Government to reduce high attrition rate in teaching profession

Accra, Aug. 25, GNA - The Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC) on Thursday submitted eleven-point recommendation to government aimed at reducing the high attrition rate in the teaching profession.

The recommendations issued at the end of GNECC 2nd Annual General Meeting called on government to take bold steps on teacher's salary and pay decent remuneration as well as provide a congenial working environment to make the teaching profession more attractive. Mr. Emmanuel Kuyole, Executive Council Chairperson, Mr Michael A. Ansa, National Coordinator and Mr. Nicholas Akyire National Treasurer jointly signed the recommendation a copy, which Ghana News Agency obtained.

It urged government to adopt a more participatory and transparent approach for the best teacher award scheme.

It urged government to pay particular attention to teachers of special needs children in terms of best teacher awards, recognition and motivation as proposed for teachers in deprived schools. The GNECC the Ghana Education Service to address irregularities in the posting and transfer of teachers; the over concentration of teachers in the district and regional capitals must be addressed by redeployment of teachers to rural areas where the pupil teacher ratio is very high. To further ensure that there is equitable distribution of teachers to deprived communities, the GNECC urged government to allow at least 20 per cent non-taxable income for such teachers and give preferential treatment in granting study leave.

It also urged the GES to enforce the policy of bonding teachers vigorously to help track professionally trained teachers and allow for those in default to be sanctioned.