One would have thought that unity is strength by all standards, yet others think that in the dispensation of democracy, pluralism is necessitated to promote healthy competition.
Long ago, there was only one teacher union called the “Ghana National Association of Teachers” (GNAT); then came a new one called NAGRAT. For a long time, these two were the only teacher union at the pre-tertiary education level.
After quite a long time, a very articulate, firm and outspoken teacher union led by King Awudu Ali won the admiration of many teachers with their swift reactions to Government's policies through countless demonstrations and strike actions. This union is called Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana (CCT-GH).
When these three teacher unions realized there was disunity in their dealings which their members disliked and spoke against, the three decided to come together to agree to work for teachers' interest. However, their unison did not produce the needed results as teachers had anticipated. The One Teacher, One Laptop project is the straw that broke the camel's back.
Two teacher unions had investigated the deal and revealed hidden truths in the procurement of the laptop. I am talking about “Innovative Teachers and All Teachers Alliance Ghana “(ATAG). These were two different teacher unions to join the three, making the number five at the pre-tertiary education level. (i.e., KG, Primary, JHS, SHS, TVET).
As if that was not enough, another teacher union has been registered under the laws of Ghana. “Teachers Forum Ghana” (TF-G) is the latest teacher union to join the five, making it six. The union is instituted by the National President, Kumcham George, National Secretary, Samuel Otabil Adjei and other national executives.
The infant union promises to distribute cloths and T-shirts to members freely, offer loans to members at 2% interest rate, give educational loans to members at 9% interest and above all, become the mouth piece of teachers on national issues.
By BricyBoateng (Self-Media Writer)
