What is GNAT?

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) is a professional association and trade union that represents pre-tertiary teachers in Ghana. It brings together educators from primary, junior high, senior high, technical schools, teacher training colleges, and educational administrative offices.

History & Legal Status

Teacher-association activity in Ghana dates back to the 1930s, though GNAT was formally inaugurated on 14 July 1962.

The association emerged from teachers’ dissatisfaction with being grouped under the Ghana Trade Union Congress, as many felt their professional needs were distinct.

In 1975, GNAT transitioned from a structure of multiple constituent associations into a single unified body for all pre-tertiary teachers.

It is registered under the Trustee Incorporation Act (1962), recognized by the Ghana Education Service Act, 1995 (Act 506), and holds a Collective Bargaining Certificate under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).

Membership

At inception, GNAT had around 24,000 members.

Membership grew steadily, reaching nearly 200,000 by 2012.

Today, GNAT remains one of the largest unions in Ghana, representing the majority of teachers at the pre-tertiary level.

Objectives & Functions

GNAT serves professional, welfare, and advocacy roles, including:

Representation & Advocacy

Negotiates with government on salaries, allowances, promotions, and working conditions.

Protects the rights and interests of teacher members.

Professional Development

Provides continuous professional development (CPD) programs.

Offers legal and employment-related support.

Runs scholarship and bursary schemes for members.

Welfare & Benefits

Operates the Teachers’ Fund, which supports members with retirement benefits, loans, and financial products.

Provides welfare packages for dependents in cases of disability or death.

Institutional Initiatives

Established bodies like the GNAT Institute for training, research, and industrial relations.

Supports local branches and teacher associations within institutions.

Structure & Governance

GNAT is managed through its National Secretariat, based in Accra.

The General Secretary leads the Secretariat, supported by national officers and an executive body that approves policies and oversees management.

The association is decentralized, with local branches handling grassroots concerns while the national body coordinates and sets standards.

Challenges & Current Issues

Regular negotiations with government over salary arrears, conditions of service, and allowances.

Calls for improved access to teaching resources and technology (such as cost-sharing initiatives for laptops).

Challenges with payroll and HR management systems, often leading to disputes that require GNAT’s intervention.