NAGRAT Withdraws from Professional Learning Community (PLC) Activities

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has decided to withdraw its members from participating in the Professional Learning Community (PLC) activities organized by the Ghana Education Service (GES). This decision, communicated through a letter dated October 21, 2024, highlights several concerns regarding the PLC program and its impact on teachers.

The PLC was originally introduced to enhance teaching skills and promote professionalism among teachers. However, NAGRAT has expressed disappointment that the program has turned into a source of stress and victimization for teachers who are already overburdened with numerous responsibilities.

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NAGRAT's primary concern centers on the lack of clarity regarding teachers' entitlement to leave during the school calendar. According to Section 20 of Act 651 (the Labour Law of Ghana), every worker is entitled to a minimum of 15 working days of leave with full pay annually. This provision should apply to all public sector workers, including teachers.

However, NAGRAT claims that GES has not issued a clear policy concerning teachers' annual leave. As a result, some heads of schools, district directors, and regional directors have enforced their own rules, compelling teachers to participate in PLC activities even during holidays.

In some cases, teachers who refuse to attend these sessions during their rest periods have reportedly faced salary deductions or other penalties.

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In response to these issues, NAGRAT has called on its members to withdraw immediately from all PLC activities. The association is demanding that GES clarify its position on teachers' leave entitlements and stop enforcing participation in PLC sessions during holidays.

If these concerns are not addressed, NAGRAT has warned that it may take further action, including organizing industrial action to ensure that teachers' rights are respected.

The letter, signed by NAGRAT President Eric Agbe-Carbonu, urges the Director General of GES to come up with clear directives regarding PLC programs and teachers' statutory leave entitlements.

NAGRAT’s decision to halt participation in PLC activities signals rising tensions between the teaching body and GES. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in Ghana, and the association’s concerns reflect a growing demand for better working conditions and respect for labor rights.

For now, the ball is in the GES court to address these issues and restore clarity and fairness regarding teachers’ rights to leave and professional development programs.