By Mohammed Balu
Tumu, (UWR), May 30, GNA – The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in the Sissala East and Sissala West districts have attended their 7th Quadrennial (54th) Delegates Conference at Tumu.
This year’s conference was on the theme: “The Ghana Education Service @ 50: Achievements, Teacher Motivation, Challenges and the Way Forward.”
Mr Abu Ali, the district GNAT chairman in a welcome address catalogued the ongoing challenges facing the education sector, such as teacher shortages in remote areas, insufficient teaching materials, and inadequate school infrastructure including the unfortunate reality of ‘schools under trees as well as growing issues with student indiscipline.
He expressed concern about poor road conditions, lack of electricity, and rising insecurity in the district.
Despite these hurdles, the Chairman highlighted some significant achievements over the past four years. These included hiring an office assistant for the GNAT Secretariat, enhancing school visitations, acquiring a new motorbike to facilitate administrative tasks, and producing 2,200 blocks for the construction of a district GNAT office.
Mr Ali encouraged members to engage actively in policy discussions and share innovative ideas to enhance the union’s influence.
He thanked past leaders for their guidance and support; and expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of sister unions and local stakeholders.
The conference, held in line with Article 13 of the GNAT Constitution, also included the election of new district executives and delegates for the Regional and National Conferences.
Mr Ali called for unity and solidarity among educators, emphasizing the importance of working together for the betterment of the education system.
Mr Sumaila Nashiru Benpula was elected as the next District GNAT Chairman for the next four years.
Mr Charles Lewil, the Sissala East Municipal Director of Education, called for concerted action to reverse the bad academic performance at the basic level in the area.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Benjamin Mensah