Letter to the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

Dear Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,

I hope this message finds you in good health. As a professional educator who once taught in an underprivileged community in the Volta Region of Ghana, nothing gave me more hope than the lead-up to the December 2016 elections.

This election marked a historic moment in Ghana’s history, generating diverse opinions and expectations.

However, it was the New Patriotic Party’s campaign that instilled hope throughout Ghana.

Even those in government then harboured a glimmer of hope in the NPP, based on the promises made. I was optimistic about witnessing a new era of education delivery, where teachers would be equally recognized alongside students and infrastructure development would flourish.

The focus:

The focus turned out to be on providing access, offering one laptop per student, improving Wi-Fi in senior high schools, providing e-textbooks, and changing the curriculum, among other initiatives.

However, these efforts cannot significantly enhance the declining standard of education without considering the welfare of teachers in the classroom.

With several years of demonstrated experience by the current Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, I believe he would have advised about the repercussions of neglecting the welfare of teachers in all education policies.

It is noteworthy that research indicates a correlation between teacher satisfaction and student achievement. When teachers are demotivated or overwhelmed due to poor conditions, it can hinder their ability to effectively engage students and support their learning.

Teachers’ welfare:

Currently, the teacher unions are demanding a salary increase, yet the government seems unconcerned with their rights. The government often uses its institutions with political intent to compel teachers back to the classroom without addressing their needs when they resort to strikes. Every day, Ghana loses teachers to other sectors or countries because the youth have lost hope in the service.

As a presidential candidate and as you have asserted, you represent the future of Ghana, and indeed, education is the future of every country.

What are your plans for improving teacher remuneration to ensure an increase in teachers’ salaries? This shouldn’t be just a promise; it should determine the outcome of your ambition to lead Ghana.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.