Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II, has touted teachers as holders of the key to national development and indispensable in the country’s quest for quality education.
It would be climaxed with the election of national officers to lead the Association for the next four years.
“By your tutelage we are able to shape our communities and nations. There can be no science, technology and inventions without a teacher,” the Asantehene said.
The implementation of the Free Senior High School Policy, he noted, was a landmark in Ghana’s education system.
Much as the initiators deserved commendation for the bold step, the sacrifices and commitment of teachers towards its implementation could not be overemphasized, he said.
Otumfuo Osei-Tutu challenged the teachers to use the opportunity to confront challenges facing their work and chart a new course with focus on creativity and innovation.
“As we seek the best from our teachers, so must our teachers be made to feel truly valued,” he said.
“It does get truly disconcerted when industrial relations break down and teachers abandon their classrooms and lecture halls, which obviously affects students.”
He said he was pleased that officials from the Education as well as the Employment and Labour Relations ministries would participate in the Conference and called on all parties to focus on improved formula of negotiations and consultations to minimise industrial actions.
The Reverend Prof. Emmanuel Adow Obeng, the President of the Presbyterian University College, who delivered the keynote address, eulogised GNAT for becoming a formidable teacher union after years of struggle.
He said the Association had made a significant impact in protecting the interest and welfare of the Ghanaian teacher and also contributed to the socio-economic development of Ghana.
GNA
