Three teacher unions express disappointment in chosen theme for Ghana’s 67th Independence.
As Ghana commemorates its 67th anniversary of independence from colonial rule on March 6, 2024, three pre-tertiary teacher unions express their disappointment over what they perceive as a loss of national pride in the country.
These unions include the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers.
They lament that the prevailing economic challenges and a diminished sense of pride among Ghanaians are negatively affecting the country’s democratic values.
The 67th Independence Day celebration has been scheduled to take place in Koforidua in the Eastern Region. The theme for the celebration is “Our Democracy, Our Pride”.
Nevertheless, the leadership of GNAT, NAGRAT, and CCT express disappointment with the chosen theme for the anniversary. In an exclusive interview with 3news’ labor correspondent, Daniel Opoku, they advocate for initiatives such as a national dialogue to confront the prevailing state of affairs.
King Ali Awudu, the President of CCT, emphasizes the need for a national dialogue to tackle the challenges that are impacting Ghana’s democracy
“We should have been better, from 1992 to 2024, go back to the area you were living thirty years ago and find out whether you have infrastructure, we need to sit down as black people and find that kind of government that will suit us,” he stated.
According to the President of NAGRAT, Eric Angel Carbonu, current economic conditions have affected the livelihood of Ghanaians and workers. Though he agreed that the nation has chalked some success, he was disappointed that foreigners are now fashioning out policies for the country.
“We have a problem with the living standards of our people. Well, it is interesting you brought the IMF bit, because of the whole Ministry of Finance can issue a statement asking the President not to sign a bill because the IMF will withdraw its support. That is worrying,” he said.
On his part, General Secretary of the GNAT, Thomas Musah Tanko said, “Democracy is for the people and by the people. In democracy, if you have done well the people themselves will speak for you.”
STORY BY; PORTIA AKU SHIKA GAFAH
