”
She noted delays in promotions and upgrades for many deserving teachers and called on the government to implement the proposed 20 per cent rural teacher allowance to boost morale among educators in hard-to-reach areas.
Mrs Marian Jemima Akua Adzroe, Deputy Volta Regional Director of Education, acknowledged the difficulties faced by teachers, including lack of basic classroom furniture, poor infrastructure, and inadequate teaching resources in rural communities.
She emphasised the need for collaborative efforts between GNAT, GES, and other education stakeholders to address these issues.
“While teachers face unique challenges, we believe that with the support of unions and government, positive change is possible,” she said.
Mrs Adzroe also urged teachers to remain committed to their role as mentors and guides to the younger generation, citing rising cases of indiscipline in schools.
“Let us all play our part in instilling values in our pupils and shaping responsible future leaders for Ghana,” she added.
Mr Augustus Awity, Chief Director at the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, praised GNAT for its contributions over the years and described the conference theme as timely.
He acknowledged Ghana’s educational progress but underscored continuing challenges such as teacher shortages, lack of infrastructure, and low motivation.
“Teachers are the architects of the nation’s future, yet many work under tough conditions with minimal resources. This must change,” he said.
“Improving their working environment is critical for quality education delivery.”
Mr Awity called on delegates to use the conference as a platform to develop actionable strategies that can be implemented at both district and regional levels.
“To our dedicated teachers, your impact is immeasurable. You inspire dreams, shape minds, and build the world. Let’s continue to elevate teaching to a profession of pride and purpose,” he concluded.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Goski Alabi, Vice-Chancellor of Accra Metropolitan University, emphasised that no country can rise above the quality of its teachers.
She stressed the importance of investing in teacher education and professional development.
“As a member of the eight-member National Education Forum Committee, I can say confidently that the current administration has shown strong commitment to quality teaching and learning,” she said.
Prof. Alabi revealed that stakeholder consultations held across the country, including inputs from GNAT members, have been incorporated into a report submitted to the Ministry of Education.
She expressed optimism that the outcomes of these engagements will soon yield tangible benefits for teachers, especially those in the Volta Region.
“We trust that the issues raised will be addressed adequately, and when implementation begins, teachers in this region will receive their fair share,” she added.
The conference served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and renewed commitment to the cause of education in Ghana, with a shared vision of empowering teachers to deliver excellence in classrooms across the country.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Linda Asante Agyei