A disagreement has surfaced between the President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev Isaac Owusu, and the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, regarding the issue of teacher migration and the state of education in Ghana.
Rev Isaac Owusu has voiced deep concern about the phenomenon of teacher migration, which refers to teachers leaving the country in pursuit of better opportunities abroad, notably in countries like the United Kingdom (UK). He contends that this exodus is driven by worsening working conditions and inadequate salaries for educators in Ghana.
In contrast, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum argues that Ghana does not suffer from a shortage of teachers but instead grapples with challenges related to the equitable distribution and deployment of teachers, especially in rural areas. He asserts that rectifying these teacher distribution issues is of paramount importance.
The Education Minister also acknowledges the influence of globalization on teacher migration, as educators may seek more lucrative prospects overseas.
Rev Isaac Owusu proposes that, in this era of globalization, Ghana should consider remunerating its teachers with salaries that are competitive on a global scale. This, he suggests, would dissuade them from seeking higher-paying positions abroad.
Rev Owusu underscores the mismatch between the working conditions of teachers in Ghana and their salaries, which he believes leads to discontent among educators. He advocates for an improvement in teachers’ conditions of service as a means to retain talent and sustain motivation.
Rev Owusu asserts that no profession in Ghana has made greater sacrifices than teachers, highlighting their significant contributions to the country’s education system. He argues that these contributions warrant appropriate recognition and support.
Despite the challenges faced by teachers in Ghana, Rev Owusu acknowledges that there have been commendable achievements within the Free Senior High School system. This implies that educators are dedicated to delivering quality education despite the adversities they encounter.
Rev Owusu expressed these concerns during an appearance on the news file show of Accra-based Joy FM on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
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