info@businessghana.com
The Deputy General Secretary of the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Gifty Abena Turkson, has highlighted mental health challenges faced by educators and urged school management to implement well-being initiatives.
She mentioned that mental health challenges — such as stress, long hours and fatigue — are widespread among teachers, with burnout being a common struggle globally.
Ms Turkson reaffirmed TEWU’s commitment to building supportive environments for all education workers, stating that when teachers thrive, students and societies do too.
"That is why we appeal to the management of the Ghana International School: please join us in creating mental health awareness programmes, resilience training and staff well-being initiatives.
When teachers are well, their students flourish," she stressed.
Ms Turkson was speaking at an awards ceremony to honour outstanding Ghana International School (GIS) staff from various teaching levels and non-teaching departments, recognising their dedication and impact.
The awards ceremony organised in conjunction with the Canadian Teachers Federation was part of activities to mark this year's World Teachers Day at the premises of the GIS in Accra.
The awards categories included infant school teachers, primary, lower secondary, upper secondary and education support personnel.
TEWU also presented a citation to the GIS for their dedication to raising excellent students.
In attendance were the TEWU Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Rev. Adu Poku, the second National Trustee, Ken Botwey, the Gender Coordinator, Theodora Dede Amanor, the Administrator, Eric Bosompem Twum, the Industrial Relations Officer - Greater Accra, Goodnews Aforve and the Vice Principal of the Lower Secondary School at the Ghana International School, Angela Van der Puije.
Ms Turkson said TEWU partnered the GIS and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation for the first time to celebrate teachers and education support staff, rather than engage in negotiations.
Vital role of educators
The Vice Principal of GIS, said education was a collective effort, involving not just teachers but also support staff such as drivers, technicians, cleaners and administrative personnel.
Mrs Van der Puije called for greater respect and appreciation for teachers, noting that while they are the backbone of society, their contributions are often undervalued.
