GNAT seeks government support for affordable teacher housing projects.

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has urged the government to provide land for affordable housing projects for teachers nationwide and to appoint a presidential liaison to address their concerns promptly, reducing the risk of industrial action.

During a meeting with President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, GNAT consultant Mr Kwame Pianim revealed that the union’s Teachers Fund, currently valued at approximately GH¢4 billion, could have reached nearly US$2 billion under stable economic conditions.

He explained that each member contributes GH¢100 monthly to the fund, which has financed projects such as the GNAT Heights housing development on Independence Avenue in Accra and provides soft loans to teachers. “We are asking for government support in acquiring land so we can build houses for teachers at the district level. This way, teachers can retire into homes of their own,” Mr Pianim told the President, describing GNAT as “the most progressive union in Ghana.”

GNAT also proposed the appointment of a liaison within the Presidency to handle teachers’ concerns directly, a measure they believe would prevent strikes and maintain stability in the education sector.

Mr Pianim, also Chairman of the Teachers Fund Investment Committee, detailed the union’s investment portfolio, noting that GNAT owns Teachers Fund Properties and holds interests in Tier Financial Services, Credit Mall, Unique Insurance, and Aviance ground handling services. “GNAT has built a business model that supports teachers. Tier Financial Services, for instance, gives small loans to SMEs.

We also hold shares in banks like Ecobank, SG-SSB, GCB, and UBA,” he said.

He added that the Teachers Fund has disbursed GH¢2.5 billion in low-interest loans to members and is financially poised to support further housing initiatives if land is provided.

However, Mr Pianim highlighted a challenge: a three percent third-party charge on payroll deductions, costing the fund nearly GH¢40 million annually. GNAT has requested the government to reconsider this charge, as its removal would free up funds for teacher-focused projects.

Mr Thomas Tanko Musa, GNAT General Secretary, disclosed that alongside the Teachers Fund, the union operates a medical support scheme, with each teacher contributing GH¢5 monthly, generating approximately GH¢1.4 million monthly to assist members with cancer and other critical medical needs.