Renowned economist Kwame Pianim has described President John Dramani Mahama as a “listening President”, emphasizing that when he makes promises, he follows through.
His remarks came during a courtesy call by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) at Jubilee House on June 11, 2025, where discussions centered on teacher welfare, housing, and education sector reforms.
GNAT’s Call for Affordable Housing and Government Support
During the meeting, GNAT urged the government to provide land for affordable housing projects for teachers nationwide. Pianim, who serves as a GNAT consultant, revealed that the union’s Teachers Fund, currently valued at approximately GH¢4 billion, could have reached nearly US$2 billion under stable economic conditions.
He explained that each member contributes GH¢100 monthly to the fund, which has financed projects such as the GNAT Heights housing development in Accra and provides soft loans to teachers.
“We are asking for government support in acquiring land so we can build houses for teachers at the district level. This way, teachers can retire into homes of their own,” Pianim stated, describing GNAT as “the most progressive union in Ghana”.
Proposal for a Presidential Liaison to Address Teacher Concerns
GNAT also proposed the appointment of a liaison within the Presidency to handle teachers’ concerns directly, a measure they believe would prevent strikes and maintain stability in the education sector.
Pianim, who also chairs the Teachers Fund Investment Committee, detailed the union’s investment portfolio, noting that GNAT owns Teachers Fund Properties and holds interests in Tier Financial Services, Credit Mall, Unique Insurance, and Aviance ground handling services.
“GNAT has built a business model that supports teachers. Tier Financial Services, for instance, gives small loans to SMEs. We also hold shares in banks like Ecobank, SG-SSB, GCB, and UBA,” he said.
He added that the Teachers Fund has disbursed GH¢2.5 billion in low-interest loans to members and is financially poised to support further housing initiatives if land is provided.
Concerns Over Payroll Deductions and Medical Support for Teachers
However, Pianim highlighted a challenge: a three percent third-party charge on payroll deductions, costing the fund nearly GH¢40 million annually. GNAT has requested the government to reconsider this charge, as its removal would free up funds for teacher-focused projects.
GNAT General Secretary Thomas Tanko Musa disclosed that alongside the Teachers Fund, the union operates a medical support scheme, with each teacher contributing GH¢5 monthly, generating approximately GH¢1.4 million monthly to assist members with cancer and other critical medical needs.
GNAT’s Commitment to Stability in the Education Sector
GNAT National Treasurer Ransford Nsiah Lolih, speaking on behalf of the leadership, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to maintaining calm in the education sector and supporting the government’s efforts to “reset Ghana”.
Mahama assured GNAT leaders that his administration would work closely with them to enhance teacher welfare and strengthen education policies, reinforcing his commitment to education sector reforms.
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