GNAT Leadership Must Stop Short-Changing Teachers

The recent uproar among teachers over the poor-quality souvenirs distributed by the leadership of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has once again exposed a painful truth: the union’s leaders have grown increasingly disconnected from the realities and expectations of their members. What should have been a simple gesture of appreciation has become a symbol of disrespect, neglect, and misplaced priorities.

Across the country, GNAT members expressed outrage when the association distributed an old, inferior, and clearly substandard cloth as part of its annual package. One would have expected the leadership to take the criticisms seriously and make amends. Yet, in a shocking show of indifference, GNAT is reportedly preparing to hand out another round of inferior items—this time, poorly made bags—to its already frustrated members.

This is not the first time the leadership has shown such disregard. During the last GNAT conference, high-quality bags were handed out exclusively to attendees, while the general membership, whose dues pay for everything, was left with cheap, inferior alternatives. The message was clear: the best is reserved for a privileged few at the top, while the ordinary teacher must settle for scraps. It is this Animal Farm attitude, "some members are more equal than others,” that continues to breed anger and resentment within the union.

One would assume that after nationwide criticism, the leadership would adopt a more transparent, respectful, and accountable approach. Sadly, GNAT appears determined to repeat its mistakes. Instead of fostering unity and trust, it keeps digging an even deeper trench of division between leadership and membership.

But the larger blame, perhaps, lies with the teachers themselves. For years, members have tolerated this disrespectful treatment. They have funded the comfort of the leadership—providing them with vehicles, allowances, and hefty salaries, only to be treated as though they should be grateful for crumbs. How long will teachers continue to empower leaders who do not prioritise their welfare?

Beyond salary negotiations—where outcomes often fall below expectations, what has GNAT tangibly delivered for its members in recent years? At a time when teachers are battling economic hardship, inadequate resources, and poor conditions of service, the union appears more focused on distributing inferior souvenirs than fighting for real improvements in the profession.

Ironically, most of the GNAT leaders were once classroom teachers themselves. They know the frustration, the sacrifices, and the endless struggles teachers endure daily. Yet, once they ascend to leadership, the commitment to serve seems to fade. The hopes of teachers, who look up to their leaders for better welfare, are too often met with disappointing decisions and misplaced priorities.

This must stop!

Teachers join GNAT with the belief that the association exists to advocate for them, protect their interests, and enhance their professional lives. But if the current leadership continues down this path of neglect and selfishness, many members will begin to reconsider their loyalty. Teachers deserve respect, transparency, and value for their dues, not substandard gifts and selective generosity.

The leadership of GNAT must urgently reform its ways. The days of taking teachers for granted are over. A union that cannot treat its members with dignity cannot effectively fight for their welfare. Teachers must wake up, demand accountability, and ensure that those entrusted to represent them do so with integrity, fairness, and genuine commitment. Anything less is unacceptable.