Mr. Isaac Ofori, chairman of the All Teachers Alliance Ghana, urged the government to honor its commitments to teachers and ensure that outstanding allowances are paid before any decision is taken on the ongoing strike.
Speaking on Orange Sunrise on Orange FM 107.9, he criticized delays by successive governments in addressing teachers’ concerns and said that political interests are often placed above the welfare of teachers. He argued that assurances given to teachers over the years have not always translated into concrete action, leaving many waiting for outstanding entitlements. He said “the public often regards teaching as a selfless service whose reward lies in heaven, a perception he believes contributes to inadequate recognition for their work.”
Mr. Ofori stressed the need for government to treat teachers well if it expects their trust, warning that poor treatment erodes confidence in the system. He called on teacher unions to strengthen their negotiations with government, including seeking support from international experts where necessary to secure agreements with legal backing.
He urged the government to process documents, place teachers on their appropriate salary scales, and pay outstanding allowances rather than expecting educators to return to class based on promises alone.
He emphasized that the welfare and dignity of teachers should be prioritized rather than addressed only after industrial action begins.
He also reminded unions that their duty goes beyond pleasing members, stressing the importance of pursuing fair and lasting solutions for the profession. Mr.Ofori expressed hope that the government will improve its response to teachers’ concerns and make teaching a more rewarding and fulfilling profession in Ghana.
