The plight of teachers stationed in remote areas of Ghana has come to the forefront, with Mr. Yeboah Asiamah Benjamin, a prominent member of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), advocating for improved conditions and greater recognition for these dedicated educators. Mr. Asiamah, affectionately known as “Sabato,” stressed the significant challenges rural teachers face, ranging from inadequate infrastructure and limited access to essential services to the arduous journeys they undertake to reach their assigned schools. These hardships, he argues, not only impact the teachers’ well-being but also compromise their ability to deliver quality education to students in these underserved communities. He called for policies that adequately compensate and acknowledge the sacrifices made by these teachers, emphasizing that their contributions should not be overlooked.
A seasoned educator with over 15 years of experience at Nkenkanso Senior High School, Mr. Asiamah has witnessed firsthand the difficulties faced by teachers in remote locations. He recounted his own time teaching in Esrem Ntietia in the Offinso North District, where he encountered dilapidated classrooms, impassable roads, lack of electricity, and unreliable communication networks. Such conditions, he argued, make it significantly more challenging to attract and retain qualified teachers in rural areas, perpetuating a cycle of educational disadvantage. While he commended the government’s recent introduction of a 20% allowance for rural teachers as a step in the right direction, he believes more needs to be done to address the systemic issues plaguing the education sector in these areas. He specifically called upon award bodies and stakeholders to prioritize recognizing the contributions of rural teachers, suggesting that they should be given greater consideration for prestigious awards like the Ghana Teacher Prize and Best Teacher Awards.
Mr. Asiamah’s advocacy extends beyond mere rhetoric. Currently campaigning for the position of Offinso Municipal GNAT Chairman, he has outlined a comprehensive “SMART 8 Agenda” designed to enhance the welfare of teachers within the municipality. This agenda addresses a wide range of issues, from professional development and financial stability to health and community building. He proposes sponsoring teachers to undertake short courses at the GNAT Village in Ejisu, providing vocational training opportunities for female and interested male teachers to supplement their income, and establishing a communication bureau and member database to foster better communication and engagement within the GNAT community.
Recognizing the importance of unity and camaraderie, Mr. Asiamah also plans to organize annual inter-local sports competitions and fun games to foster stronger bonds among teachers. On the professional development front, he has pledged to organize regular workshops and provide support for teachers preparing for promotion exams, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to advance in their careers. Furthermore, he recognizes the importance of maintaining the physical well-being of teachers and has committed to organizing routine health screenings and providing free medical support for GNAT members. He believes that a healthy teaching force is essential for effective education delivery.
Infrastructure development within the GNAT itself is also a key component of Mr. Asiamah’s agenda. He has vowed to complete the long-stalled conference room project at the Offinso Secretariat within his first four-year term, should he be elected. This project, he believes, is crucial for providing a suitable space for meetings, workshops, and other activities that contribute to the professional development and overall functioning of the organization. He plans to work closely with his technical team to ensure the timely and efficient completion of this project, demonstrating his commitment to tangible improvements for GNAT members.
In closing, Mr. Asiamah urged GNAT members in the Offinso Municipality to support his candidacy, promising a pragmatic and results-oriented leadership style that prioritizes the welfare of all teachers. He believes that his experience, dedication, and comprehensive agenda will bring about positive change for the teaching profession within the municipality and contribute to a stronger and more vibrant GNAT community. His focus on addressing the specific challenges faced by teachers in rural areas, combined with his commitment to professional development, welfare initiatives, and infrastructure improvements, paints a picture of a leader dedicated to uplifting the teaching profession and ensuring that the voices of teachers are heard and their needs are met.
