President Akufo-Addo being assisted to cut the anniversary cake
PRESIDENT Akufo-Addo has announced that plans are far advanced by his government for the construction of 10,000 affordable houses for teachers in the country within the next two years.
According to him, his administration is aware of the challenges that teachers faced, with regards to owning their own houses; challenges which he said this positive project is intended to address for teachers and their families.
The housing project, he said, would be built across the country, and it would be given out as mortgage or rent for teachers to enable them to have decent homes to live in.
“Within the next two years, proposed 10,000 housing units, on affordable terms, would be developed for teachers. This is a tip of the iceberg but it is a good beginning,” the President said, attracting wild applause.
President Akufo-Addo was delivering his address during the 6th Quadrennial of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) which was held in Kumasi yesterday.
The President also said his administration is working out a subsidised loan programme, which would give teachers the golden opportunity to own homes and houses at any location of the country in order to better their lives.
Continuing, the President disclosed that the National Service Scheme and Ministry of Education as well as the Ministry of Works and Housing and the various teachers’ unions are in talks over this upcoming programme.
According to him, his administration cherished the efforts and sacrifices of teachers in the training of students in the country, therefore they (government) would do their utmost best to transform the living conditions of teachers.
Salutes Teachers
President Akufo-Addo, on behalf of his government and Ghanaians in general, commended teachers for their tireless efforts and sacrifices for the country, especially during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, the educational calendar did not suffer any break or major setback because teachers risked their lives to train the youth, who are the future leaders, in a manner that did not pose any health danger to students.
The President stated that, “Ghanaians, especially his government appreciate the sacrifices, effort and patriotism of teachers, which ensured that our education was not truncated during the COVID-19 era.”
Govt Support
President Akufo-Addo also said his administration is not doing lip services to teachers, indicating that his government has within the last five years, introduced major interventions to improve the lives of teachers.
For instance, he said the teacher trainee allowance, which was scrapped by the previous government, has been restored by his NPP administration, adding that teachers were by far better-of under his NPP administration.
He announced that his government has abolished the infamous three months pay for teachers and teacher professional allowance was active now, among others policies, adding that his government cared for teachers.
Calls For Support
President Akufo-Addo also appealed to the various teachers’ unions in the country, notably GNAT, to fully support the various reforms being introduced by his government, since they are meant for the betterment of education.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi