However, he acknowledged that unions had to be measured in their demands, making a significant sacrifice given the current economic situation.

“It is a huge sacrifice labour is making this year, and it will influence negotiations next year. We were expecting a minimum of 25%, but with the state of the economy, even if the government gives us 60%, it cannot address our challenges because prices have gone up.

“But the government knows the consequences of giving us what we expected; they indicated that there will be an economic shutdown or we will have a second wind of the economic crisis we experienced a few months ago,” he said.

President John Mahama personally engaged union leaders on Thursday to secure their support for the 10% increment, despite their initial insistence on 25%.

This marks the second pay rise in less than a year, following a 23% increase in 2024 aimed at easing the burden on workers.

While some argue that the increment is excessive and could worsen inflation, Mr. Carbonu believes it is fair under the current circumstances.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, he maintained that even if the government had agreed to a 60% increment, it still wouldn’t have been enough due to the rising cost of living.

He noted that President Mahama made unions understand the nation’s economic challenges, stressing that anything beyond 10% could have crippled the economy.

“It is not that the 10% is enough, but it is about the appeal the government made, the argument adduced by labour, the end game, and the effect on the economy.

“It is not usual and regular for the President to attend such meetings, but when he moves, then it means there is some economic crisis. He did not even participate in the negotiations but came to appeal; he was virtually begging that anything beyond 10% would collapse the economy. When we said it was an appeal, he insisted it was begging for us to know the issues are serious,” he stated.

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NAGRAT President Angel Carbonu emphasized that Ghana is facing significant economic challenges, making it unsustainable to continue offering certain social benefits for free.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, he highlighted the current food shortages in some senior high schools, warning that a lack of restocking could lead to serious problems.

“The problem in the schools currently is that there is a food shortage and there will be trouble if we don’t restock. We have been classified as the second indebted country to the IMF and at this point, this country cannot sustain any measure in shape or form like subsidies on water, electricity, or education,” Mr. Carbonu stated.

While acknowledging that he is not the Finance Minister, he stressed the importance of facing economic realities.

“If what the president says is the finality, then there should not be any stakeholder forum. The politicians must rule without any support,” he added.

Mr. Carbonu further cited the decision by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to withhold the 2024 WASSCE results due to government debt as evidence of financial strain.

“Let us accept that this free SHS thing is pure politics,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, President John Mahama has assured Ghanaians that his administration will sustain and enhance the Free SHS policy.

Speaking at the 92nd Annual Jalsa (Convention) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission at Pomadze in the Central Region, he pledged to address overcrowding in schools, complete abandoned projects, and improve Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) education.

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“You cannot repeat a student right now under the Free SHS policy because the government is providing a scholarship for that student, and it cannot be granted twice” he said.

He further explained that if a student enters Form 1, the government has already funded their education for that year.

“If that student repeats Form 1, it means the government is paying fees twice for that student, which creates a financial burden on the government,” he said in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Thursday.

Due to this, he said, the option of repeating a student is no longer available.

“There’s no pressure for students to learn since there are schools in Ghana where students simply don’t attend class, and whether they fail or not, they are automatically promoted,” Mr. Carbonu noted.

He referred to this practice as “wholesale promotion” because of the funding constraints that prevent students from being held back.

“Some head teachers have tried to request that certain students be repeated, but they’ve been unsuccessful. The question is: Where would you get the funding to pay for that student?.It is not government policy, so students are automatically promoted, with no repetition or withdrawal” he noted.

In his view, the Free SHS policy functions like a scholarship for each student.

“When a student is repeated, it means the government is paying for their education again, which goes against the government’s financial interests. This is a serious issue, and it’s something that should be addressed. Some head teachers have complained to me many times, but they feel powerless to do anything about it” he said.

Going forward, Mr. Carbonu called for a dialogue on the matter and urged government to reconsider its stance.

“When there’s a proper conversation, the government should admit that students who need to be repeated should be allowed to do so,” he concluded.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Carbonu praised IGP Dampare for his professionalism and dedication to creating a non-partisan police service.

He disclosed Dr. Dampare’s contributions to improving the Police administration, including renovations at the Police Headquarters to enhance its appeal.

“We have always called for a professional police administration, and IGP Dampare has proven himself as one of the most professional officers we’ve seen,” Mr. Carbonu stated.

He further argued that Dr. Dampare’s performance under the current administration, which appointed him, is commendable, but his true impact would be better assessed if he continues his mandate under a different government.

“The best way to assess him is when he is working for a regime that did not appoint him. This is how we can ensure continuity and professionalism in our police service,” he added.

Mr. Carbonu also commended the IGP for his role during the December 7 elections.

As part of the CODEO observer mission, he noted that Dr. Dampare’s directive for police officers not to carry firearms at polling stations prevented potential fatalities and contributed to a peaceful electoral process.

