The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Professor Elvis Binney, has appealed to the government to extend maternity leave for female teachers from the current three months to six months to promote the welfare of working mothers and improve childcare outcomes.
According to him, extending maternity leave would provide nursing mothers with adequate time to recover after childbirth and properly care for their newborns before resuming classroom duties.
Professor Binney made the call during a Teacher Prize Ceremony organized by the Bridgetoo Carlos Foundation in collaboration with the Atwima Mponua District Directorate of Education to honour female teachers serving in hard-to-reach communities across the district.
The event, which was held under the theme, “Honouring Female Teachers: Building a Brighter Tomorrow in Remote Communities,” brought together education stakeholders, including officials from the Ashanti Regional Education Directorate, executives of GNAT, district education officers, teachers and security personnel.
Addressing participants, Professor Binney noted that many female teachers face emotional and psychological challenges when compelled to return to work shortly after childbirth.
He explained that a six-month maternity leave policy, which aligns with practices in several countries, would enhance teacher morale, reduce anxiety among nursing mothers and contribute to better child development.
“Many female teachers struggle when they have to leave their infants behind and return to work after only three months. Extending maternity leave will provide them with the opportunity to fully recover and adequately prepare their children before resuming professional duties,” he said.
The ceremony recognised the dedication and sacrifices of female teachers working in deprived and underserved communities.
Awards presented to deserving teachers included refrigerators, television sets, chest freezers, stove burners, rice cookers and other household appliances, as well as citations of commendation.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bridgetoo Carlos Foundation and Headmistress of Mpasatia Basic School, Madam Evelyn Bridget Prempeh, said the initiative was designed to motivate teachers who continue to serve in difficult environments despite numerous challenges.
She stated that the foundation believes teachers in remote communities deserve recognition for their commitment to shaping the future of children.
“Our objective is to encourage these hardworking teachers and let them know that their efforts are appreciated not only by government but also by stakeholders who recognise the invaluable role they play in national development,” she said.
Madam Prempeh urged teachers who did not receive awards to remain dedicated to their profession and continue serving their communities with commitment and passion.
Beneficiaries of the awards expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing the recognition as a major source of motivation.
They also highlighted some of the difficulties associated with teaching in remote communities, including inadequate infrastructure, transportation challenges and limited access to essential services.
The award recipients pledged to continue giving their best to improve learning outcomes in their respective schools despite the challenges.
The Bridgetoo Carlos Foundation has in recent years supported educational development initiatives aimed at improving teaching and learning in underserved communities across the Ashanti Region.
