The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has called on the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, to ensure that the 20 percent Deprived Area Allowance, announced by President John Mahama, is implemented in next month’s budget.
GNAT’s General Secretary, Thomas Musah Tanko, made this appeal in an exclusive interview with 3news Labour Affairs correspondent, Daniel Opoku, on February 7 in Accra.
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The 20 percent Deprived Area Allowance has been part of teachers’ Conditions of Service for the past 15 years, but multiple negotiations between the government and pre-tertiary teacher unions have failed to secure its implementation. However, on February 6, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to making it a reality, earning praise from GNAT.
“In next month’s budget, it must be captured. Once the President has spoken, it should be an item in the budget,” Mr Thomas Tanko emphasized, urging the Education Minister to act swiftly.
Beyond the allowance, GNAT also appealed for the government to address salary structure concerns, particularly the movement of qualified teachers from Deputy Director to Director under the Single Spine Salary Structure.
Mr Tanko stressed that these long-standing issues must be resolved to ensure fair compensation and motivation for teachers working in deprived areas.