“His instructions during the elections saved lives. The police couldn’t be accused of killing anyone because they were unarmed at polling stations. For this reason, I believe Dr. Dampare should be maintained as IGP to continue his excellent work” he noted.

Mr. Carbonu stressed the need to shield public institutions like the police service from partisan interests, adding that Dr. Dampare’s leadership embodies the professional standards that Ghanaians expect.

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According to him, while Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Jean Mensa has delivered a detailed address on the issue, he firmly believes that these nine constituencies should undergo a rerun.

“The sanctity of the electoral process has been compromised, and it should be done again,” he said in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Thursday.

The Electoral Commission has indicated that it will not accept the collated results of Ablekuma North and Okaikwei Central constituencies due to irregularities recorded during the collation and subsequent declaration.

In total, the Commission will re-collate results for the following constituencies: Nsawan Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, Techiman South, and Dome Kwabenya.

While addressing the issue, Mr. Carbonu, who was part of the CODEO election observers, said if the EC goes ahead with the re-collation, it will not bring peace or harmony.

“We need a rerun because it will allow for a clearer outcome.”

He raised questions about the criteria the EC used in selecting polling agents.

“If the EC had followed proper procedures, we would not be in this situation,” he added.

Mr. Carbonu emphasized that a rerun would help resolve any uncertainty and ensure fairness in the process.

“Re-collating the results will not end the agitation, but a rerun will bring clarity and peace. If the EC listens to this advice, it will show the people that when elections are not well conducted, there can be a rerun to ensure fairness” he stated.

Reflecting on the Election Day, Mr. Carbonu noted that the election itself was peaceful, but the challenges arose from the collation and declaration of results.

“The best way forward is a rerun, not just re-collation, to restore public trust in the electoral process” he said.

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The situation according to Mr Carbonu is a bit surprising, stating this is not the first time there has been a transition of government.

He said this in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Thursday.

“This is not the first time there has been a transition of government after an election. The practice has gone on smoothly. So why now? Why can’t we get an appropriation bill passed? What is happening? Who is punishing who?” he questioned.

His comments come at a time of heightened debate over the delayed mini-budget, with public sector salaries and government operations for early 2025 hanging in the balance.

However, Mr. Carbonou emphasized the need for automatic systems to manage critical state functions, especially during the period between elections and the swearing-in of a new government.

The NAGRAT President noted negotiations for salary increments had to be suspended this year due to the December 7 election.

He therefore cited the importance of operational budgets to sustain the nation during the transition period, urging Parliament to find a middle ground on the matter.

Recounting to concerns that the hung nature of the eighth parliament has created a challenging environment for decision-making, he stated, “Whether hung or no hung, there are issues that must be deliberated on. The appropriation bill must be passed for work to go on.”

He continued, “We are talking about financial issues which can affect us badly or immediately. There is the need for the passage in such a way that work can go on from January 1.”

Expressing confidence that December salaries will be paid, he also forewarned that “Industrial action will definitely come in January when the workers go to the bank and salaries are not paid.”

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Mr. Carbonu noted that while Ghana is often celebrated as a beacon of democracy, the country has failed to establish institutional systems that transcend individual sentiments and ensure smooth governance transitions.

In an interview on Joy FM Top Story on Tuesday, December 17, he said: “As a Ghanaian and a public sector worker, I am very disturbed and worried. Over the years, we’ve been touting ourselves as a beacon of democracy, yet we have failed to put in place democratic systems that can transcend individual human sentiments.”

His comments come at a time of heightened debate over the delayed mini-budget, with public sector salaries and government operations for early 2025 hanging in the balance.

Mr. Carbonou emphasized the need for automatic systems to manage critical state functions, especially during the period between elections and the swearing-in of a new government.

“If systems were in place, whenever elections are over and a government becomes a lame duck, and the newly elected party prepares to assume office, we would know how to transition seamlessly. We currently rely too much on human emotions and last-minute decisions.”

He cited the importance of operational budgets to sustain the nation during the transition period. “For example, the operational budget—funds necessary to manage this country for the next three months, covering salaries, emoluments, and financial obligations of various agencies—should have been managed by a system that automatically kicks in after December 7 until January 7 when power is handed over.”

Mr. Carbonou stressed that the absence of such systems exposes the country to unnecessary risks.

He also referenced past instances where laws were hurriedly passed during the final days of a government, only to have negative repercussions later.

Calling for urgent reforms, Mr. Carbonu urged stakeholders to develop clear frameworks that define what an outgoing government can and cannot do in its final month in office.

“…We should put in place measures to know what the government can do and cannot do in the last month.”

Mr Carbonu has acknowledged that there is opposition from members of some unions.

However, the majority of the members are in support of the nationwide strike action set to commence on October 10.

“Four campuses of UTAG organised votes and some of them went as high as 70% so though certain individuals are not in support, the overwhelming majority endorsed the strike,” he said.

In an interview on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday, Mr Carbonu stated that the opposers are free to exempt themselves from industrial action.

