Offinso North-based English teacher at Nkenkaasu Senior High School, Asiamah Benjamin Yeboah, also known as ‘Sabato’, has urged members of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) to select leaders who will prioritise their welfare and progress rather than self-seeking or self-aggrandising interests.
According to him, GNAT, which remains the most structured and vibrant teachers’ association, deserves pragmatic, accessible, and policy-oriented leaders to steer the affairs of the body.
Mr. Asiamah, who is seeking to be elected as the Offinso Municipal GNAT Chairman after several years of selfless service in various capacities from the local to the municipal level, was outlining his vision as he vies for the high office to help address the peculiar challenges affecting members.
Speaking on the Cruz FM Morning Show in Akumadan, Mr. Asiamah, who also doubles as a housemaster at Nkenkaasu Senior High School, recounted his experience when first posted to Sewuah Nfante in the Offinso North District, where he encountered difficulties coping with the deplorable road network, dilapidated classroom structures, lack of electricity, and the unavailability of telecom networks, among others.
In view of this, he welcomed the government’s 20% allowance for teachers posted to deprived areas as a significant step, while advocating for more incentives and awards to encourage teachers who serve in remote communities.
“I fully support the idea of increasing or allocating allowances to teachers posted to rural communities. Given the difficulties these teachers go through to access their designated locations for years, they deserve commendation. Ghana Teacher Prize and Best Teacher Awards must consider these people as most deserving of such recognition,” Mr. Asiamah stated.
In light of these challenges, the aspiring GNAT Chairman for the Offinso Municipal outlined an 8-point transformative agenda aimed at enhancing the welfare and improving the living standards of GNAT members in the area, reiterating his commitment to the well-being of teachers.
Dubbed the “SMART 8 Agenda”, Mr. Asiamah’s vision includes sponsoring members to undertake short courses at the GNAT Village in Ejisu (Ashanti Region) and inspiring vocational training for female and interested male teachers to build capacity and support side businesses for improved economic conditions.
He also proposed the development of a database and communication bureau to track members and ensure they receive relevant updates and information within the association.
To foster unity and cohesion, Mr. Sabato promised to initiate annual inter-local sports competitions and fun games among members. He also pledged to tackle promotional challenges by organising regular workshops and seminars while providing the necessary support for members preparing for examinations and related benefits.
Additionally, the chairman hopeful emphasised the need to prioritise the health of Offinso Municipal GNAT members through routine health screenings and the provision of free medical services to ensure teachers remain in good health to serve better.
Mr. Asiamah also pledged to complete the Offinso Secretariat’s stalled conference room project with the help of his technical assistant and other team members before the end of his four-year term.
Describing his policies as realistic and achievable, he appealed to members of the Offinso GNAT to give him the mandate to provide pragmatic and inclusive leadership that benefits all.
By: Issah Nabila Salifu/newsalertgh.com
