The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), under the leadership of its Secretary-General, Mr. Thomas Tanko Musah, paid a courtesy visit to President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency in Accra. The visit was primarily to congratulate President Mahama on his victory in the December 7, 2024, general election. Mr. Musah conveyed GNAT’s confidence in President Mahama’s ability to deliver on his campaign promises, particularly those related to the teaching profession, emphasizing the clear mandate given by the Ghanaian electorate. This congratulatory gesture mirrored GNAT’s previous actions following Mr. Mahama’s election, where they published full-page congratulatory messages in prominent national newspapers, a practice also extended to their sector minister, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu.
Beyond congratulations, the GNAT delegation extended two key invitations to President Mahama. The first was to attend the GNAT National Delegates Congress scheduled for the first week of January 2026 in Accra as the special guest of honor. This invitation underscores the importance GNAT places on the President’s presence and engagement with the teaching profession. The second invitation was to commission a state-of-the-art Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan at the Sweden-Ghana Medical Centre. This advanced medical imaging technology, acquired by GNAT, represents a significant investment in healthcare and highlights the association’s commitment to broader societal well-being. Mr. Musah elaborated on the acquisition of the Centre, originally established by the Swedish government, and its subsequent purchase and upgrade by GNAT, emphasizing the PET scan as the most advanced in West Africa.
Mr. Musah also appealed to President Mahama to address the infrastructural challenges facing the Sweden-Ghana Medical Centre, specifically requesting the improvement of the access road. This request reflects GNAT’s desire to ensure accessibility of this vital medical resource to all Ghanaians. The Secretary-General’s briefing to the President encompassed various investments undertaken by GNAT, further illustrating the association’s multifaceted role and contribution to national development.
President Mahama, in response, expressed gratitude for GNAT’s unwavering contribution to national development and commended the association’s investments. He reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of teachers, recognizing them as the foundation of Ghana’s education system and essential partners in nation-building. This commitment translates into ensuring competitive compensation, conducive working environments, and professional development opportunities for teachers. President Mahama’s acknowledgment underscores the crucial role teachers play in national progress and his administration’s dedication to supporting them.
Adding weight to the occasion, Mr. Kwame Pianim, a renowned economist and consultant to GNAT, praised President Mahama’s leadership qualities, highlighting his responsiveness and ability to listen. Mr. Pianim asserted that President Mahama possesses the unique capacity to steer Ghana towards a positive trajectory at this critical juncture in its history. This endorsement from a respected economic figure adds further significance to the meeting and reinforces the message of support and confidence in President Mahama’s leadership.
In essence, the visit by the GNAT delegation signifies a strong partnership between the teaching profession and the government. It highlights GNAT’s proactive role in national development, beyond its core mandate of representing teachers, through strategic investments and its advocacy for improved healthcare infrastructure. The meeting underscored the importance of education and the vital role of teachers in nation-building, with President Mahama reaffirming his government’s commitment to their well-being. The presence and endorsement of Mr. Kwame Pianim further emphasized the significance of the occasion and the shared vision for Ghana’s future.
