NAGRAT leadership forges ahead with strike action

Sunyani (B/A), Oct. 20, GNA - Mr. Kwami Alorvi, President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) on Friday emphasised commitment and preparedness of the association's hierarchy to go through oppressions and intimidations to ensure a review of teacher's salary structure.

He advised the members to remain resolute on their industrial action and forge ahead together to help enhance the living conditions of teaching fraternity.

Mr. Alorvi was addressing about 1,200 teachers in Sunyani to end his tour throughout the 10 regions in the country.

He noted, with regret that, teachers had been relegated to the background for a long time stressing the importance to impress on government to help alleviate their plight. Mr. Alorvi said the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and NAGRAT were two different entities and therefore urgently needed a bargaining certificate.

He advised the members to remain committed and struggle with the leadership to achieve their intended purpose.

The President noted that teachers were being encouraged to serve as role models for pupils and students, adding, "what role model do you want us to serve if we cannot afford to procure even a bicycle". Mr. Alorvi cautioned that, "no amount of appeal even from President J.A. Kufuor could drive us back to the classroom if our grievances are not solved, adding, "even if we are force to the classrooms, we shall 'mix-teach' the students".

He said even though the association was not happy that students and pupils were not at school, roaming aimlessly on the streets, the plight of teachers should be considered and alleviated.

Mr. Stanilaus Nabome, Deputy General Secretary of the association encouraged the members to demonstrate unity of purpose and help tackle problems facing teachers in the country.

He expressed concern that teachers had been marginalised and discriminated for some years now as compared to other professions. Mr. Nabome cautioned government to take immediate steps in addressing problems affecting teachers in order to avoid public disorder.

He expressed appreciation to some teachers for their unflinching support to help impress on government to raise their standard of living. Mr. Rapheal Owusu, Regional Chairman of the association announced that all schools, including basic level ones in the region were on strike, adding that the teachers were the pacesetters and the forerunners of the current on-going nationwide strike. He expressed appreciation to the media for their immense contribution towards alleviating the plight of teachers. 20 Oct. 06