VIDEO: No profession outweighs teaching; Teachers can’t remain paupers – Prof. Honyenuga
Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga
The Vice Chancellor of Ho Technical University Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga has lauded the teaching profession as the most outstanding in the 21st century in the midst of the nationwide disappointment being registered by Ghanaian teachers.
The renowned Professor unequivocally said, there is no profession without a teacher because, no profession outweighs teaching hence teachers can’t remain paupers.
He explained that, the role of teachers in the growth and development of a nation cannot be overemphasized. According to him, there will be no Presidents, Ministers, Lawyers Medical Doctors, and even Teachers and other professionals in a nation without a teacher.
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Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 6th Quadrennial (53rd) Regional Delegates’ Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) at the University’s auditorium on Tuesday, 10th August, 2021, professor Ben. Q. Honyenuga said, the challenges confronting the Ghanaian Teacher in the 21st Century are known to every stakeholder. This he said include, poor Conditions of Service, delays in Staff upgrades and promotions, complex bureaucracies in addressing staff issues, poor accommodation facilities, poor infrastructural facilities at some schools, low morale, transportation challenges with the introduction of the Licensure Exams among many others.
“If I have seen further than others it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants (Isaac Newton). Who are these giants? Of course, they are the Teachers at all levels of education.”
He explained that, the antecedents and various actions which culminated in the birth of GNAT as the sole representative body of teachers at the pre-tertiary level must be applauded due to the glaring achievements and priceless contributions to the growth, progress and development of the nation. Undoubtedly, GNAT is a reliable Teacher Union that has survived over the years through good leadership, sacrifices, dedication to duty, and the efforts and contribution of all member and stakeholders. You therefore deserve a lot of plaudits for all your efforts. CONGRATULATIONS!
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According to him, the theme for the Conference “GNAT @ 90 – SURVIVING AS A Reliable and Vibrant Teacher Union in the 21st Century; Addressing Challenges Facing the Ghanaian Teacher” is critical and timely in an evolving world which demands innovativeness and new ways of doing things in order to survive and remain relevant at all times.
Addressing the impact of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), he said “the role of teachers in the growth and development of a nation cannot be overemphasized. Just imagine a nation without teachers!!! There will be no Presidents, Ministers, Lawyers Medical Doctors, Teachers and other professionals. Certainly, GNAT stands tall in its contribution to national development.”
“Some other notable contributions of GNAT include the construction of hostel facilities, guest houses and conference halls, establishment of mutual fund among others as a source of raising revenue for the association.”
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Again, the free cancer treatment initiative of GNAT for its members ought to be commended. These strategic initiatives among many others, highlights your ingenuity and efforts towards supporting the welfare of your members and also epitomizes the overall impact of your enviable contributions to national development.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the challenges confronting the Ghanaian Teacher in the 21st Century are known to all of us. They include, poor Conditions of Service, delays in Staff upgrades and promotions, complex bureaucracies in addressing staff issues, poor accommodation facilities, poor infrastructural facilities at some schools, low morale, transportation challenges with the introduction of the Licensure Exams among many others.”
“As a teacher myself, I fully understand the above –mentioned challenges of my follow teachers and wish to indicate without any shadow of doubt that they can be resolved within the short to medium term if Government and all Stakeholders do the needful.”
Prof. Honyenuga said, it is interesting to note that we live in a world in which award schemes for beauty pageants and reality shows are ridiculously better than awards schemes of teachers. Further, all key decision makers in the world with the mandate to positively influence and enhance out welfare and fortunes were trained and nurtured by Teachers. This calls for some introspection on all fronts because a deeper understanding of the critical role of the Ghanaian Teacher in the socio-economic and developmental issues of the nation ought to trigger quicker actions in addressing their concerns. Teaching is a noble profession but it does not mean we must be paupers.
Interestingly, it is often said that “a Teacher’s reward is in Heaven”. In as much as this statement could be inspirational, it is silent on how the Teacher should survive on earth. In fact, access to quality health care, good food, descent accommodation, and appreciable by living conditions among many others cannot be relegated to the background for a reward which could be elusive especially where going to Heaven is not a preserve of only teachers.
He further explained that, the challenges of the Ghanaian Teacher in the 21st Century have further been compounded by the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The poor infrastructure and ventilation systems in some overcrowded classroom expose teachers and students to the spread of the virus and other airborne and contagious diseases. It will therefore not be out of place if Government also considers teachers as frontline workers in the educational sector to benefit from some incentives. Indeed, the gradual change in the trajectory of the Coronavirus, with an upsurge in active cases and related deaths in Ghana, is a matter of grave concern which cannot be downplayed in the times we live in.
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Finally, is the existence of splinter teacher unions in Ghana which makes it difficult for Teachers to confront their challenges with one voice.
Suggesting some possible solutions on the substantive issues affecting the noble teaching profession, he said, Government alone cannot completely solve all issues raised due to economic limitations coupled with the fact that, there are equally important sectors of the economy that require government intervention. This therefore, calls for all stakeholders and partners to contribute their quota to support the developmental agenda of GNAT. The challenges may seem daunting but are surmountable. In fact, where there is a will, there will always be a way.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has generally exposed weaknesses in our educational systems in the area of deployment and use of virtual and distance learning technologies. Fortunately, the emergence of advanced technologies and use of ICT in enhancing teaching and learning in the 21st Century is the new norm which must be embraced by all and sundry. To this end, some refresher training programmes could be organized regularly by GNAT to build capacity of members in the use of advanced technologies and ICT in the teaching and learning pedagogy.”
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Further, there is the need to provide some appreciable incentives to the Ghanaian teacher who lives and works in remote and deprived communities of the country. It must be an intentional and well-planned policy to encourage postings to deprived communities as part of efforts to bridge the gap and influence positive change in these areas.
“Also, I wish to reiterate that a major source of raising revenue in the 21st Century to support expansion and developmental projects and enhancing the fortunes and welfare of members is through strategic partnerships. In this regard, I wish to urge the leadership of GNAT to shoulder the responsibility of exploring funding opportunities and critical support for members by partnering with relevant institutions and corporations locally and internationally.”
He used the occasion to encourage delegates to foster unity among themselves. In unity lies strength and your collective strength could engender good progress and attainment of your collective goals with ease. In essence, you can achieve much if you remain united and focused on your core mandate.
“We must also look at our attitude and the value we place on ourselves as teachers. This is important because we belong to a noble profession so we must develop and implement strong professional ethics and standards.”
Prof. Honyenuga added that, It is important to emphasize that education holds the key to industrialization, jobs, wealth creation and poverty reduction.
“I therefore wish to entreat Government and all stakeholders in the educational terrain to support the efforts of GNAT and provide the needed intervention to improve the Conditions of Service and general well-being of its members. Indeed, the Ghanaian Teacher deserves better!!!” He explained.
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WATCH BELOW THE FULL ADDRESS OF PROF. BEN Q. HONYENUGA
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
