As Ghana marks 67th anniversary of independence from colonial rule on March 6, 2024, three pre-tertiary teacher unions say they are disappointed that the country has lost its sense of pride.
They are; Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and Coalition of Concerned Teachers.
According to them, the current economic conditions and loss of pride among Ghanaians have impacted our democracy.
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”.
However, the leadership of GNAT, NAGRAT and CCT are disappointed in the chosen theme. Speaking exclusively with 3news’ labour correspondent, Daniel Opoku they proposed among others, a national dialogue to address the current state of affairs.
The President of CCT, King Ali Awudu called for a national dialogue to address challenges affecting 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.”