The role of education in any economy or nation cannot be overstated. Yet, for rather unfortunate reasons, we seem to take for granted the very facilitators who make education possible—our teachers.
That’s why I find this year’s National Teachers’ Day theme so relevant and timely: “Empowering Educators: Strengthening Resilience, Building Sustainability.”
But this prompts some difficult questions: Are we truly empowering our teachers? Do they feel supported and motivated? Or… perhaps not.
Every few months, we are confronted with headlines about teachers picketing, protesting, or pleading—for salaries they’ve already earned. It’s not just disheartening; it’s disgraceful.
The latest example that comes to mind involves newly posted teachers who, after dedicating themselves to nurturing the next generation, have gone a staggering nine months without pay. Yes—nine months!
There’s an old adage: “If you want to destroy a nation, demoralize its teachers.”
In today’s world, it’s already challenging enough to be posted to a remote area where you’re unfamiliar with your surroundings. But to then struggle just to survive—without the pay you’ve earned—is simply unacceptable.
Watching a teacher break down in tears at the Ghana Education Service headquarters, after what she described as an exhausting night journey from Obuasi just to picket over months of unpaid salaries, raised countless questions in my mind.
How is this fair to anyone?
Why must professionals—those who form the backbone of our society—resort to demonstrations just to receive what is rightfully theirs? These aren’t bonuses or favors; these are earned wages.
So, who is responsible?
What makes this situation even more infuriating is the endless bureaucratic merry-go-round these teachers are forced to navigate.
Today, it’s the Ministry of Education. Tomorrow, the Ghana Education Service. Next week, the Ministry of Finance. Everyone passes the buck, while nothing changes. It’s a cycle of confusion, neglect, and systemic disrespect.
Who is regulating this process?
Who ensures teachers are paid on time?
Clearly, there’s a significant breakdown in accountability and empathy across the board—even between changes in government. If this were the private sector, heads would have rolled by now.
The government must recognize that National Teachers’ Day is not just about grand ceremonies or well-polished speeches. It is a mirror of how we treat those we entrust with shaping our future.
It is both morally and administratively wrong to make anyone—especially a teacher—beg for their livelihood.
We can do better.
And we must.
As Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, once said:
“Teachers are the backbone of any country—the pillar upon which all development stands.”
The post Melody Fafa Kportufe Writes: Why must teachers beg for their salaries appeared first on MyNewsGh.