But that will not cause the greater population to relent on its quest, stating they are not worried in any way.

“There are over 36 groups that make up Organised Labour but when decisions are taken at plenary, every member is bound by it but if a union decides to break ranks, it is up to them but the union I belong to will not break ranks in a fight like this.

“We are not worried at all by the opposition those who don’t want to go on strike against galamsey can do what they want but when the call is made, the entirety of organised labour will be on strike that I can assure you,” he noted.

Listen to the NAGRAT President in the audio above:

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According to him, the strike action expected to start on October 10, 2024, is a terrible thing Ghanaians wouldn’t want to experience.

In an interview on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday, Mr Carbonu pointed out that about 36 groups make up the Organised Labour.

In this regard, a decision by all or most of these groups to partake in the strike will adversely impact the economy.

Emphasising that the government knows what must be done to avert the strike, Mr Carbonu charged relevant authorities to act swiftly.

“This strike will not be like NAGRAT or any other association going on strike. It will be terrible and I will be disappointed if government allows this strike to go on.

“I have a lot of friends in government, I have spoken with them and they know what to do to avert the situation,” he said.

Following the announcement of the strike, President Akufo-Addo on October 3 pleaded with the labour union to reconsider the strike.

However, Organised Labour has maintained its decision to proceed, citing the government’s failure to provide concrete assurances.

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This comes as organised labour prepares to embark on a nationwide strike on Thursday, October 10, demanding stricter measures to combat galamsey, including a ban on all mining activities in forest reserves.

Despite President Akufo-Addo’s plea on October 3 to reconsider the strike, Organised labour has confirmed that the industrial action will proceed, citing the government’s failure to provide concrete assurances.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem on Tuesday, Mr Carbonu urged the government to act swiftly to regulate the mining industry and safeguard the environment.

“The government should not wait for parliament to reconvene before taking action on galamsey; they should act now. The strike will go on since the government has refused to give concrete assurance on how it will solve the illegal mining menace.

“The government should declare a state of emergency in mining areas, and small-scale mining activities should be suspended for a while to allow the government to raise modalities to be able to regulate the industry properly.

“We want the government to show commitment to fighting galamsey; we want them to show that they care. By now, people involved are supposed to be arrested. Since we announced plans for the strike, there has not been any sign of commitment from the government to solve the menace,” he said.

Watch the video below:

Source: Adomonline

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NAGRAT’s President, Angel Carbonu, speaking on Accra-based on Citi FM on Tuesday stated that students in areas heavily affected by galamsey are increasingly irregular in school. This irregular attendance is disrupting the educational process.

“Students in these mining regions often find that participating in galamsey offers immediate financial rewards far beyond what they could expect from their education, leading to decreased school attendance and negatively impacting both teaching and learning,” he stated.

Mr. Carbonu also highlighted the difficulties in combating the galamsey issue, noting that political figures who control resources and can acquire machinery to facilitate illegal mining often benefit from these activities.

In response, NAGRAT is urging the government to take decisive action, including implementing a nationwide ban on small-scale mining and halting the issuance of licenses for gold prospecting in water bodies and forest reserves.

“To address this crisis, we need to take immediate measures to stop the damage. This includes banning all small-scale mining activities across the country, removing machinery from forests and rural areas, identifying and punishing those involved in illegal mining, and halting the issuance of any new licenses for gold prospecting or mining.”

Source: Adomonline

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According to him, teachers are yet to receive their allowances among other benefits as stipulated in the Collective Agreement signed on May 24, 2024.

Mr Carbonu said despite efforts to get authorities to resolve their issues, nothing appears to be done.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on August 28, he said the government owed them a certain allowance as far back as three years ago and has still not indicated when it would fulfill its part of the agreement.

He said the union therefore has no other option than to use the language the government understands to get them to fulfil their side of the bargain.

“We are having serious challenges with the current situation that is bedevilling us. As you and I see the last time car maintenance allowance was paid to the Ghana Education Service was three years ago.

“So as far as the Ghana Education Service was concerned, car maintenance allowance are not being paid.

“So do we always have to state an industrial action for people to do what they are supposed to do my law,” he quizzed.

NAGRAT and other teacher unions, in a press release signed on Tuesday, threatened to embark on industrial action if the Ghana Education Service failed to act swiftly to resolve the precarious and difficult situation currently confronting the teachers by the close of Monday, September 16, 2024.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, Mr Carbonu emphasized that Organised Labour had fulfilled its promise to call off the strike following SSNIT’s decision to cancel the sale of its hotel shares.

However, he pointed out that this decision is just the beginning of a broader conversation about state enterprise management.

“Organised Labour is forming a committee in the next two weeks and that committee will come out very soon within one month we would want to get certain answers from the government on the way our nation is being run and the fact that state properties are being captured by private individuals and we don’t like it that way.

