GNAT support capitation grant

Accra, Feb. 2, GNA - The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), on Wednesday declared its strong support for the introduction of the capitation grant, but urged the government to check some debilitating effects on its implementation to ensure maximum benefit.

Mr Joseph Kweku Adjei, newly elected National President of GNAT told journalists in Accra that "the institution of the capitation is commendable but its debilitating effects on education delivery should be immediately atoned for to help achieve the objectives of the FCUBE." He made the call at this year's annual GNAT and Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) interaction designed for members of the two bodies to strengthen their social and working relations.


This year's GNAT-media interaction was also for journalists to meet the newly elected GNAT National executive for the first time. tripled and in some regions quadrupled intake into basic schools, its resulting overcrowding in one classroom, placed an unfair heavy burden on teachers and could militate against quality education delivery in the long term.


He also reiterated GNAT's call on the government to take a second look at the computerised schools selection and placement system and undertake more education on it among stakeholders. "We again call on the government to expedite action on the report of the Presidential Commission on Public Sector Pensions by ensuring its implementation immediately," he said.


Mr Adjei assured the GNAT membership of the commitment of his executive to the task of ensuring unity and discipline in the rank and file of the teaching profession and called for equal commitment from the membership and support of stakeholders to achieve peace, stability and progress for the Association.

He promised to tackle the first phase of the Abankro Project, a training and retreat centre for teachers, ensure the successful implementation of the GNAT Five-year Development Plan and to upgrade the current certificate 'A' teachers to Diploma status during his term of office.


Mr Adjei also promised to implement the recommended scheme of service to upgrade levels of supervision allowances, provide support for distance learners, undertake a vigorous membership drive to sustain interest in the Association and support the activities of regional and district branches through intensive membership education and mobilization.


He appealed to the media to support the course of the new national executive by providing the necessary publicity for the Association and its activities.


Ms Adjoa Yeboah-Afari, GJA President assured the teachers of the support of the media and urged GNAT officers not to be suspicious of notebook, recorder and camera wielding members of the inky fraternity, but to reciprocate the gesture of the media by being generous with information. 2 Feb. 06