Teacher Unions Condemn Exploitation in CPD Workshops and Demand Immediate Action

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  November 25| Teacher Unions Condemn Exploitation in CPD Workshops and Demand Immediate Action

Discover the 5 critical demands by Ghana’s teacher unions to end exploitation in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) workshops. Learn how they are fighting for educators’ dignity and industrial harmony.

Ghana’s leading teacher unions—GNAT, NAGRAT, and CCT-GH—have raised serious concerns about the exploitation of teachers in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) workshops. The unions allege that some school heads and district directors are pressuring teachers to attend these workshops at exorbitant fees, labeling the practice as unfair and exploitative.

Exploitation in CPD Workshops

The unions described the situation as “consistent exploitation, intimidation, and undue pressure” placed on teachers. They highlighted how educators are often coerced into participating in CPD workshops, with fees that many find unaffordable.

“This practice undermines the professional dignity of teachers and must stop immediately,” the unions emphasized in a statement to the Ghana Education Service (GES).

Union Leaders Demand Accountability

The teacher unions have called on the Ministry of Education and the GES to intervene and ensure that CPD workshops are conducted in a transparent and fair manner. They also urged authorities to hold school heads and district directors accountable for unethical practices.

Preserving Industrial Harmony

The unions cautioned that ignoring their demands could disrupt the peaceful industrial environment in the education sector.

“Failure of the Employer to heed our call and expectations would have the Employer having himself to blame. We have had a very tranquil industrial environment and do not want to rock it,” the unions warned.

Commitment to Dialogue

While the unions expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, they were firm in their stance that the exploitation of teachers must end. They stressed that teachers’ professional development should be accessible, fair, and devoid of undue financial burdens.

The Way Forward

The unions urged GES to respond promptly to these issues and take steps to regulate CPD workshops. They also called for a system that ensures affordability and fairness for all educators.