The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that the Controller and Accountant-General's Department is currently validating data on up to 51,000 teachers in Ghana. This validation process is a crucial step towards addressing the outstanding promotion arrears owed to these teachers. According to Mr. Iddrisu, the exercise will inform a supplementary payment schedule for one category of teachers, while others will have their payments reflected in their October salaries.
The validation exercise is part of the government's efforts to address the concerns raised by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG). These teacher unions had embarked on a nationwide strike, disrupting teaching and learning in public schools. The strike was called in response to several issues, including the payment of promotion arrears, which was a major concern for the unions.
Mr. Iddrisu made the announcement after a meeting between the government and the striking teacher unions. He stated that the government had made a commitment to place all promoted teachers on their new grades by the end of October. The Minister emphasized that the government was working to address the outstanding issues and restore normal academic activities in the country's public schools.
The validation process, which is expected to continue from Monday, October 5, will cover data on up to 51,000 teachers. A supplementary payment schedule will be provided for one category of teachers, while others will have their payments included in their October salaries. This move is aimed at ensuring that all eligible teachers receive their promotion arrears.
The Education Minister's announcement comes as the government works to resolve the concerns raised by the teacher unions. The unions had expressed frustration over the delay in paying promotion arrears and the failure to implement other agreements. The government's commitment to addressing these issues is seen as a positive step towards resolving the impasse.
The payment of promotion arrears is one of three core issues raised by the teacher unions. The other issues include the implementation of a 20% deprived-area allowance and the revision of the teacher unions' conditions of service. The government has set up committees to work on these issues, with a timeline for implementation.
The Education Minister has appealed to the teacher unions to call off their strike and return to the classroom. He emphasized that the government is committed to honouring its promises and ensuring that teachers receive their rightful benefits. The unions have agreed to meet with the government again to discuss the implementation of the agreements.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has committed to paying promotion arrears to 51,000 teachers by the end of October.
- The validation exercise for the promotion arrears will be conducted by the Controller and Accountant-General's Department.
- The payment of promotion arrears is part of a broader effort to address the concerns of Ghana's teacher unions.
