The Ghana National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) is giving the Asuogyaman Education Directorate and the headmaster of Akwamuman Senior High School five days to reinstate the July/August salaries of specific teachers.
The ultimatum comes after accusations of Headmaster Anim-Addo Asuoko imposing disciplinary actions by withholding the salaries of numerous teachers for not attending a Professional Learning Community (PLC) session.
NAGRAT contends that the headmaster is overstepping the authority granted by the Ghana Education Service’s code of conduct by implementing salary suspensions and mandatory apology letters for teachers who miss PLC meetings.
The PLC initiative, introduced around eight years ago, was designed to enhance teachers’ continual professional growth, enhance their abilities, and earn credit points, without impacting their salaries.
At a press briefing held on October 25 in Koforidua at NAGRAT’s Eastern Regional Secretariat, Awoonor-Yevu Godwin, the Eastern Regional Chairman of NAGRAT, criticised the headmaster’s actions as “disheartening” and counterproductive. He stressed that imposing such punitive measures only serves to create a hostile work environment and decrease teacher morale.
NAGRAT is urging for a prompt resolution to the issue, stressing that if the salaries are not reinstated, additional measures may be taken.
We have become aware that teachers who were unable to attend the Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions are facing unfair treatment and being victimized.
Nowhere in the Ghana Education Service’s condition of service states that headmasters or headmistresses have the authority to withhold teachers’ salaries for not attending PLC sessions. Additionally, there is no requirement for teachers to write an apology letter before the salary embargo can be lifted.
However, they do have the power to implement consequences for teachers who consistently skip these professional development opportunities. Some teachers are facing penalties for missing PLC sessions, which is unjust and harms teacher morale.
The headmaster of Akwamuman SHS is being urged to stop victimizing teachers and remove the embargo. A 5-day deadline has been set for him to reverse his decision.
The association called on the headmaster to rescind his decision and lift the embargo on teacher salaries. They also demanded the same from Municipal and District Directors of Education to stop victimizing teachers who do not attend CPD and PLC sessions.
