REPORT ON THE EASTERN REGIONAL GNAT CONFERENCE – JULY 2025

The Eastern Regional Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) commenced with the arrival of GNATLAS delegates on Sunday, 20th July 2025, followed by male delegates on Monday, 21st July. However, due to challenges with accommodation and meals, scheduled activities for Monday were postponed. The official opening was held on Tuesday, 22nd July at 10:00 a.m., marked by a welcome address from the Regional Chairman, Mr. Patrick Boison, who apologized for the inconvenience caused.

The Principal of Kibi College, the host institution, accepted responsibility for the logistical setbacks, citing the simultaneous hosting of the EGA Sports Festival.

A representative of the National Secretary, Mr. Thomas Tanko, delivered a message on his behalf. Key highlights included:

Assurance that the new minimum wage would be ready by November 2025.

Confirmation that promotions and placements are nearing completion, with members encouraged to submit outstanding documentation through their District Secretaries.

Announcement that a new date for the promotion aptitude test would be released the following week.

Update on efforts to resolve arrears for deprived areas, with hopes for resolution by the end of the year.

The keynote address was delivered by the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Hon. Dr. Kingsley Agyemang. He reiterated his commitment to annually awarding a car to the region’s Best Teacher. In memory of his late mother, a teacher, he had also constructed a school in his hometown.

Dr. Agyemang urged teachers to embrace digital transformation in education, including skills such as coding, digital marketing, and language fluency. He emphasized the importance of preparing African children to merge global innovation with local values. As part of his support, he pledged GH¢10,000 towards the GNATLAS contest and GH¢50,000 to support the overall conference.

The event was officially declared open by the Eastern Regional Education Director, on behalf of the Regional Minister. The conference brought together GNAT members and key stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting teachers in the region and across the country.

Key Resolutions Adopted

1. Decentralization of GNAT/CTF In-Service Training to enhance wider participation.

2. Extension of Study Leave with Pay to include second-degree programmes.

3. Integration of TVET Courses into the GNAT Institute of Industrial Relations.

4. Improved Services by the Teachers’ Fund, including:

Interest rates reduced to between 10% and 14%.

Loan processing timelines shortened to 10 working days.

5. Establishment of a Teachers’ Hospital, and Creation of Clinical Psychologist Desks at all GES district offices to support teachers’ mental and emotional well-being.

6. Review of the GNAT Cancer Fund, proposing an increase in contributions to GH¢10.00 to include support for kidney and heart-related ailments.

After thorough discussions, the conference ended successfully with the adoption of these resolutions.

GNATEC Elections

The following individuals were elected as Regional Officers and Executive Members:

1. Regional Chairman – Patrick Boison

2. Regional Vice Chairman – Samuel Ayetey Aboagye

3. Regional Treasurer – Berlinda Adobea Afari

4. Regional Trustee – Rev. Michael Appiah Oppong

5. Regional Youth Coordinator – Koranteng Osei Danso Leonard

6. Regional Representative to NEC – Sandra Donkor

7. Regional Representative to Mutual Fund – Roger Nuah Sunday Nyaaba

8. Regional Basic School Coordinator – Josephine Attuah

9. Regional SHS/SHTS Representative – Bright Ackom

10. Regional GNATLAS Coordinator – Rita Blepo

11. Regional Education Administration Representative – Emmanuel Aboagye

GNATLAS Beauty Pageant And Dinner

The conference concluded with a dinner and the GNATLAS Beauty Pageant. Contestants from all 18 GNAT districts competed for the crown. And the results were:

1st Edna Kwakyewaa- Kwaebibirem district

2nd Dora Asara – Fanteakwa District

3rd Cynthia Baffoe- Asuogyaman District

4th_ Alice Addai – New Juaben North

5th_ Gloria Azeglo- West Akim District

6th_Clara Ofei – Birim South District

7th_ Mary Asantewaa- East Akim District

8th_ Patience Obeng- Kwahu West District

9th_Asante Linda – Akuapem South District

10th_Belinda Dansoa – Suhum Kraboa Coatar District

11th_Asomaniwaa Patricia – Upper Manya District

12th_Engmann Hilary- Akuapem North District