“We kept to our word that we would call off the strike when SSNIT cancels the hotel sale but like in the statement, we would want to meet with SSNIT and other stakeholders. There are a lot of things, People are very worried about how easily state enterprises are being sold to private entities at the slightest difficulty. My question is, how can a private man run an institution profitably, and a government appointee with a hefty income can’t?” he questioned.

Mr Carbonu also highlighted the need for prudent management and utilization of state resources and warned against politicians taking advantage of their positions.

“Leadership and management are the reasons we have this problem. Government employees often fill companies with their people because we elect individuals whose primary desire is to maintain power for as long as possible, rather than make decisions that will benefit society.”

“Are we going to remain like this forever? We have to start something. If we have a leader who is selfless and ready to work, we won’t have this problem.”

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This comes after Organised Labour announced a nationwide strike over the development.

The decision of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) to grant Rock City Hotel leeway to proceed with the process after consideration was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) indicated that, the deal is not in the interest of Ghanaians.

As health workers and judicial services hinted at withdrawing services in support of the strike, the management of Rock City Hotel said the negative reaction leaves them with no option but to pull out.

In a statement on Friday, the hotel’s management indicated that “Flowing from all the commentary monitored and the undue negativity that has attended this commentary, we feel you have not done enough to engage all your stakeholders, leading to perceptions that we don’t want to be associated with our brand.”

“We believe that such negativity is not only injurious to our brand but also jeopardises the success of the investment we intend to make in these hotels.”

On the back of this, Rock City has informed SSNIT “of our decision to withdraw our bid and discontinue our pursuit of this investment opportunity.”

But Angel Carbonu believes that Rock City’s withdrawal does not hold any weight.

From July 2022, the hospitals will see a total withdrawal of all their services.

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana also directed all workers not to report to work from Monday, July 15, 2024, until demands are met.

At the press conference today, the TUC argued that the sale of SSNIT’s stake to Rock City Hotel was not in the best interest of Ghanaian workers; therefore, SSNIT must terminate the deal.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Wednesday, Mr. Carbonu described the trend as worrying.

“We are deceiving ourselves that children should not bring mobile phones to schools. I can tell you that about 99% of children in SHS have mobile phones” he said.

Mr. Carbonu recounted an incident where Curriculum and Assessment Officers visited a school in the Eastern Region and asked students to use mobile phones for an exercise.

Initially, he noted that the students claimed they did not have phones, prompting the officers to assure them there would be no repercussions for using phones.

To their surprise, Mr. Carbonu said all the students immediately brought out their mobile phones.

“In the next 5 to 10 years, if you don’t have knowledge in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a teacher, you will become ancient” he said.

He noted that children are highly adept in ICT.

“The children are very versatile in ICT; that is how technology is taking over schools.”

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Thursday, he revealed a troubling incident where he was approached with a request to secure admission for a student with an aggregate score of 37 to Wesley Girls High School .

“I found that request problematic. It will be an embarrassment to use an aggregate 37 to beg for a school” he stated.

According to him, when he suggested finding an alternative school, he was accused of falling to assist his community.

Mr. Carbonu recounted another incident where a student violated school rules and  was suspended.

He said the student’s mother begged him to use his position as NAGRAT President to intervene – a plea he vehemently opposed.

“I told the woman I cannot do that. I asked her to follow due process” Mr. Carbonu said.

Reflecting on these incidents, the NAGRAT President said “this is the society we find ourselves in. We have a long way to go as a country”.

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According to him, he does not see the point in toeing this line when no one has taken on the government over its legality or otherwise.

“I have not heard anybody, civil society, media, unions, political organisation, I have not heard anybody condemning the Free Senior High School and I have also not heard anybody boldly come to say that the Free Senior High School should be abolished. What I have heard people say is to critic the functionality of the programme as it is now and question whether resources are adequately and timeously being sent to the institutions for effective teaching and learning to tale place,” Mr Carbonu explained.

Speaking on Top Story, Mr. Cabonu insisted that the government has bigger fish to fry, such as ensuring that the policy is more effective.

“What is needed is to identify the challenges in the implementation of the Free Senior High School programme… One major challenge is the scale in terms of resource allocation tilting heavily in favor of feeding, against the provision of physical infrastructure, and also teaching and learning materials, creating a congenial environment for teaching and learning to take place. And if we continue like this, we are pushing money to feed children in school and we are compromising the provision of what is necessary for the purpose for which the child is in school; that is teaching and learning,” he said on Tuesday.

He believes this will rather create unnecessary chaos among the legislators around the programme.

“For us to be told right now that at right now that is going to Parliament to see whether the opposition parliament is going to raise an objection to create a political cacophony once again on a very important issue, begs the salient issues that are being raised on this basis.”

The legislation will make the implementation of the free SHS policy binding on successive governments if passed.

The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, announced at a press briefing ahead of Parliament’s resumption from break on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

He indicated that a finalised bill is ready for presentation by the Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.

According to him, the move is to prevent any government from attempting to abort the policy.

