GNAT: Teachers in Double-Track Schools Deserve Fair Compensation

Ghana National Association of Teachers has pressed on the welfare of teachers in double-track schools since the introduction of the Free Senior High School Program. The General Secretary of GNAT, Thomas Tanko Musah, empathizes with how the double-track system overworked the teachers, who, for that matter, have to overwork with extended hours while their rest hours have been reduced without any fair compensation for it.

The double-track system introduced to cater to high enrollment brought about by the Free SHS policy divides the academic calendar into two sessions, allowing more students to be at school despite the limited resources. Though highly advantageous to the students, this model has proved to be very challenging for teachers, who often end up working nonstop just to keep up with the demands of such a tight schedule. He, in turn, countered that teachers should not be made to sacrifice their own well-being and asked for a comprehensive compensation plan.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum, has responded to the NDC's call to abolish the operating double-track system in the case of winning the forthcoming election, warning that such a move might affect thousands of students who are writing their final examination. But Tanko Musah thinks that as long as the system is in operation, the government should first consider taking care of teachers to continue the education at their best.

A bigger concern somehow resonates in Tanko Musah's statement-that teachers will burn out if they are not adequately taking their rest or, at best, get decent pay. He drew attention to the fact that even labor laws had stipulations for regular rest for workers. With GNAT fighting for a better deal for teachers, sustainable reforms in the Free SHS must ensure a proper balance between accessibility and just treatment for those through whom the education becomes possible.