Teachers protest over poor conditions of service

Members of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), took to the streets of Accra on October 1 to demand improved conditions of service and to protest disparities in salary levels.

The teachers, clad in red, marched from Obra Spot at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle to the Ministry of Education, expressing their frustrations through chants, songs, and placards.

The protest, which was marked by high levels of determination and energy, saw hundreds of teachers holding placards with inscriptions like “Treat Teachers with Dignity,” “Teachers Are Losing Trust in Government,” “Teachers Deserve Allowances,” and “The Cost of Electricity Is Killing Us.”

These messages highlighted their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the teaching profession and their call for urgent government intervention.

One of the key grievances voiced by the protesters was the disparity in salary levels among teachers, with some accusing the Ghana Education Service (GES) of unfair practices.

Speaking to reporters, several teachers expressed their frustration with the lack of equity in pay structures and called on the government to address these concerns promptly.

“We’ve been dealing with salary inequalities for far too long,” one of the teachers lamented. “Those of us in rural areas are particularly affected. We’re putting in the same work, if not more, but we’re not seeing any fairness in our pay.”

Teachers from rural communities were especially vocal, noting that they face unique challenges compared to their counterparts in urban areas. Poor infrastructure, inadequate resources, and a lack of allowances for teachers stationed in remote areas have made it difficult for them to deliver quality education.

The recurring theme of the protest was the need for respect and better treatment from the government. Many teachers expressed disappointment, stating that despite the vital role they play in shaping the future of the nation, their efforts are often undervalued.

At the end of the march, the demonstrators presented their petition to representatives of the Ministry of Education. A spokesperson for the Ministry assured the teachers that their concerns would be addressed, emphasizing that the government recognizes the importance of education and is committed to improving the welfare of teachers.

However, the spokesperson did not provide specific timelines for when the issues raised would be resolved.

The protest was largely peaceful, with the teachers remaining firm but orderly throughout the demonstration.

As the teachers await a response from the government, it remains to be seen whether their demands for improved salaries, allowances, and working conditions will be met.

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