Lois Tipong-Asare, Chairperson of the Ho District branch of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), has called on the Government and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to establish a system that allows teachers to mortgage their pension funds to build homes.

Speaking at the 7th Quadrennial (54th) Ho District Delegates Conference on the theme: “The Ghana Education Service @50: Achievements, Teacher Motivation, Challenges, and the Way Forward,” Ms. Tipong-Asare emphasised the importance of early access to housing for teachers.

She proposed that contributions to the Teachers Fund, the Provident Fund, Tier Three pensions, and SSNIT could be structured into a mortgage facility, enabling teachers to secure decent housing before retirement.

“This is a request we are putting forward to the government and leadership. Giving teachers this kind of support will help them retire with dignity after years of service,” she said.

Ms. Tipong-Asare also highlighted several pressing issues affecting educators, including the persistent lack of teaching and learning materials, delayed promotions and salary adjustments, and increasing workloads without the corresponding compensation.

“These challenges continue to demoralise dedicated teachers who deserve recognition and improved working conditions,” she noted, adding that GNAT had been in an ongoing dialogue with the GES and local education directorates to seek redress.

She acknowledged some progress but emphasised that more needed to be done to improve the welfare of teachers, which she described as the cornerstone of quality education.

Mr. David Kattah, Volta Regional GNAT Chairman, urged teachers to plan actively for retirement by enrolling in schemes like the Teachers Fund and the Provident Fund.

Mrs. Marian Jemima Akua Adzroe, Deputy Volta Regional Director of Education, acknowledged the challenges faced by teachers, noting that while some were being addressed, it would take time to resolve them completely.

The conference brought together educators and stakeholders to reflect on the past, discuss current issues, and chart a way forward for improved teacher motivation and educational outcomes.