Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has renewed his appeal to teacher unions to call off their ongoing strike, assuring teachers that the government is committed to resolving their concerns. Speaking at the 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize celebrations, Mr. Iddrisu said the government was intensifying engagements with the unions to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing teachers. He gave a firm assurance that outstanding promotion arrears would be addressed.
The Minister’s comments come as the National Teaching Council hosts the 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize under the theme “Empowering Teachers: Architects of the Future.” The two-day event, being held from October 3 to 4 at the GNAT Hall in Accra, is aimed at recognising and celebrating teachers for their contribution to education and national development. The celebrations will culminate in a grand durbar at the UPSA Auditorium.
Mr. Iddrisu gave a firm assurance that outstanding promotion arrears would be addressed, stressing that teachers deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. “If by October 30, 2026, your promotion arrears are not paid, then I will have no honour,” Haruna Iddrisu said. This statement is a testament to the government's commitment to addressing the concerns of teachers.
The Registrar of the National Teaching Council, Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, said teachers must be celebrated for the critical role they play in shaping the next generation. “Teachers must be celebrated because they are the architects of the future.” The theme for this year’s celebration highlights the need to empower teachers with the resources, recognition, and respect necessary for them to innovate.
Organisers say teachers go beyond the delivery of lessons in classrooms. They play a critical role in shaping the values, skills, and knowledge that form the foundation of Ghana’s future. The Ghana Teacher Prize provides an opportunity to recognise the dedication of teachers and reaffirm the importance of investing in the people responsible for educating the country’s future leaders.
As government continues its engagements with teacher unions over their concerns, the Ghana Teacher Prize celebrations serve as a reminder of the critical role teachers play in shaping the country's future. For Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, the message is clear: “We all owe it to the teacher.” The Minister's statement underscores the importance of supporting teachers.
The 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize celebrations bring together stakeholders in the education sector to recognise and celebrate teachers. The event provides a platform for stakeholders to engage with the challenges facing teachers and reaffirm their commitment to supporting the education sector. Key issues, including the payment of promotion arrears, are expected to be addressed.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has assured teachers that it is committed to resolving their concerns, particularly issues surrounding promotion arrears.
- Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has given a firm assurance that outstanding promotion arrears will be addressed by October 30, 2026.
- The 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize celebrations serve as a reminder of the critical role teachers play in shaping the country's future.
