Tema, July 11, GNA- The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has signed an agreement with government for a 17 per cent salary increment for teachers, while awaiting the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure early next year.
The increment takes effect from January 1, the Assistant Greater Accra Regional Secretary of GNAT, Mr Joshua Aidoo announced in Tema on Friday, during the 3rd Quadrennial Delegates' Conference of the Tema Metropolitan branch of the association.
The conference was on the theme: "Teacher, the pinnacle of the new educational reform."
Mr Aidoo said payment of the new salary would start in August while teachers would receive their back pay within two months. He said negotiations were ongoing for new conditions of service that would include incentives for teachers working in the rural areas.
Mr Paul Osei Mensah, Former General Secretary of GNAT who was the Guest Speaker said without educational reforms, it would be difficult for Ghana to meet the current challenges of development. Mr Mensah pointed out that even though the new educational reform was good on paper, its success depended on stakeholders especially teachers. He therefore advised teachers to change the current teaching methods and
adopt the enquiry method of teaching. Mr Mensah explained that the new method would enable teachers to play the
role of facilitators in order to create conditions for children to learn on their
own. The guest speaker indicated that teachers are expected to treat their students
as individuals to unearth their talents as well as develop their mental abilities. Mr Mensah urged teachers to use the school environment to calm the minds
of their pupils and instil discipline in them. Mr Goerge Asare Yamoah, Outgoing Chairman of Tema GNAT, suggested
the need for the association to review its objectives, to enable members to get
closer to each other in order to address the numerous challenges facing them. He also entreated teachers to take advantage of the distance education
programme to upgrade themselves.
