Retired Educationist Urges Better Pay, Housing, and Support for Teachers

Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom (Rtd), Fmr Director, Ekumfi District Education Directorate

The Former District Director of Education for Ekumfi, Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom (Rtd), has called for improved remuneration, investment in teacher housing, enhanced professional development, and a renewed commitment from the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and government to the welfare of their members.

He made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 7th Quadrennial (54th) Municipal Delegates’ Conference of GNAT in the Mfantseman Municipality, held under the theme “Ghana Education Service @ 50: Achievements, Challenges and the Way Forward.”

Mr. Oscar Odoom acknowledged some progress made by the Ghana Education Service (GES) over the past five decades, including increased access to education and curriculum reforms. However, he said these achievements are being undermined by persistent challenges.

Section of Delegates at the Conference

“Teacher motivation is at its lowest,” he stressed, citing low salaries, lack of decent accommodation, poor working conditions, and overcrowded classrooms. He expressed concern over the growing perception among teachers that GNAT is no longer responsive to their needs.

He warned that if members were given the option, many might choose to opt out of the union—a situation he believes should trigger urgent reforms and a renewed focus by GNAT on its core mission.

Hon. Eric Stanley Acquah, MCE - Mfantseman Municipal Assembly

Taking his turn at the event, the Municipal Chief Executive for the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly, Hon. Eric Stanley Acquah, popularly known as Mfantseman KK, also appealed to the government to turn its attention to the plight of teachers.

“Teachers’ reward is in heaven—that has been the narrative—but we need it here on earth too,” he emphasized, urging for improved conditions of service to match the crucial role educators play in national development.

Guests in a group photograph with Municipal Executives

Mr. Odoom concluded by calling on all stakeholders to take bold and deliberate steps to restore dignity and morale among teachers, which he said is key to sustaining the progress of education in Ghana.

By Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie