Apam (C/R), June 1, GNA - The Gomoa District branch of Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), has called on the government to amend the National Pension Scheme to facilitate a better pension package for members.

They expressed the need for the review of the Pension and Social Security and National Insurance Trust laws, to make it possible for contributors to get access to at least 25 per cent of their contributions, when they are 50 years old, to enable them execute projects to prepare towards their retirement. In a resolution passed at its Second Quadrennial Delegates Conference at Apam, the association said many workers die before the retirement because they did not prepare adequately to meet the challenges of the time.

The resolution appealed to the National Executive of GNAT to set up a desk at the headquarters of the Ghana Education Service, to assist teachers who were about to retire in the processing of their papers to enhance early payment of their benefits. In an address, Mrs Rose Newsman, a retired Educationist exhorted teachers to see themselves as role models and set good examples for their pupils.

"You have a responsibility in the upbringing of discipline children who will contribute positively towards the development of society," Mrs Newman stated.

Mr Thomas Baafi, Central Regional Secretary of GNAT, urged Ghanaians to disabuse their minds that the association exists only to negotiate for better condition of service for its members. Mr Baafi said the major concern of GNAT was how to improve on professional competence of its members to enable them to provide quality education to the Ghanaian child.

Mr Thomas Birch Arthur, Gomoa District Secretary of the association appealed to the Government to reconsider its policy on study leave to make the profession attractive to the youth.

"The quota system of granting study leave will scare the youth from going into teaching as it does not hold good prospect for furthering their education, Mr Arthur said.

A six-member District Executive of the Association was voted into office for a four -year term.

They include: Mr Archibold Fuah; Chairman, Vice Chairman, Mrs Mavis Anyanful; Treasurer, Miss Charlotte Hini; GNAT Ladies Association Coordinator, Miss Mavis Otoo, and Mr Ebenezer Brew, Trustee.