The Majority Leader insisted that “If we consider it [Free SHS bill] as a House, what that means is that it becomes mandatory for governments to implement this.”

“Unless it is repealed, no government would have the right to say, I am not going to enforce Free SHS because now it is law, so if you fail, a citizen can apply to the court as his bona fide and the court can exact justice in that citizen’s favor,” he said.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr Carbonu revealed that the last time the government disbursed Tier-2 pension funds was in June 2023, with union dues last paid in December 2023.

According to him, the monthly deductions made from workers’ salaries by the Controller and Accountant General’s Department, which are designated for various purposes, including contributions to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Tier-2 pension funds, and union dues, are not being transmitted promptly to their intended destinations.

“Every month, the Controller and Accountant General’s Department does deduction from workers’ salaries into third-party destinations. And they are SSNIT, Our Tier-2 funds, and the dues that are collected for the various Unions.

“Unfortunately, when these deductions are made, they are not transmitted immediately to their destination institutions, so for example, the last time the government paid the Tier-2 funds was in June 2023. With the issues to do with our monthly dues, what we use to run the Union office, the last time the government sent funds was in December 2023,” he said on Tuesday.

The NAGRAT president expressed concern that a similar delay may exist with Tier-1 SSNIT contributions, exacerbating the vulnerability of workers and pension schemes alike.

Mr Carbonu emphasised the dire consequences of this delay, particularly in cases where workers may urgently require access to their invested funds, such as in the event of sudden death.

He explained that affected individuals would only receive their invested funds minus the deductions made since July 2023, resulting in reduced returns and financial insecurity.

“What it also means is that those monies have not been invested so the worker does not get much for the contribution he or she makes.”

He underscored the government’s obligation to ensure the timely payment of mandatory deductions on behalf of workers.

He lamented that the failure to fulfill these obligations has left pension schemes without the necessary resources, further compromising their ability to provide adequate support to members.

“So this has left the various schemes vulnerable because they are not getting the resources that they are supposed to get timeously.”

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President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonu who announced this said the document has been thoroughly researched and if followed, concerns and challenges in the educational system would be effectively addressed.

Speaking on JoyFM’s TopStory on February 12, he said “Leadership of the unions have prepared a document that we are going to share with the political parties and we will be engaging the political parties on the document that we have prepared.”

Although Mr Carbonu did not explicitly state the day the document will be ready, he mentioned that once everything is complete, copies will be sent to relevant stakeholders.

“The document will be ready by next week. I will send you a copy so that we will see which political party will be opened to incorporate it into its manifesto, some of the suggestions that we have made.

“Let us now have a more intellectual discussion or discourse on what a politician can do and what the people expect,” he added.

Responding to questions on whether the country’s budget can meet their demands, the NAGRAT president said “We will suggest to the political parties, how to be able to save money and protect the revenue of the state to provide for our needs and wants.”

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The President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonu, has said the headteachers interdicted in 11 Senior High Schools (SHSs) should be blamed for their woes.

According to him, the headteachers had one responsibility which was to comply the government’s policy banning the sale of any items to students.

However, they decided to do a job they weren’t assigned just to save the image of government.

“This wouldn’t have happened if I was a school head because I wouldn’t have done this. I don’t know what is wrong with my colleague headteachers and I blame them. You do something which someone doesn’t appreciate yet you will still continue and get embarrassed in public,” he stated.

The interdiction by the Ghana Education Service (GES) was in connection with the collection of unauthorized fees from the students placed in their schools.

The outfit listed the unauthorized monies to include payments for sewn anniversary cloth, House dues, sale of books, sale of calculators, sale of anniversary cloth among others.

Livid Mr Carbonu in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem stated this public ridicule was avoidable even though the rationale behind selling items might be valid.

“We have over 1,000 SHSs nationwide and do they want to tell us it is the same prospectus nationwide? We have schools in areas where the weather is very cold so do we want to same that we have a harmonised prospectus for all?

“The Ministry is aware the schools do not have certain things and what the headteachers are to do is to write to their superiors. If there is a problem, GES will come and find a solution,” he added.

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Listen to Mr Carbonu in the audio above:

In his view, addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by Ghanaians should take precedence over annual salary increment.

“The solution to our challenges goes beyond these annual salary adjustments. Our leaders are just confused and don’t know what is important and not” Mr. Carbonu said.

His comments follow the increment of base pay on the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) by 23 percent beginning January 2024.

The 23 percent will apply across board from January 2024 to June 2024 after which it will go up to 25 percent from July 2024 to December 2024.

It follows the completion of negotiations for the 2024 Single Spine Salary Structure Base Pay between the government and Organised Labour on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

But while acknowledging the increase, Mr. Carbonu, on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Wednesday, argued that, their proposed 70% salary increment based on inflation and high cost of living was not considered.

He expressed disappointment that, these crucial factors were not considered in the negotiation process.

The NAGRAT boss also accused the government of disseminating false information about the economy.

