Educationist asks GNAT to establish research unit

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has been asked to have a proactive research unit that can carry out findings into the numerous challenges facing the education system and find solutions to address them.

A lecturer at the Department of Psychology and Education of the University of Education, Winneba, Dr Stephen Antwi-Danso, made the suggestion at the 4th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Ajumako-Enyan Essiam District branch of GNAT at Ajumako in the Central region.

The conference was on the theme: “Education in crisis, the path to 2015, the role of stakeholders.”

Members elected new executive for the association and representatives at the regional and national levels.

Dr Antwi-Danso said: “Ghana is increasing being challenged for African dominance as an economic and peaceful democratic power but her educational system is failing.

“There is the need now to have the potential to solve the debilitating education crisis and contribute to sustainable economic growth,” he said.

Dr Antwi-Danso proposed to GNAT and Ghana Education to review the policy on promotion of its personnel.

He suggested that the criteria for promotion to a higher rank of Director II and Director I and above can be based on research or project work of applicants which addresses educational issues rather than solely on interview.

A team of consultants can be drawn from the country’s teachers training universities to assess the merit of these projects and recommend their promotion or otherwise, he said.

Dr Antwi-Danso said: “If we take these steps we will be in a position to gather scientific data and findings that will inform policy makers about the realities on the ground and possible solution to the challenges.”