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Teacher unions in Koforidua held a demonstration on Monday, May 15, demanding the payment of four outstanding allowances.
The allowances in question are the deprived area allowance, extra assessment allowance, book/data/online and teaching support, and an increase in CPD allowances.
The demonstrators, members of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana (CCT-GH), wore red and black clothing. They marched through the streets of Koforidua, expressing their frustration through songs and dances.
Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Treat teachers with dignity,” “Teachers are losing trust in government,” “Teachers also deserve allowances,” “Cost of electricity is killing us,” and “Treat teachers with decency,” among others.
The protest occurred just a week after the unions criticized the government in a press conference for failing to implement allowances agreed upon in collective agreements from 2009 and 2020.
Patrick Boison, the Eastern Regional Chairman of GNAT, stated to the media that teacher unions nationwide will persist in their efforts until the welfare of teachers is addressed.
“Teachers are requesting only four out of seventeen allowances because we understand the government’s current situation. However, our demands cannot be ignored.
“Teachers are among the most employed individuals on the government payroll and are present in every part of the country. If our members have taken on the challenge to be there, they must be compensated. In addition, we are asking for assessment allowances and book/data/online allowances.
“This concerns the welfare of teachers, our collective interests as members of the association, and citizens of the state. We urge the government to support us because teachers deserve better.”
John Donkor, the Regional Coordinating Director, received the teachers’ petition on behalf of the Regional Minister. He promised to forward it to the minister for further action.
“There is an emergency today, so the Regional Minister is out of the municipality. When he returns, we will hand the petition to him and ensure it reaches the appropriate authorities for resolution.”
