Give teachers incentives to boost their morale-MPs

Accra (Greater Accra), 17^th November 99

Parliament on Tuesday re-echoed the call on the government to provide teachers with incentives to motivate them in their work.

The house expressed concern about the low remuneration of teachers and said this is a great dis-incentive which is contributing immensely to the falling standards in education.

Mr. Sampson Kwadwo Apraku, NDC-Krachi, who made a statement in connection with this year's World Teachers' Day celebration which fell on October five, said it has become imperative to draw the attention of governments, policy-makers, pupils, students, parents and the general public to the crucial role of teachers in the educational system within their various countries.

Mr. Apraku, a member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, stressed the need for absolute security in the work of teachers, adding, "they should be adequately protected against attacks by parents and guardians whose children they punish for wrong-doing".

He pointed out that as long as the sustainable development of Ghana's education system will continue to depend on the hard work of teachers, "we as a nation owe it as a duty to seek the welfare of teachers, and hold them in high esteem for their invaluable services."

Members who associated themselves with the statement included Ms Christine Churcher, NPP-Cape Coast, Mr. Gershon Gbediame, NDC-Nkwanta, Mr. Mumuni Abudu Seidu, NDC-Wa Central, Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo, NPP-Akim Oda, and Mrs. Florence Kumi, NDC-Assin North.

Ms Churcher in her contribution said in the olden days, teachers were the symbols of discipline and wondered why these days, teachers cannot ensure discipline in schools.

Mr. Gbediame urged the government to reward the services of teachers by providing them with their basic necessities to serve as a morale-booster to urge them on to give of their best.

Mr. Seidu who is also the Deputy Majority Leader said as builders of the moral fibre of society, teachers must be accorded due respect.

Ms. Kumi suggested the re-introduction of the Pupil Teachers' Scheme to ensure that there are adequate teachers to fill vacancies in schools which have problems with teachers.

GRi