GNAT to resist privatization of schools – Gen Sec

The secretary general of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Mr. David Ofori Acheampong, said the country's various teacher unions would resist any attempt by the government to impose privatization of Basic Management as part of the Ghana Partnership School project in September. this year.

Although the government explained that it was not the intention to privatize public basic schools under the controversial policy of the Ghana Partnership School (GPS Partnership School), the various unions teachers think otherwise.

The initiative, which aims to create a partnership between the government and private entities to take over the management of some public schools, has provoked many negative reactions from stakeholders in recent weeks.

Even before the implementation date of the initiative, interested parties such as teacher unions threatened to demonstrate mbadively against the government if it followed up on the plan.

The unions justified their opposition by saying that they were not consulted during the planning of the project.

Ghana News Titles

For the latest news in Ghana, visit the Graphic Online titles page
Ghana News Page

Graphic Online's Felix A. Baidoo reports that Secretary General Acheampong reiterated GNAT's position on the issue at a meeting in Kumasi at a meeting of GNAT leaders with school principals on Thursday. primary.

Extended consultation

Although the government has the right to implement the country's education policies, it was necessary for the government to conduct broader consultations with all stakeholders to ensure that the right thing would be done in the country. the interest of the nation.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss with the directors the current state of education issues in the country and the position of the badociation.

There were 544 heads of institutions in Kumasi Metropolis and the municipality of Asokore Mampong, all located in the Ashanti region.

Government does not entrust public schools to private operators – Adutwum

Meanwhile, the government, through the intermediary of Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Deputy Minister of Education, explained that he had not made the decision to entrust the public schools to private operators.
In a radio interview with Citi FM, based in Accra, on Thursday, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum said that the government did not intend to entrust the management of basic schools to individuals.

Challenge

Mr. Acheampong dispelled the misconception that school leaders in the country were not competent, resulting in the poor performance of the country's public elementary schools.

"I can explain to you that the directors of the country are very qualified. They go through various pre-selection interviews and interviews, as well as through experiences before qualifying as head of such schools, which then makes them unqualified, "said the Secretary-General.

He attributes the poor performance of some primary schools in the country to lack of supply or late delivery of logistical and educational materials, citing for example that capitation for the first semester and the second semester of the academic year It was not published and yet, people wanted the main teachers to evoke magic for good results.

The Secretary-General has asked the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, as well as other stakeholders, to provide school principals and schools with adequate materials. and in time to see the results.

Protect your work

Mr. Acheampong is surprised at the government's decision to ban the levying of fees in schools across the country without taking the necessary measures to ease the burden on school principals and teachers in the day-to-day management of their schools.

He warned the teachers against the acts of caning against the children so that they incur the anger of the parents, the government and the other stakeholders and protect rather their work by concentrating on their teaching and forgetting any form of punishment.

"Why do you prohibit the collection of royalties in schools, you do not plan well by offering teachers the right alternative for printing questions, for example when the term is coming to an end and you are still waiting for the leader. public institution in terms of quality results in the country's education ". He said.

The general secretary was not happy that because of politics, the nation's leaders continue to make some decisions without thinking about its consequences for the country.

"How can the GES prohibit the use of sugarcane in schools without considering the cultural context and traditions of Ghanaians and hope that teachers will get the best behavior from these children, most of whom are the children? better trained in cane, "said Acheampong.