A teacher and President of the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG) at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), in Navrongo, Prosper Apepeh, has called for improved conditions of service for teachers, arguing that their dedication and sacrifices deserve recognition and reward during their lifetime, not only in the afterlife.
Speaking on Voices of Change on Mike FM on Saturday, July 25, Apepeh said the popular saying that “the teacher’s reward is in heaven” acknowledges the selfless service of educators but should not be used to justify poor remuneration and inadequate welfare.
According to him, Ghanaian teachers have for years been treated unfairly despite the critical role they play in shaping the nation’s future.
“They say the teacher’s reward is in heaven. But what if I don’t make it to heaven, or I get there and there are too many people for the rewards to reach me? Let the teacher also enjoy the fruits of his labour here on earth,” he lamented.
Apepeh noted that the role of a teacher goes far beyond classroom instruction, stressing that teachers are responsible for moulding students into responsible and productive members of society.
He described the teacher as a bridge connecting government, parents, stakeholders and learners, explaining that educators facilitate learning, instil discipline and moral values, nurture talent, and often serve as parental figures to many students.
“The teacher carries enormous responsibility. We teach students from different backgrounds, with different upbringings, learning abilities and personal challenges, yet we are expected to meet the needs of every learner,” he said.
Apepeh further highlighted several challenges confronting teachers, including inadequate teaching and learning materials, overcrowded classrooms, poor educational infrastructure, limited opportunities for professional development, inadequate remuneration, and increasing incidents of disrespect and attacks against teachers.
He expressed concern that many teachers are unable to make meaningful personal investments solely from their salaries, forcing them to depend on loans to meet major financial obligations.
The GRASAG President appealed to the government and other stakeholders to prioritise the welfare of teachers by improving their conditions of service, remuneration and working environment.
He maintained that investing in teachers is an investment in the nation’s future, describing educators as the backbone of every country’s development.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Cynthia Afaah
