Educationist Dr. Daniel Osabutey has urged the government and key stakeholders to move beyond symbolic gestures and take concrete steps to address the longstanding challenges faced by teachers in Ghana.
Speaking on the Happy Morning Show with host Fati Shaibu Ali, Dr. Osabutey reflected on the historical and ongoing difficulties within the teaching profession. He highlighted poor working conditions, inadequate salaries, and a lack of essential teaching resources as persistent issues that continue to undermine the profession’s value and impact.
“Teachers used to work under extremely difficult conditions,” he stated. “They were underpaid, had limited access to teaching materials, and worked in poorly equipped schools. These factors made teaching an unattractive profession.”
Dr. Osabutey noted that while some progress has been made thanks in part to the efforts of teacher unions and support from international bodies like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNESCO many of the core challenges remain unresolved.
He identified three critical areas requiring immediate attention,
Poor Conditions of Service
Dr. Osabutey expressed concern about the gap between the commitment shown by teachers and the compensation they receive. He pointed to the increasing number of educators seeking better opportunities abroad and urged the government to invest in improved salaries and working conditions to help retain talent within the country.
Lack of Recognition and Appreciation
While recognizing the importance of events like World Teachers’ Day, he emphasized that teachers deserve year-round acknowledgment and support.
“We must value teachers not just with words, but with policies that reflect their essential role in nation-building,” he said.
Need for Unity and Collective Action
Calling for solidarity within the teaching profession, Dr. Osabutey encouraged educators to support one another and work collectively to advocate for systemic reforms.
“Teachers must unite, share their experiences, and push together for meaningful change in the education sector,” he urged.
As Ghana celebrates World Teachers’ Day, Dr. Osabutey’s message is a clear call to action: genuine progress will only come through deliberate policy shifts and sustained commitment to improving the lives of educators.
