The Ghana National Association of Teachers Ladies Society (GNAT-LAS) of the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese (AAK) District in the Central Region has made a clarion call on government to consider extending the country’s mandatory 12 weeks paid maternity leave for nursing mothers in the public sector.
According to GNAT-LAS, a maternity leave of at least six months will help nursing mothers in the teaching fraternity to better prepare themselves and their babies to resume their classroom duties.
Catherine Asaam, the outgoing District GNAT-LAS Coordinator for AAK who doubles as Headteacher for Brafoyaw AME Zion ‘B’ Basic School, made the plea at the association’s 7th Quadrennial District Roundtable held on Tuesday, May 12, 2025 at Abura Dunkwa.
She reiterated the health sector’s advocacy to nursing mothers of a 6-month exclusive breast feeding to their babies to plead on government to consider having a relook at its three months leave offered nursing mothers in the teaching fraternity for an extension of at least 6-months.
The event held on the theme: “The Ghana Education Service @50; Achievements, Challenges and the Way Forward in Motivating the Female Teacher for Quality Education Delivery,” garnered astute personalities like the District Chief Executive, Ms. Henrietta Baah, the Regional GNAT-LAS Coordinator, and Engineer Dr. Wilberforce Eshun, the Regional GNAT Chairman.
Daniel Mensah Wardy, DCE for Abura Asebu Kwamankese speaking pointed out the extension of maternity leave to be a campaign promise made by his ruling NDC government in the 2024 general election to have it rather extended to four months. He assured to further draw the attention of leadership to the request, considering the immense contribution female teachers offer to the district’s education set-up.
Mrs. Henrietta Ghartey Paintsil, the Central Regional Manager of AME Zion Educational Unit in her address as guest speaker for the event, advocated that by empowering the female teacher in the country’s quest for quality education delivery, turns to empower students and the nation at large.
She expressed her gratitude to the collective effort of many including the female teacher’s dedication in the classroom. She said basic education today has become a right for every Ghanaian child and not a privilege for a few as expressed previously.
The 7th Quadrennial District Roundtable of the AAK GNAT-LAS branch saw an exhibition by all six GNAT-LAS Locals in the district, coupled with a Miss GNAT-LAS beauty contest as well as election of new GNAT-LAS District Executives.
