GNAT President Blames Rising Exam Failures on Politicisation and Delayed Capitation Grants

The President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev. Isaac Owusu, has attributed the increasing rate of examination failures among basic school pupils to the politicisation of education and persistent delays in the release of the capitation grant.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Rev. Owusu argued that government alone cannot effectively run basic education without strong support from parents. He said attempts in recent years to sideline or restrict Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) contributions have worsened conditions in public schools.

According to him, the capitation grant—already inadequate—must be stretched across numerous school needs including examinations, sports, meetings, minor repairs, and teaching and learning materials.

“No basic school receives more than GH₵1,500 per term, and you expect teachers to run quality education with that?” he questioned. He warned that pupils without proper learning materials will continue to struggle in WAEC examinations.

Rev. Owusu emphasised the need for a collective, non-political approach to improving basic education:
“We must stop the blame game and work together to fix the system. Government has its role, parents have their role. Excessive politicisation is hurting education.”

He commended Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu for clearing outstanding arrears owed on the capitation grant since taking office. The timely release of funds for the current term, he said, has brought some relief to schools.

Rev. Owusu also called for the full reactivation of PTAs, insisting that willing parents should not be prevented from supporting schools.