The Concerned Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Members, in the Northern region, have embarked on a peaceful demonstration to express their dissatisfaction over the recent actions of their leadership.
According to the concerned GNAT members, the actions of the association’s leadership have undermined the union’s principles of transparency, accountability, and member participation.
They noted that they are concerned about the unauthorized deduction of 2% of their basic salary for the GNAT Provident Fund.
“This deduction was made without our consent and in violation of the union’s regulations. We demand an immediate reversal of this deduction and the implementation of a transparent and participatory decision-making process for future financial decisions. We do not trust the apology letter issued is genuine and demand another directive in writing to the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to halt further deductions and refund the November 2023 deductions”.
The Concerned GNAT Members, again expressed thire disappointment with the delayed distribution of TM1 laptops.
They indicated that many teachers are still waiting for their laptops, and the lack of communication from GNAT leadership has caused frustration and anxiety and demanded an immediate distribution of the remaining laptops and accountability for the delay.
“We are also concerned about the unfair deduction for the TM1 laptops. Teachers have been overcharged, and others have not received their laptops yet. We demand that all overcharged amounts be refunded immediately and that the remaining laptops be distributed without further delay”.
The lead convener of the group, Mohammed Awal Yakubu, addressing journalists said they are outraged by the excessive deduction for NTC license renewal adding that many teachers are not due for renewal yet, and the deduction was made without their consent and demanded an immediate refund of all excess deductions and a clear examplenation for the unauthorized deduction.
He said members are concerned about the prolonged loan disbursement period and that the delay in receiving loans is causing financial hardship for many teachers and demanded that the loan disbursement period be reduced to 21 days, as per the previous practice.
“Teachers who were upgraded last year after completing various causes have not received their upgrading letters”.
Mr. Yakubu therefore demanded that the GNAT leadership adhere to the union’s regulations for decision-making and that major decisions should be made with the full participation and consent of the membership, provide a full account of the unauthorized deductions, and take appropriate disciplinary action against those responsible, GNAT leadership be more transparent and communicative with its members and that they need to be kept informed of all decisions and developments that affect them.
“We are concerned about the direction of our union under the current leadership. We urge the GNAT leadership to take immediate action to address our grievances and restore trust among the membership. If these issues are not resolved promptly, we will be forced to consider other options, including series of demonstrations, picketing at GNAT National, regional, and district offices among others.
We hope that the GNAT leadership will take our concerns seriously and work with us to create a stronger, more united union”.
The Northern Regional Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Leroyl McNara received the petition on behalf of the National leadership and assured that it will be forwarded to the national for the necessary action.
BY Eric Kombat, Tamale