GNAT condemns attacks on teachers

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has expressed dissatisfaction at the rampant attacks on teachers in communities without recourse to respect, human dignity and rights.

Mr David Ofori Acheampong, Secretary General of the GNAT said the spate of attacks confirmed the growing insecurity among the teacher fraternity from communities who hitherto ensured teacher protection and safety and even provided for them in some circumstances.

Mr. Acheampong at a leadership training workshop for elected officials of GNAT drawn from the Ahanta West Municipality said there were infringement from the Eastern, Ashanti and the Volta Regions and it is, therefore, appropriate that we condemned the act as we bring perpetrators to book.

He mentioned that the security and safety of members were key to national development adding, GNAT would do all it could to ensure that teachers in various communities were safe to work in peace.

The leadership training workshop organised by the Ahanta West District GNAT office in the Western Region, brought together school representatives, local and district executives ànd were taken through subjects such as; medical education, the role of elected officers, membership education techniques and ‘GNAT, a union of choice’.

Mr Acheampong said the GNAT would soon engage the media on the security of teachers and how best education and awareness could be increased to avert the growing phenomenon.

"Many communities in the past, protected and secured the welfare of teachers and there was nothing like teachers being attacked, what has changed," he queried.

He explained that children belonged to the communities and societies and they must therefore be disciplined to conform to acceptable standards..

Mr Acheampong was worried that in today's practice teachers could no longer discipline a

child as parents and even some institutional laws encouraged rebuttal.

He, however, believed that teachers needed to abide by their professional conducts and ethics in order to earn the respect of the community especially in difficult times, adding that “you don’t demand respect, you earn it from the community.”

The GNAT General Secretary pointed out that teachers might refuse postings to communities in which they felt unsecured.

On licensing of teachers, he said government had agreed to start with newly trained teachers, but, explained that those in present appointments could download the forms online and apply before the May 31 deadline.

He also encouraged the elected officers to campaign for members to roll onto the Nationwide Medical scheme, with only one cedi contribution for 365 days to enable them to enjoy the benefits of a good and prompt health care in future.

The Head of Education and Professional Development at the GNAT Headquarters, Mr Matthew Adjadjah, called on participants to promote good professional and ethical standards, good governance and character and avoid conflict of interest and corruption and rather provide good leadership.

“Leadership in Africa is about the attitudes and If we don’t have the code of conduct, then we are in trouble.” he stated.