<<Print>>

Madam Betty Mould Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, has said workers should be circumspect and not to allow themselves to be misled by self-seeking individuals or groups. Such persons, she said, have the intention of sowing seeds of discord among legitimate trade unions to satisfy their selfish interests. She made the call at the 9th Annual Delegates Congress of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) held at Wa in the Upper West Region. The congress was on the theme: �Workplace Peace: A Shared Responsibility of the Employer and the Employed�. Madam Mould Iddrisu said government appreciated the patience and understanding exhibited by the unions� leadership and majority of their members during the implementation of the Single Spine Pay Policy. She appealed to NAGRAT and all other unions to embark on intensive educational campaigns to sensitize members on the provisions of the labour law and teacher ethics since they were fundamental to achieving peace at the workplace. Madam Mould Iddrisu reiterated government�s commitment towards ensuring good working conditions for teachers to enable them do their best for the development of the nation. She said the human resource development of the nation must begin with the professional and academic development of the teacher. She said in line with this objective, government has laid the Colleges of Education Bill in Parliament to raise the status of Teacher Training Institutions to that of the tertiary level. Most Rev Dr Robert Aboagye Mensah, the immediate past Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, said the peace at workplaces was often disturbed due to the lack of the understanding existing between employees and employers. He advised politicians to refrain from making incessant promises but rather endeavour to bring their plans to fruition. Mr Cezar Kale, Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, urged the Association to use the congress to come out with strategies that would help them improve on their past efforts. He said the congress occurred at a time when several Ghanaians were craving for quality education. Mr Christian Addai-Poku, the National President of NAGRAT, said matters on promotions, unpaid allowances, WAEC invigilation, unwarranted transfers, SSPP agitations as well as the subversive actions of some members brought the Union close to a collision course, hence, the choice of the theme for the congress. He said it was time to abandon workplace environments characterized by personal acrimonies, muscle flexing, intimidation and bullying and rather create room for dialogue, motivation, dedication to duty and strict adherence to principles. He pledged that NAGRAT would exhaust all possible legitimate means in getting its grievances addressed and urged government to help bring about peace for quality education to thrive.