Ghanaian teacher: Gagged, ignored, exploited

The Ghanaian teacher, today, is so gagged and intimidated that he or she is made to remain silent on pertinent issues relating to his profession.

Many teachers across the country work under harsh conditions, bringing education to the doorsteps of the less privileged. Yet, despite their sacrifice and dedication, they receive nothing beyond a meagre monthly salary.

This category of teachers, of which I am one, is rarely considered for additional incentives to compensate for their commitment to service. What is even more disheartening is how basic administrative services — which should be part of the Ghana Education Service’s (GES) mandate — have been monetised.

While teachers toil in deprived areas, some officials, sitting comfortably in air-conditioned offices, exploit them before offering services they are paid to deliver.

For example, I have served as a headteacher for over a year, yet my responsibility allowance has not been paid despite applying twice. A colleague, who has served for two years, faces the same challenge.

Bafflingly, the moment you contact certain GES staff and pay a fee, the problem is solved almost instantly.

Teachers are being charged as much as GH¢ 1,200 or more for procedures that should be free.

These include: change or correction of contact details; password resets; uploading and validating pictures on the payslip portal; name or SSNIT number corrections, payslip access or generation, incremental jump or point corrections, responsibility allowance activation, correction of retention or critical support premiums, salary reactivation and more.The GES, which should be a pillar of professionalism and fairness, is becoming a money-making venture for some unscrupulous individuals.

I, therefore, call on the Minister of Education, the Ghana Education Service and all relevant stakeholders to urgently investigate these practices and fast-track the processing of documents for duly qualified teachers.

Restore integrity, ensure accountability and reward the sacrifices of those who serve the most vulnerable children in our nation.

Teachers deserve dignity, transparency and fair treatment — not extortion for services that are rightfully theirs.

Yaw Boateng,
Concerned teacher,
Accra.