As a member of CODEO, he criticised the allocation of substantial funds to political campaigns to the disadvantage of the average Ghanaian.

Mr. Carbonu underscored the need for a more holistic and sustainable approach to addressing the economic challenges faced by the citizens.

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Reverend John Ntim Fordjour has said there is no iota of truth in the assertions.

Reacting to a viral assault video from Adisadel College on Tuesday, NAGRAT President, Angel Carbonu stated indiscipline among students is on the rise because the power and strength school managers and teachers had a few years ago has been taken out of their hands.

This, he said, has made them helpless in dealing with indiscipline in schools.

But speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the Deputy Minister noted the only thing that was abolished in schools was corporal punishments.

He explained it was as a result of unfortunate incidents that had been recorded over the years.

“Over the years, they have been reports of a student going blind, falling sick, dying and a whole lot just because teachers were using canes on them. So should we allow this to continue?” he quizzed.

The Deputy Minister, who doubles as Assin South MP, stated he can, therefore, not comprehend why anyone will therefore assert teachers are helpless when it comes to disciplining students.

“What authority have we taken from teachers aside from caning just to avoid students from being injured, falling sick among others, what authority have we taken from them?

“Corporal punishment is not the only way to correct students, especially in this generation,” he said.

Rev Ntim Fordjour emphasised the role of teachers in schools cannot be overlooked, adding it is relevant in the education sector.

“It is a collective responsibility in enforcing and supervising our children,” he admonished.

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“In the past, school managers and teachers held significant power and strength in controlling students, but sadly, that authority has been gradually taken away from us,” Mr Carbonu stated.

He emphasized that the decline in teachers’ authority has contributed to the intensification of such incidents in schools.

He further lamented the lack of consequences for students who misbehave, attributing this problem to the diminishing power of teachers to enforce disciplinary measures effectively.

He called for a collective decision to restore the authority of schools in handling disciplinary matters.

“We need to return to a system where schools can make decisions and take appropriate actions when students violate school rules and regulations,” Mr. Carbonu urged.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show Tuesday, he suggested that a structured disciplinary committee should be empowered to address various offenses, with corresponding punishments depending on the severity of the misconduct.

The NAGRAT president expressed his belief that the decline in teachers’ authority can be linked to external influences promoting alternative approaches to raising children.

He criticized these foreign ideologies for disregarding the cultural differences and environments in which Ghanaian children are nurtured.

“Some individuals have been swayed by foreign ideals, asserting that our traditional way of raising children is inadequate. They have influenced decisions, undermining the effectiveness of our disciplinary methods,” he stated disapprovingly.

He went on to point out that these external advocates might have lured people with financial incentives, leading to misguided decisions that have harmed the traditional methods of discipline in schools.

“Our cultural environment plays a crucial role in how we raise our children. We cannot blindly adopt foreign ideologies without considering the impact they may have on our society,” Mr Carbonu asserted.

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The President of the National Graduate Association of Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonu, has taken on the management of St. Monica’s Senior High School(SHS) at Mampong in the Ashanti region over the death of a student.

The student, Patience Amanyi, was sick but the housemistress reportedly turned her away when she went to request an exeat to seek medical care.

She stayed on campus for some days, left virtually in the care of her colleague students.

The students took her to the Mampong Hospital after some days, on a day her condition had worsened, and she died same day.

But Mr Carbonu in an audio recording has said he cannot fathom the rationale behind the action of the housemistress, adding the death was avoidable.

“My dear colleague teachers, there is an unfortunate development at Mampong St. Monica’s SHS, which has led to the interdiction of the management of the school. I have had a lot of complaints from our members to intervene in the case. But I wonder how and why this situation should arise in the first place,” he fumed.

He continued, “A girl falls sick and comes for exeat to go to the hospital, the girl is shown to the house staff. And the girl was denied exeat, leading to the death of this girl. Now people are threatening brimstone against the Ghana Education Service, teachers are being insulted left right and centre on local radio stations and so on and so forth.

“My colleagues, sometimes I don’t know what is wrong with us the teachers, drawing onto ourselves, problems and challenges that no one compensates us for. If a student is sick, and there is evidence that the student is sick, and the student comes to you for an exeat, what on earth do you benefit from refusing an exeat for the student to go to the hospital? What do you stand to gain as a teacher for refusing to give exeat to a student to go to the hospital?”

A livid Mr Carbonu indicated there have been several reports of parents being turned away in their quest to pick up their wards from school.

This situation he described as worrying as he questioned how much teachers are being compensated for this job he described as unnecessary.

To him, it will be best for people to resign if they feel the job is too much for them.

“That people don’t even recognize? The story in Mampong is a very sad one. An innocent girl lost her life just because a house mistress refused to do her duty.

“How can you say it’s not time for exeat and therefore whether you are sick or not, dying or not, I’m not going to give you exeat? Colleague teachers, sometimes we attract ourselves into invectives and negative expressions people make against us. If you feel that the housemistress job is too much for you, you can resign. There’s no need for this girl to die at St. Monica’s SHS at all,” he noted.

