NAGRAT has urged the government to incorporate teacher unions in the process of policy formulation.

The Ministry of Education has been urged by the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) to involve teacher unions in policy formulation to ensure the successful implementation of policies. As the group responsible for carrying out these policies, NAGRAT believes that including union leaders is crucial to achieving the intended purpose.

Peter Boateng, the General Secretary of NAGRAT in Greater Accra, stressed that involving teacher unions in policy formulation would prevent resistance from teachers towards reforms. Speaking to Citi News, he emphasized the importance of collaboration between the ministry and teacher unions in developing education policies that address the needs and concerns of teachers.

Furthermore, involving teacher unions in policy formulation can create a more inclusive and effective education system. NAGRAT’s call for collaboration highlights the significance of taking into account the perspectives of those who will be implementing the policies on the ground.

According to Boateng, there is a “master-servant relationship” between the Ghana Education Service (GES), the policy formulator, and the teachers. This relationship does not foster acceptance of reforms. Therefore, he believes that involving everyone in the conception stage of the policy is necessary. However, obtaining documents and arranging meetings is challenging, and there is often a lack of transparency until the policy is complete.

Boateng stated, “When they are done, they call you for a meeting and do a PowerPoint presentation, and then they say they have consulted the unions.”