GNAT executives respond to accusations of concerned teachers

Accra, July 21, GNA - The National Executives of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), on Thursday responded to accusations levelled against them by “Coalition of Concerned Teacher (CCT)”, a group of teachers.

Mr Paul Apanga, National President of GNAT, addressing the media in Accra, assured its membership that the leadership would remain committed to their interest and well-being and towards quality public education, especially for vulnerable groups such as the girl-child.

He said it was unfortunate that the leadership of the CCT had decided to overlook the numerous achievements of the Association but resolved to peddling false allegations of corruption and poor leadership against the national leaders with the intention of destroying the Association.

Mr Apanga explained that national executives of GNAT were compelled as required by the Association’s constitution’s Article 26 (5) (C) and (d) at a meeting held on July 5, 2011 to expel the leadership of the CCT.

He reiterated that the GNAT would no longer entertain the CCT members as a component of its total membership and would no longer provide the requisite services union members enjoy.

Mr Apanga said: “They are therefore advised to stay clear of any GNAT premises when organizing their campaigns and any fall-out from their agitations would not be the responsibility of the leadership and entire body of the GNAT as an Association of teachers”.

He also explained that reasons for their expulsion were also based on the continual use of unorthodox means by the CCT in addressing some of their concerns with regards to the Single Spine Salary Structure and the GNAT Constitution.

Mr Apanga said this amounted to a violation of the directive given to GNAT executives by the National Labour Commission to address all issues within the structures of the Association.

He advised all well meaning members of the Association to be widely awake to the lies and unsubstantiated allegations being peddled against the national leadership of the GNAT through various mediums.

Mr Apanga explained that the Association operated all local, district and national accounts with openness and transparency and were externally auditored by staffs from the Auditor General’s Department, while these accounts were also presented to the Executive and Council and also the annual Delegates conferences of GNAT.

He referred to the allegation that the national leadership were bribed to negotiate peanuts for its membership as malicious aimed at making the leadership unpopular.

Mr Apanga said the GNAT had never isolated itself from negotiating with government on the base pay and pay point relativity and therefore the accusation had no basis.

He appealed to the media to be circumspect in their reportage on issues concerning the Association.