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Play audio above:

According to him, no legal means will restrain them from embarking on the indefinite strike come December 27.

 “I was expecting that by now the Ministry of Finance would have even withdrawn pension funds looking at the argument that is coming up and impositions that are being raised by academic and industry players. But as at now that you and I are talking, we have not heard anything from the Ministry. And we’re hearing that they want to use certain legal means to restrain us, it will not work.

“We are waiting for an announcement from the ministry that pension funds have been removed from the debt exchange program. If we do not hear that announcement we would not have a meeting, press release or anything, on the said date all workers in the public and private sector will lay down their working tools,” he said.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam Show, he said that government’s expenditure for 2023 and its actions are no proof of economic hardship.

“We have given a two-week grace period for the government to give that announcement. Government claims there is hardship, its actions prove otherwise. Looking at its expenditure for 2023, government’s own behaviour does not indicate we’re in an economic crisis,” he fumed.

Mr Carbonu added that honesty from the government to Ghanaians is the way to go.

“Honestly speaking the government is not being fair to workers. If we’re in crisis in a country, let us behave as such. Sometimes if you tell Ghanaians the truth, they can rally behind you. Don’t be afraid to lose elections. The people know we’re all in the ditch together. Let us speak the facts,” he said.

Organised Labour has declared its intention to embark on an indefinite strike from December 27, 2022. The strike is due to government’s decision to include pension funds in the planned Debt Exchange Programme.

According to the Finance Minister, bondholders like pension funds, banks and insurance firms will have to exchange their bonds for one that will earn zero interest next year.

The new bonds will only begin to earn five per cent interest in 2024 and 10 per cent for the remainder of their tenure. The maturity dates have also been extended with the first bonds only maturing in 2027.

The President, Eric Angel Carbonu, believes the appointment is purely political as the appointee do not have the requisite qualification.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr Carbonu stated the Association is disappointed and worried over the appointment.

“It is a political appointment because he has no knowledge about the position and it is because we have allowed partisan politics to destroy the neutrality and professionalism of the Public Service which includes the Education Service,” he fumed.

Mr Carbonu stressed, “He came to the Education Ministry after Dr Adutwum was appointed as Minister and has been serving as his personal assistant so how does he suddenly become Director-General?”

The former Director, Prof Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, was dismissed in a letter from the Presidency, signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante.

The letter said the Ministry of Education has informed the Office of the President that the exigencies that required Prof Opoku-Amankwa’s skills do not exist any longer.

Prof Opoku-Amankwa, in response, said he gave the outfit a facelift through the collaborative efforts of the GES staff.

According to them, the President must with immediate effect withdraw Dr Eric Nkansah’s appointment.

This, according to them, is because the appointee with his background as a banker does not qualify for the position.

“He is a banking officer who was a special assistant in the office of the Minister and has been appointed as the Director-General of the Ghana education service.

“We are not happy with this development. It is as if we don’t have professionals and well-educated people who have gone through the mill in education in this country, to run education,” NAGRAT President, Angel Carbonu, said on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen.

Mr Carbonu insisted it will be in their best interest if an educationist is an appointee, stating there are a lot of qualified persons.

“The authority to appoint a director-general is the president of the land. Unfortunately, contrary to what the teacher unions indicated – that we would want a director-general who is a professional teacher, who has passed through the mill, who can bring his knowledge, skills and influence to bear on the activities of teachers and non-teachers in the Ghana Education Service, contrary to that, the gentleman who was appointed yesterday, is not a teacher,” he added.

Mr Carbonu stressed they have unfinished business with the immediate past Director-General, Prof Opoku-Amankwa and therefore demand the President rescinds his decision.

According to NAGRAT, the development is disappointing.

The President of the Association, Angel Carbonu, in a media interview on Tuesday, said it also has left his members overwhelmingly disappointed.

“This is very disappointing. We are surprised because we had someone who was able to build a very positive relationship and rapport with the union,” Mr Carbonu said.

Prof Opoku-Amankwa was dismissed in a letter from the Presidency, signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante.

According to the said letter, his skills are no longer required at the GES.

“The Ministry of Education has informed this Office that the exigencies that required your skills and expertise as Director-General of the Ghana Education Service do not exist any longer,” the letter explained. 

The President wished him well in his future endeavors. 

“The President thanks you for your service to the nation and wishes you the very best in your future endeavours,” the letter added. 

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has revealed financial requirements made the teacher unions settle for KA Technologies for the government’s laptop initiative.

According to the President, Angel Carbonu, many companies were engaged in the distribution but they could not afford the cost involved.

“There were companies including KA Technologies and some offered to supply Dell, HP and we don’t even want to talk about Apple because it is expensive but our monetary considerations influenced our choice,” he said on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem show.

