GNAT Wa District holds 54th delegate conference, highlights achievements and urges reforms

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Wa District, has held its 7th Quadrennial and 54th District Delegates Conference with calls for reforms in education delivery and greater motivation for teachers.

The conference was held in Wa on May 29, 2025, under the theme “The Ghana Education Service @50: Achievements, Teacher Motivation, Challenges and Way Forward.”

District Chairman of GNAT, Mr. Mohammed Ilyasu Anbanbeo, said GNAT Wa District had made significant strides in the last four years, including enhancing visibility and deepening membership engagement.

He noted that the Association had brought GNAT to the doorsteps of teachers through school visitations and annual education programs, saying that many members were pleased to meet GNAT district executives for the first time during those visits.

Mr. Anbanbeo announced that work on a permanent GNAT secretariat for the Wa District was progressing steadily, thanks to collaborative efforts at the national level.

He also acknowledged the instrumental role played by the district secretary and the Teachers Fund trustee, describing them as key allies in addressing members’ challenges.

The District Chairman raised concerns about inadequate teacher deployment, especially in hard-to-reach areas in the Wa West District.

He cited salary validation issues, inadequate furniture, learning materials, and widespread student indiscipline as some of the pressing challenges facing teachers.

He also lamented the lack of funds for utilities in basic schools and increasing insecurity, particularly for teachers who commute through remote routes.

Mr. Anbanbeo called on the government to decentralize some of the powers held by the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to the regions to fast-track resolution of issues affecting teachers.

He pledged to continue lobbying for the creation of an autonomous GNAT district in Wa West and called for continued support from members.

First National Trustee of GNAT, Nana John Owusu Mensah, expressed pride in GNAT Wa District for initiating the construction of its own secretariat.

He underscored the need for teacher leadership to leave behind legacies that benefit the association and the education sector at large.

He encouraged teachers to embrace professional development, including GNAT-sponsored certificate courses in education leadership, as a way to remain competitive and relevant.

He also advised teachers to build strategic partnerships with government while pushing for better conditions of service.

The guest speaker, Hajia Fusata Hamidu, a seasoned educationist, commended the Ghana Education Service for expanding access to education over the last 50 years.

She listed several policies including the Free SHS, capitation grant, school feeding program, and curriculum reforms as notable achievements.

She, however, emphasized that teacher motivation was not just about money, urging educators to embrace intrinsic motivation by loving their work and committing to student success.

Hajia Fusata called for more investment in teacher welfare, better infrastructure, improved resource allocation, and reforms that match education to labor market needs.

She highlighted the neglect of inclusive education and the needs of children with disabilities as a significant gap that needed urgent attention.

Wa Municipal Director of Education, Madam Sophia Dumah, commended GNAT Wa District for its professionalism and support to the municipal education office.

She said the cooperative relationship between GNAT and the municipal office had contributed immensely to improved education delivery.

She acknowledged the sacrifices made by teachers despite challenges and urged them to focus on intrinsic motivation and the welfare of the children they serve.

Madam Dumah also cautioned against poor professional conduct, adding that management would not always defend wrongdoing.

She said management remained committed to supporting teachers and urged them to remain committed to their calling.

The conference re-elected Mr. Mohammed Illyasu Anbanbeu as Chairman, with Mr. Osman Bergu as Vice Chairman and Mr. Abdul-Nuri Yahaya as Treasurer.

Other elected officers include Mr. Sidik Marizuk as Youth Coordinator, Mr. Abdulai A. Fatahu as Basic School Representative, and Madam Shariffdeen Samata as GNATLAS Coordinator.

Mr. Osman Umar Tieni was elected as SHS Representative, Mr. Yakubu Abass as Trustee, Mr. Ismail Nuhu as Education Administrator Representative, and Mr. Siita Rauf as TVET Representative.