GNAT Demands Compensation for Teachers in Double-Track Schools, Citing Workload and Limited Rest

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“GNAT urges the government to implement a compensation plan for teachers in Ghana’s double-track system. With limited rest and increasing workloads, GNAT’s Thomas Tanko Musah stresses the need for adequate support to maintain teacher well-being and educational standards.”

GNAT Demands Compensation for Teachers in Double-Track Schools, Citing Workload and Limited Rest

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), led by General Secretary Thomas Tanko Musah, has called on the government to implement a comprehensive compensation plan for teachers working within the double-track system. Musah expressed concern over the heavy workload and limited rest periods affecting these teachers, which he says could impact the quality of education delivered.

The double-track system, introduced as part of Ghana’s Free Senior High School policy, splits the school year into alternating sessions to accommodate increased enrollment. Although intended to improve educational access, the system has placed substantial demands on teachers, who often work extended hours to support both sessions without sufficient rest or compensation.

The conversation on double-track compensation has become particularly urgent following recent remarks by the Minister of Education, Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum. Addressing concerns about the double-track system, Dr. Adutwum warned against the immediate abolition of the system, cautioning that such a move could negatively impact students. His statement was in response to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which has promised to dismantle the double-track model if it wins the upcoming December elections.

In a recent interview with Citi News, Musah highlighted the need for policy adjustments that provide teachers with rest periods in alignment with Ghana’s labor laws. He noted, “Giving the worker leave is good. It enables the worker to rest, refresh, prepare and come back. Even vehicles need servicing; what about human beings?”

Musah’s argument underscores the idea that teachers in the double-track schools must be compensated fairly, given their demanding schedules. “If the double track cannot be resolved this year,” he continued, “then the schools should look at what package we will have for teachers because we cannot have a system where teachers in those schools are working 24/7 without compensation.”

A Call for Action

The GNAT secretary’s comments reflect a growing call for fair compensation and adequate rest periods to ensure that teachers can continue to provide high-quality education. As Ghana’s educational policies continue to evolve, addressing these concerns may be critical for sustaining teacher well-being and maintaining educational standards.