Bosome Freho GNAT Chairman Urges Government to Implement Deprived Area Allowance and Speed Up Teacher Upgrades

The Bosome Freho District Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Williams Nana Baah Acheamfour Daniel, has made a passionate appeal to the government to introduce a special rural or deprived area allowance into the conditions of service for teachers. He believes this intervention is necessary to motivate educators who sacrifice to serve in challenging and underserved communities across the country.

Speaking at the 7th Quadrennial and 54th District Delegates Conference of GNAT in the Bosome Freho District, Chairman Acheamfour Daniel emphasized that many teachers working in rural areas face harsh conditions with little recognition or incentive from the state. He noted that implementing a deprived area allowance would not only boost morale but also improve teaching and learning outcomes in such areas.

“It is high time government introduced a rural or deprived area allowance into the conditions of service for teachers. This will go a long way to motivate our dedicated teachers who continue to give off their best under very difficult circumstances,” he stated.

In addition to the call for special allowances, Mr. Acheamfour Daniel expressed deep concern over the government’s delay in upgrading teachers who have pursued further education. He lamented that several qualified teachers have submitted all required documents for promotion, yet their upgrades remain pending for years without any tangible explanation.

“It is very disheartening that teachers who take the initiative to further their education and qualify for an upgrade are left in limbo. Their documents are left unattended to while they continue to suffer in silence. I am calling on the government and the Ghana Education Service to fast-track the upgrading process to ensure fairness and recognition of academic advancement,” he added.

The district delegates’ conference, which was held under the theme, “The Ghana Education Service at 50: Achievements, Teacher Motivation, Challenges, and the Way Forward,” brought together key stakeholders in the education sector to discuss pressing issues affecting teachers and to strategize on the path forward.

Delivering a keynote address, the Western North Regional Director of Education, Mr. Seth Boateng, acknowledged the significant progress the Ghana Education Service (GES) has made over the past 50 years. He highlighted improvements in access to education, quality teaching, and promotion of equity across all levels.

However, Mr. Boateng admitted that much remains to be done, especially in addressing the plight of teachers in deprived areas. “While we’ve made progress, teachers in rural and hard-to-reach areas still lack the needed support and incentives to thrive. Government must take urgent steps to improve their conditions,” he urged.

He also encouraged teachers to take advantage of opportunities to advance their academic qualifications. “Education is evolving, and as teachers, you must also grow. Move from Diploma to Degree, from Degree to Masters, and even to PhD. This will equip you with the deeper knowledge and skills needed to remain relevant and impactful in the profession,” he advised.

The conference ended with a renewed call on the government to prioritize teacher welfare, especially in rural districts, as a crucial strategy to improve the quality of education across Ghana.