The District Director of Education in Builsa South, Mr. Thomas Kanlisi, has expressed concern over the growing rate of teacher attrition in the district, attributing the worrying trend to the denial of study leave with pay for eligible teachers.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the AfriKids Teachers Awards held in Fumbisi, Mr. Kanlisi said that the lack of incentives, particularly the consistent denial of study leave entitlements, is demotivating teachers—especially those posted to deprived and rural communities in the district. He noted that many teachers accept postings to rural areas with the hope of securing study leave when the time comes. However, when these expectations are unmet, they often leave through transfers.
“Teachers say they are not motivated to stay. This is a deprived area—very rural. They come here thinking they will get a little bit of motivation. What would motivate them is the chance to get study leave. They come with that hope, only to be denied. So after working for three or four years, they normally leave.”
Mr. Kanlisi emphasized that the main challenge facing the district’s education sector is not just inadequate infrastructure or teaching materials, but the retention of qualified personnel. Many teachers exit the service or seek transfers due to unfulfilled promises.
“The major issue is the granting of study leave to teachers. That is what is demotivating them.”
Like many rural districts across the country, Builsa South continues to struggle with chronic staffing shortages.
He therefore called on the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education to reconsider current policies on study leave, which he believes could serve as a key incentive for teachers to remain in underserved areas.
“It is our hope that if the government grants them study leave, they will be motivated to stay.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gerard Asagi|Builsa South
