Kumasi — THE NATIONAL Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has observed its 10th Anniversary under the theme: "The Flame of Excellence" in Kumasi, where members took stock of its achievements and challenges, in order to roll out a road map for improvement in its performance in the future.

The President of the Association, Mr. Kwami Alorvi, told the meeting last week Friday, that NAGRAT's first victory was the overhaul of the anomalies in the ranking and grading system, which lumped all categories of teachers together at the same rank, and on one salary structure.

He also indicated that following the singular effort of NAGRAT, the Certificate 'A' teacher, who used to enter the Ghana Education Service (GES) at level 8, now does so at Level 10, while the diplomat professional has risen to level 12, instead of 11, with the professional University graduate going for a initial salary scale on Level 14, from 11.

Alorvi disclosed that NAGRAT had over the years, instituted a welfare scheme for its members, from the prudent management of the monthly dues of members. With effect from September this year, NAGRAT would pay GH¢930 to members who retire at 60, or families of deceased members.

He pointed to discrimination, antagonism, intimidation and victimisation by the powers that be, as threats to the trade union rights of the association, describing the situation as a manifestation of disrespect and discrimination.

Kwami Alorvi commended the members for their unity of purpose, which had contributed to the success story of the association so far.