Kumasi: The Atwima District Chairperson of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Amos Owusu, has expressed deep concern about the welfare of teachers in Ghana, stating that he would not recommend the profession to his own relatives due to worsening conditions of service. "It is not possible for a teacher to build a house these days. There is no prosperity in teaching. You cannot teach and live a good life," he lamented.
According to Ghana Web, Owusu questioned the commitment of national leaders to the teaching profession, arguing that even policymakers do not encourage their own children to pursue it. "Even among our leaders in Ghana, how many would allow their children to attend Colleges of Education to become teachers?" he asked. He added that the perception of teaching among students has significantly declined, noting that "even the students we teach do not aspire to become teachers because of how poorly teachers are treated in this country."
Owusu highlighted that teaching has increasingly become a transitional profession, with many educators leaving for better opportunities elsewhere. "Teaching has become a stepping stone. Many people enter the profession and later switch careers or travel abroad in search of better conditions. You cannot remain in Ghana and teach to live even an average life," he said. He also pointed out delays in allowances and benefits owed to teachers, such as the car maintenance allowance that has not been paid since 2021, and when paid, amounts to less than GHS600.
Contrasting teaching with other professions, Owusu noted disparities in working conditions. "In other professions, like banking, workers are supported to acquire vehicles because of better conditions of service, but teachers are left behind," he added. He further criticised the government for failing to implement agreed welfare provisions, particularly in healthcare, stating that no government has fulfilled the promise to cater for the healthcare of teachers, their spouses, and up to four children.
Owusu also cited unfulfilled provisions related to death benefits for teachers, including the lack of implementation of services such as providing a coffin, an ambulance, and support for funeral arrangements when a teacher dies. On pensions, he described the situation as discouraging for long-serving educators, highlighting that a teacher who has worked for over 35 years may not retire with even GHS50,000, and at the highest rank, may not receive up to GHS100,000.
He concluded with a call for urgent intervention to improve the welfare of teachers. "We plead with the current government to help us. Stakeholders must also support our call so that we can secure better conditions of service. Teachers are suffering," he appealed.