Train teachers leaving the country is worrying – Concerned Teachers lament

November 20, 2023 Leave a comment

The President of Concern Teachers, Bono Zonal, recently shared insights on the issue of teacher attrition due to unfavorable working conditions in an interview with Nana Kwabena Addo on the morning show of Radio 1.

The revelation made by the Registrar of the National Teaching Council, indicating that 10,000 professionally trained Ghanaian teachers have migrated to the United Kingdom this year alone, is indeed disconcerting. These professionals are seeking better opportunities abroad, underscoring the challenges faced by teachers domestically.

Eric Koranteng, the President of Concern Teachers Bono Zonal, highlighted the dismal working conditions for teachers, attributing the exodus to the lack of encouragement and sufficient government support. He drew attention to the disparity in salaries between Ghanaian teachers and their counterparts in neighboring countries, making teaching more appealing elsewhere.

Koranteng expressed his concern, stating, “Teachers are not respected or treated well, and that discourages them from giving their best.” He also pointed out the scarcity of textbooks for both teachers and students, complicating the teaching and learning process across all education levels. According to him, the absence of teaching and learning Materials (TLM) such as textbooks has led to a decline in the enthusiasm of capable educators.

Emphasizing the pivotal role of teachers in national development, Koranteng insisted that the teaching profession deserves improved working conditions. He asserted that it is the government’s responsibility to provide an environment conducive to teaching excellence, thereby halting the departure of quality teachers from the country.

In conclusion, he issued a warning, stating, “If the current situation is not promptly addressed, Ghanaian teachers will continue seeking opportunities abroad in search of better prospects.” The urgency of addressing these issues was underscored to prevent a continued drain of skilled educators from the nation.

Source: radiooneghana.com/Kester Adomako