The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Ghana has called on the Ghana International School and other institutions to help in creating mental health awareness programmes to enhance teachers’ wellbeing.
Ms Gifty Abena Turkson, Deputy General Secretary, TEWU-TUC, said issues of mental health, such as long hours and mental fatigue, had gained global attention, affecting the lives of teachers and educators in the pursuit of their work.
She said this in Accra to mark this year’s World Teacher Day, which falls on October 5, to recognise the immense contributions of teachers.
The programme was on the theme “Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow.”
The programme was organised by TEWU of TUC-Ghana in collaboration with the Canadian Teachers’ Federation and the Ghana International School (GIS).
Both institutions shared a clear mission to create safe, respectful, and supportive environments for all educators and staff.
Since 2022, TEWU has worked closely with the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, an organisation with more than 90 years of standing up for teachers’ rights and professional growth.
She said teachers needed the serene environment to perform their functions, stressing that “When teachers are well, their students flourish.”
The theme, she stressed, was a call to action to remind all about how collective support and valuing teachers shaped the future of the children and the nation.

She commended teachers for their dedication in building future leaders, adding, “You don’t just teach facts; you light the way with hope, courage, and discipline.”
“You don’t only prepare students for exams; you prepare them for life. Where others see mistakes, you see potential. You fill classrooms with stories, songs, and joy, turning lessons into journeys.”
She appreciated the support and efforts of non-teaching staff and stated that a clean, safe, well-organised school was a place for effective learning to thrive.”
Ms Turkson said TEWU marked its 65 years of standing up for fairness and peace in education.
“This collaboration shows what happens when unions and schools come together: everyone benefits; education thrives, workers thrive, and our country thrives,” she said.
Mrs Angela Van der Puije, Vice Principal of Lower Secondary at GIS, acknowledged the importance of Union in advocating for the rights of teachers in the educational space.
She commended the great contributions of teachers to nation building and urged them to spend more time on the low learners to unearth their potentials.
She called for a continuous collaboration to work towards addressing challenges in the education sector for positive outcomes.
TEWU of TUC used the day to recognise four outstanding categorised departments and their staffs in GIS with awards.
Awards were presented to Upper Secondary Teachers, Lower Secondary Teachers, Primary School Teachers, Infant School Teachers and Education Support/Non -Teaching Personnel.
The initiative was to appreciate the invaluable contributions and respect for their hard work and exemplary commitment and passion to the profession.