A group of dissatisfied teachers, collectively known as ‘The Forum,’ has taken a stand against the National Teaching Council (NTC) for its decision to deduct GHC 150.00 from each teacher’s salary, starting in November. The purpose of this deduction is to fund training seminars, a move that has sparked outrage among educators.
Mr. Kwadwo Adarkwa, the convenor of ‘The Forum,’ has criticized the leadership of the three major teacher unions, namely the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers-Ghana.
He accuses them of failing to consult their members before accepting this decision, asserting that it has put their hard-earned pay at risk.
Expressing their dissent, members of ‘The Forum’ from various teaching unions recently took to the streets of Ejisu in the Ashanti Region on September 26th. Their aim was to voice their dissatisfaction with the NTC’s directive.
Mr. Adarkwa emphasized that they are prepared to take all necessary steps to resist this salary deduction. What seems to have particularly upset the aggrieved teachers is the lack of prior consultation. Mr. Adarkwa voiced his disappointment, feeling that they were insulted by this decision.
He stated, “The teacher unions have connived with the NTC to plan a reduction of this fee for this so-called professional development. This is an insult. They want to tell teachers that we are not intelligent and so we need these workshops. That is why they are charging the GHC 150.”
“What we are saying is that if the NTC wants us to acquire knowledge to improve our skills, they should give us the course outline, and we are ready to learn, write the exams, and pass,” Mr. Adarkwa added.
Furthermore, he declared, “NTC is acting illegally…They should halt this decision, or they face our wrath. We shall explore all avenues to ensure that this illegality is stopped.”
Meanwhile, ‘The Forum’ has submitted a petition to the leadership of the Ghana National Association of Teachers, urging them to advocate for their demands.
It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and whether a resolution can be reached between the aggrieved teachers and the NTC.
Source: GESHub.org
