The Benefits of being a GNAT Executive
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Unionism plays a vital role in organizing professionals within specific fields of work, and in Ghana, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) stands as the oldest and largest teachers’ union in the country.
With a membership exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand (250,000) educators across the nation, GNAT operates with a structure akin to a state institution, leaving members curious about the privileges enjoyed by elected GNAT executives.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers boasts two categories of officeholders.
Firstly, there are secretaries of the union, who are appointed to manage district offices, regional offices, and the national headquarters.
The second group consists of elected officers who vie for positions at the local, district, regional, and national levels.
Even schools have their representatives, elected or nominated by members within their respective institutions.
Elections for these positions are keenly contested at all levels, fueling speculation among ordinary members about the benefits GNAT executives receive.
To shed light on the matter, our team conducted an investigation and uncovered the following perks:
One notable benefit that was brought to light is the ex-gratia given to executives as an end-of-office benefit.
According to a former GNAT executive interviewed by our team, all former executives, including those at the local level, receive an end-of-service benefit.
While elected officers do receive salaries, the rationale behind granting end-of-service benefits to all former executives remains a subject of curiosity.
Furthermore, GNAT executives are entitled to per diem allowances when attending specific meetings, conferences, or the union’s Congress.
Although the exact amount of these allowances remains unspecified, it presents an additional incentive for ordinary members to aspire to executive positions to potentially enjoy these financial benefits.
Another advantage of being a GNAT executive is the allowances for loan committees.
A substantial portion of the loans taken by members is reportedly rebated to these committees.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
