GNAT holds 90th anniversary

At the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), teachers gathered under the theme "Surviving as a Reliable and Vibrant Teacher Union in the 21st Century". The event took place at GNAT Hall, Accra on 30th  March 2021. Representatives from the Education sector, including the President of GNAT, Chairperson of the Education International Africa Regional Committee (EIARC), a representative of the Regional Director of Education International Africa, members and Executive Secretary of the National Teachers Council of Ghana, the Minister for Education, Minister of Employment and Labour relations as well as representatives of teachers (NAGRAT), the General Secretary of TEWU, retired staff of GNAT, and many others attended the event.
 
During the event, the President of GNAT, Mrs. Philippa Larsen asked everyone to observe a minute of silence in honour of their fallen heroes and heroines for this great association. She  highlighted the achievements  of GNAT over the years. It included  unionising over 75 per cent of teachers at the pre-tertiary level of education, serving as the mouthpiece of teachers, spearheading the implementation of a study leave policy for teachers, negotiating for increases in salaries and  improving the conditions of service for teachers. Other achievements were working with the government to implement distance education programmes and a three-semester University of Cape Coast Degree programme, representing teachers on statutory boards, institutions and committees, organising professional training and workshops, collaborating with the government to institutionalize the Best Teacher Award which is now called the Ghana Teacher Prize, establishing teachers funds through which they have constructed a thousand beds capacity holding at the University of Ghana, Legon campus, giving loans to teachers at affordable rates, and many others. 
 
She said despite these achievements, the association also faced some challenges which include   poor and unattractive working conditions for teachers, low female participation in decision-making in the association, unfulfilled promises by politicians about improving teachers’ conditions, lack of sacrifice and commitment on the side of some staff and some elected officers.
 
Speaking at the occasion, the Ghana Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Mr Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, said “90 years in the life of an organisation is not a mean achievement and for GNAT to survive 90 years, I think, is worth celebrating”. He paid tribute to all past  leaders and members of GNAT who understood the concept, lived it, and survived it and whose efforts are attributed to the GNAT we have today.  
 
The Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, during his speech, said teachers are the mentors of our children, they transform society, and they change the lives of our children through their teaching. He added that he is setting up a unions desk in the Minister’s office to deal with issues confronting unions. He, then, officially launched the 90th Anniversary of GNAT.
 
The event was followed by a series of activities and programmes by representatives of the association in the various regions.
 
Commenting on this important occasion, Dr Sinyolo said, “We congratulate GNAT on its 90th birthday and wish the union many more fruitful and successful years ahead”. Sinyolo remarked that GNAT has been a torchbearer, not only in Ghana, but in Africa and globally. 
 
The full event is highlighted here.
 

[Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:28:00 +0000] | DIGG THIS


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