The regional chairman of GNAT in Greater Accra has advised government to have a second look at the base increase of teachers’ salaries before the unexpected happens
The regional chairman of Greater Accra’s Ghana National Association of Teachers Ransford Lolih has expressed his disappointment in government following the 4-7 per cent increase of teachers’ base salary for 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Speaking at the 6th Quadrennial and 53rd Greater Regional Delegates Conference of GNAT on Monday ahead of a general election to select new leaders on Tuesday, Lolih said as part of his speech that there were “so much apprehension and agitation amongst members of the teacher unions.”
He further advised government to take the anger serious since it could lead to other things.
“The anger building up amongst our members must be taken seriously if we want a congenial atmosphere for teaching and learning in our schools.
“I will call on leadership to take a second look at the level of increment announced for public sector workers for the next two years.”
NAGRAT’s Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Rene Senyo Kwamikokor, also highlighted the concerns of GNAT, noting it added to other concerns with the conditions of service of teachers.
“Our problems are many, and we urge the rep of government here to listen to them, especially that of GNAT so that there will be relief for teachers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress, Dr. Yaw Baah has advised teacgers to exercise patience as their concerns will be addressed sooner rather than later.
“The outcome was not what we had expected, but it could have been worse, given the economic challenges and the stance of government towards pay rise, particularly in 2021,” Dr. Baah said.
The TUC, which negotiated with the government as part of organised labour, was able to ensure that, within the next two years, the government shall not declare any public sector worker redundant.
They also agreed that the government shall not freeze employment in the public service, and that all workers must be vaccinated against Covid-19 during the next two years.
It also agreed that government will pay social security contributions regularly.