The government, in collaboration with teacher unions, started the distribution of laptops to all teachers in public schools in September nationwide.

The ‘One Teacher One Laptop’ is to help improve the quality of education.

The teachers will pay 30 per cent of the cost while government absorbs the remaining 70 per cent.

But a group calling itself  Innovative Teachers Association of Ghana has cast doubt over the quality of the laptop as well as the procurement processes.

The president, Stephen Dosu, has said the programme is not in the interest of teachers, adding the laptops by K. A. Technologies Ghana Limited are “substandard compared to brands like Dell and HP.”

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Reacting to the comments, Mr Carbonu fought off claims the laptops from K.A Technologies are not of quality though they could have procured HP and Dell as suggested by others.

“Romance without finances is ignorance and I know our members couldn’t have paid more for the laptops because I know the level of their salaries and for the records, headmasters at Presec and Achimota earn less than 4,000,” he said.

Play the audio attached above:

Speaking to Okay FM, Mr Carbonu said a man who has done no wrong will not face the wrath of God or any deity, considering his origin especially.

“Over the past week, social media has been awash with sentiments and insults because of the laptops. Someone has even cursed me but the issue is how can you curse an Agbozume man, it will come back to you,” he said.

The teachers’ union leader said he couldn’t fathom the reason for the tension and noise the laptops have generated as it is for the good of the teachers.

He explained it isn’t true the monies for the laptops are being deducted from salaries but instead, the professional development allowance.

He said it will be best for the teachers to get technocrats to check the validity and potency of the laptops before they draw any conclusions.

“Some people have suggested we should have bought Dell, Apple, among other names and it’s true they are beautiful and durable.

“But the money from the Teacher Development Allowance we are using wouldn’t be enough and that is why we engaged KA Technologies because their laptops are very good and not the kind of reports out there about it,” he explained.

Mr Carbonu further debunked claims of fraud and misappropriation of funds in the procurement processes.

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The government, in collaboration with teacher unions, started the distribution of laptops to all teachers in public schools in September across the country.

The ‘One Teacher One Laptop’ is to help improve the quality of education. The teachers will pay 30 percent of the cost while government absorbs the remaining 70 percent.

But, a teachers group, Innovative Teachers Association of Ghana, claims the programme is a clandestine move to “steal teachers’ monies”, accusing his fellow teacher union leaders of not properly consultation the rank and file of teachers.

Play the audio above for more:

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) says the government is partly to be blamed for the indiscipline in Senior High Schools (SHS).

According to the President, Angel Kabonu, the hands of teachers and headmasters are tied due to stringent laws that give the students the liberty to misbehave and go unpunished.

Mr Carbonu also lamented the activities of human rights organisations have been a contributing factor as they now defend students and in some cases offer legal support.

“As teachers our hands are almost tied because students are not punished enough lately, they feel they can get away with anything they do. Gone are the days when students were subjected to corporal punishment, dismissed, or made to weed for offences committed but now all that authority has been taken away from school heads and teachers,” he said in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen.

Mr Carbonu’s comments come in the wake of a stabbing incident at the Konongo Odumase SHS which led to the death of a first year student.

The incident occurred on Friday, November 5, 2021, after the deceased reportedly attempted to resolve a scuffle between some form two students and his mates.

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Though five students have been arraigned before court and remanded, Mr Kabonu said the situation could have been avoided.

“They have been several alien rules in our schools so now what teachers have decided to do is focus on their teaching jobs and protect it in order not to face any consequence,” he added.

Play the audio above for more:

The President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Eric Carbonu, revealed this on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem show.

According to him, these monies will not be deducted from the salaries of the beneficiaries but from an annual GHS 1,200 special allowance given to professional teachers.

“We were paid this allowance last year and that was what our people used GHS 100 to pay their licensure exam so there is no need for the beneficiaries to worry about the deductions,” he said.

Mr Carbonu explained the arrangement was recommended by the three teacher unions; Ghana National Association of Teachers, Coalition of Concerned Teachers and National Association of Graduate Teachers which the government agreed to.

Meanwhile, a group calling itself Innovation Teachers Association has kicked against the initiative over what it described as an inflated cost of the laptops which brand is not popular.

It argues the government should have considered Acer, Del, or Toshiba which are popular brands instead of the Teachers Mate 1 (TM1) laptops.

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But reacting to the claims, Mr Carbonu stated that would not be a problem for them as there are only three recognised teacher unions in the country.

He stressed brands and preferences cannot play out in the initiative, adding people have different choices to make which will increase the 30% cost to be borne by them.

The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, on Friday, launched and handed over 350,000 laptops under the ‘One Teacher One Laptop’ programme.

This is in fulfillment of the government’s pledge to equip Ghana’s teachers with the requisite Information and Communications Technology skills to prepare the next generation for the Fourth Industrial revolution.

The laptop, however, becomes the personal property of the teacher and serves the benefit of providing a tool for developing the teacher’s professional and personal capacity.