The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has expressed appreciation for the creation of a special committee tasked with overseeing the promotion of teachers and deputy directors of education.
This development comes on the heels of GNAT’s warning to initiate a nationwide strike by April 30, citing delays in promoting over 1,000 eligible teachers.
Following the union’s ultimatum, President John Dramani Mahama issued a directive for the immediate promotion of all qualified deputy directors of education.
In line with the President’s directive, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has constituted a committee to establish procedures for the promotion of eligible deputy directors and to facilitate the implementation of the Government’s Professional Teacher Licensing Examinations.
According to the Minister, the formation of this committee is crucial for tackling challenges related to the elevation of deputy directors to full director roles, the licensing of teachers, and other related concerns.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Citi News on Friday, April 25, GNAT General Secretary Thomas Musah welcomed the government’s intervention, describing it as timely and encouraging.
“On this particular issue, we went on strike last year around March. We lasted for about two weeks, the matter went to the Labour Commission, and finally, we had a settlement.
“The previous government promised us that they would get it done by September. Around that September, it wasn’t done and all that. But with this announcement by His Excellency, the teachers can now rise not only to the level of Director Two but Director One.
“That will even make it easier for people to write to become Director-General. That is why we are grateful to His Excellency the President, John Mahama, for this announcement. This will open opportunities for teachers who are dedicated and hardworking to also rise,” he said.