By Yussif Ibrahim
Kumasi, July 29, GNA – The 7th Quadrennial and 54th Delegates Conference of the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) is underway at the Christian Village in Kumasi.
The conference has brought together hundreds of delegates from various districts across the region to review the mandate of the outgoing executives and elect new officers to lead the Association for the next four years.
Mr. Prosper Tachie, the incumbent Regional Chairman, is running unopposed and is expected to retain his position, leading a new team of executives into the next phase of leadership.
Being held on the theme: “Educating an Africa Fit for the 21st Century: The Role of Policy Makers and the Unions in Ghana”, the conference opened with the presence of some
national GNAT executives and key education stakeholders, including the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene.
Dr. Amoakohene commended teachers for their dedicated service to national development, describing them as the main producers of human capital critical to the country’s progress.
He emphasized the importance of prioritising teacher welfare and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the education sector.
He noted that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, the government was poised to implement key recommendations from the recent National Education Dialogue.
These, he said, were aimed at reshaping the educational landscape in favour of both teachers and learners.
A major outcome of the dialogue, according to the Minister, was the introduction of the “Teacher Dabre” initiative.
Under this policy, no new school infrastructure project would be approved without a corresponding provision for teachers’ accommodation, a directive he said the President had already issued.
Other speakers at the event emphasized the critical role of teachers in national transformation and called for the election of capable and visionary leaders who could advocate effectively for improved conditions of service and the welfare of GNAT members.
The conference continues with deliberations expected to culminate in the election of new regional officers on the second day.