Mr. Bruce Senam McBrian, Secretary of the Kpetoe branch of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) on Friday appealed to government to make teachers' educational programmes free. He noted that the over GH¢200 course fee paid by teachers with certificate "A" willing to upgrade themselves was too much and only serves as a disincentive to accessing the programme. Mr McBrain made the appeal when he addressed teachers at Kpetoe at a short ceremony to mark this year's World Teachers Day. The theme for the worldwide celebration is, " Better working conditions for teachers means better learning conditions for learners". Mr McBrian said the introduction of the course was timely and long overdue, but the high cost involved was making it impossible for most teachers to access the programme. He urged government to consider the contribution of teachers to the socio-economic development of the country and give them salaries befitting the profession. He also advocated for a safe and healthy learning environment for both teachers and pupils to enhance effective teaching. Mr Hope Semevor, Kpetoe Local GNAT Chairman, emphasized the importance of teachers to the good of society, saying they shape the community. He advised teachers not to let the socio-economic situation of the country lure them into unprofessional behaviours such as alcoholism, examination malpractices and illegal collection of money from pupils and absenteeism among others. Mr Semevor said such acts affect the image of the teaching profession negatively and urged them to redeem the sinking image of the profession. Earlier, the teachers organised a clean-up exercise in the Kpetoe Township including the Kpetoe clinic. Source: GNA