We owe teachers more – Kwame Pianim urges Mahama to champion better conditions for educators

Renowned economist Kwame Pianim has called for greater recognition and improved welfare for Ghana’s teachers, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the nation.

He made these remarks when the leadership of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama.

In a stirring address, Pianim rejected the traditional use of the title “honourable” for politicians, stating:

“The word honourable is normally used for MPs and ministers to remind them to be honourable. That’s why I don’t accept honourable.”

Instead, he shifted the spotlight to those he believes truly deserve national honour—teachers.

“He [Mahama] started life as a people’s teacher at Amadea Secondary School, and everybody is who he is because of a teacher.

“That’s why we have to look after our teachers very well and pay them well.”

Pianim cited Canada as a shining example where teaching is one of the most respected and well-compensated professions.

In contrast, he lamented that in Ghana, teachers are undervalued and underpaid.

He expressed hope that President Mahama would be a listening leader who acts on promises.

“I was happy when they said, ‘Let’s go and talk to the president.’ I said, with this president, if he tells you he’s going to do something, he does it.”