Government to resolve outstanding issues with teachers – Yaw Osei Adutwum

Minister of Education Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum has assured teachers of his commitment to ensuring their outstanding issues with government are resolved.

This comes on the back of unresolved challenges that has persisted with the staff including poor remuneration, delayed salaries, lack of accommodation, inadequate teaching materials and promotion matters.

Dr Adutwum, who is less than two months into his new role as Minister, was the special guest at the launch of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT)’s 90th anniversary celebrations on Tuesday.

The Bosomtwe MP said, “As the teachers celebrate the 90th Anniversary, the President [Akufo-Addo] is saying that the welfare of teachers is something he is committed to. Professional allowances were introduced and paid last year.

“This year, we implemented the one teacher one laptop policy. What the President is saying is that teachers are the centre piece of his Education Transformation Agenda. I’m a teacher at the core. I have been a teacher for years. I will work with the Unions to resolve any outstanding issue.”

Taking her turn, GNAT’s President , Philippa Larsen stressed on the frustration government had put them through to discuss challenges facing teachers over and over again.

“Issues like delay in responsibility allowance, the areas and others, are discussions we have had over and over again. We are getting frustrated and disappointed,” she stated.

Nonetheless, Mrs Larsen says the Union has given government an ultimatum up to the end of April to redeem their pledge, otherwise government will hear from them again.

Meanwhile, the Education ministry has established a desk at the Ministry to receive issues relating to teacher unions in the country for redress.