I am a proud member of the national graduate teachers association (NAGRAT). I survive on my monthly salary. I was not happy just as many other teachers were not when I was migrated from the Ghana universal salary structure (GUSS) at the end of February, 2011 because as an assistant director II I expected something far from what to receive for the last month (February, 2011). By the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) I am supposed to be placed at level 19. The least step (i.e. step 1) net salary for that level is GHc687.96 and the highest step (i.e. step 9) net salary for the same level is GHC 784.16. This means at the end of February, 2011 I was expecting a net salary of at least GHC687.96, but what I received is below that even though it is more than what I got in January, 2011.
After the press conference held by the minister for education, madam Betty mould Iddrisu I can see there is hope for all of us (teachers). I have faith in this government that it will honor its promise because the president, J.E.A. Mills has always been sincere to Ghanaians.
An analysis done on a certain teacher’s salary from December, 2009 to January, 2011shows an increase of Gh 159.26(52.1%) increase of what he received at the end of December, 2009.
Based on this analogy, I believe the SSSS will not be accurse for teachers but a blessing. I therefore wish to appeal to all teachers in Ghana particularly the upper west region to exercise maximum restraint and take part in this years independence day celebrations and also continue with their good work in the class room since we have been made to believe the migration to the SSSS is a continues process which at the end of its implementation will improve upon our conditions of service.
Yakubu Yahya
Mobile-0244964770
Member of NAGRAT, Upper West region