The Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG), formerly known as the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT-Union), has called on the government to improve the working conditions of teachers.
The Union believes teachers are being underpaid for services they render, with living conditions also not improving.
PRETAG’s Central Regional Secretary, Mr Amoako Amos, stated that teachers deserve better working conditions so they can afford to take care of themselves and their families.
He was responding to the recent utility tariff increases approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
He appealed to President Mahama to order PURC to reduce the tariffs.
The new rates, announced on April 11 and effective from May 3, saw electricity tariffs rise by 14.75% and water tariffs by 4.02%.
The secretary lamented that the increase in water and electricity tariffs will be an added burden on teachers who are already struggling with stagnant salaries and rising living costs.
He proposed to the government to, with immediate effect, pay a cost of living allowance (COLA) for teachers within 2025 to help mitigate the impact of the increased utility costs.
He also voiced concerns over the increasing number of Ghanaian teachers leaving the country in search of better living conditions abroad, describing it as a challenge for the country.
He was worried that the loss of skilled teachers undermines the nation’s development and the quality of education for students.
Mr AmoakonAmos stressed the need for authorities to prioritise resolving the challenges faced by teachers, such as inadequate pay and poor working conditions, rather than allowing them to seek opportunities in other countries.
“If the government truly believes in resetting Ghana, then President John Mahama and his government must start by resetting the problems facing teachers; otherwise, our teachers will continue to leave for greener pastures,” Mr Amoako added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
