Madam Sarah Oye Owiredu, the Greater Accra Regional Chairperson of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has urged actors in December elections, the Electoral Commission, and political parties to strive to be fair, transparent, and truthful in their activities and utterances.
She said by doing so, they would win the trust and confidence of all stakeholders participating in the elections.
She cautioned that any attempt on the part of the Electoral Commission (EC) by intent or oversight favouring one side of the political divide could be a catalyst that could plunge the country on a destructive path.
Madam Owiredu gave the advice at the occasion to celebrate teachers in the Greater Accra Region held at the GNAT Regional Secretariat at Nungua in Accra on the theme: “Valuing Teachers Voices: The role of the Teacher in Maintaining Peace before, during and after the December 7 Elections.”
“Inasmuch as we are ready and willing to play our roles as teachers in maintaining peace before, during, and after the impending elections, there is no doubt that maintaining peace in an election is predicated on the behaviour and conduct of the election management body,” she said.
She admonished the EC to constantly bring together all the actors with divergent interests for deliberations, which is a major asset in a climate of growing tension.
Madam Owiredu said it should be the concern of all of us, teachers, and all Ghanaians to make the maintenance of peace in this years’ election a collective civic responsibility, adding that there should be no sitting on the fence.
Mr Stephen Abamfo, the Greater Accra Regional Director of Education in a keynote address said the role of teachers extended beyond imparting knowledge within the four walls of classroom because they were leaders, mentors and in times like these, crucial advocates for peace and unity,
He said before the elections, teachers have the unique opportunity to shape the narrative by encouraging students to engage critically with information, promoting a culture of informed decision-making and discouraging the spread of misinformation.
“Our voices can guide them towards appreciating the democratic process, understanding that every vote counts and that every opinion deserves respect,” he said.
Mr Abamfo said during the elections, tensions may run high, and emotions could easily sway the minds of our youth, adding, “It is in this moment that our calm and steady voices are needed most as teachers.”
According to him, teachers must act as pillars of stability, urging our communities to choose peace over provocation, dialogue over decision and unity over discord.
Mr Ebenezer Perry Ofori, the Municipal Education Director and Chairman of the occasion said the world must value teachers voices as they occupy a unique space in society and for that to happen, teachers must first value their own voices.
He called on teachers to be mindful of their demeanour, appearance, and speech in public in view of the fact that they were role models who others look up to and must therefore acquit themselves well.
He urged teachers to be there for one another and refrain from backbiting and other forms of unhealthy conduct adding, “Let us live a good legacy for the generation after us through our actions and inactions.”
Madam Vida Takyiwa Takyi of Nyigbenya D/A Basic ‘B’ in Dangme West District was adjudged the Overall Best Teacher of the Greater Accra Region and received a double door refrigerator.
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