Why must teachers beg for their salaries – Melody Fafa Kportufe writes

Education is crucial for any economy or nation. However, we often overlook the people who make education possible—our teachers. This year’s National Teachers’ Day theme is very relevant: “Empowering Educators: Strengthening Resilience, Building Sustainability.”

This theme raises important questions. Are we truly empowering our teachers? Do they feel supported and motivated? Recent headlines show teachers protesting for unpaid salaries. This situation is disheartening and disgraceful.

One recent case involves newly posted teachers. They have gone nine months without pay after dedicating themselves to their students. It’s unacceptable for them to struggle just to survive in unfamiliar areas. An emotional scene unfolded at the Ghana Education Service headquarters when a teacher broke down in tears after traveling from Obuasi to protest unpaid wages.

How is this fair? Why must professionals, who are vital to society, demonstrate for their earned wages? These are not bonuses; they are rightful payments.

Who is responsible for this situation? The bureaucratic process adds frustration for these teachers. Today, they deal with the Ministry of Education; tomorrow it’s the Ghana Education Service; next week it’s the Ministry of Finance. Everyone shifts blame while nothing changes.

Who regulates this payment process? Who ensures timely salaries for teachers? There is a clear lack of accountability and empathy across all levels of government. If this were the private sector, there would be consequences by now.

National Teachers’ Day should reflect how we treat those shaping our future. It’s morally wrong to make anyone beg for their livelihood—especially teachers. We can do better, and we must.

As Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said, “Teachers are the backbone of any country—the pillar upon which all development stands.”