Ghana's Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that the government will pay teachers' promotion arrears from January 2026 by October 30, 2026. He made this pledge at a two-day symposium and exhibition organised for teachers by the National Teaching Council (NTC) in Accra. The event was attended by educators and stakeholders in the education sector. Mr. Iddrisu stated that the government had accepted responsibility for its obligations as the employer of teachers and would honour the arrears owed to them.
The Minister's pledge comes as a relief to teachers who have been awaiting the payment of their promotion arrears. Mr. Iddrisu emphasized that the government is committed to addressing the concerns of teachers and finding lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the profession. He mentioned that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission would engage with teacher unions on October 6 to consider a new collective agreement for teachers. This move aims to improve the welfare of teachers and enhance the quality of education in Ghana.
The symposium and exhibition organised by the NTC also featured the Ghana Teacher Prize grand durbar, scheduled for October 5 at the University of Professional Studies Accra Auditorium. During the event, outstanding teachers would be honoured and rewarded for their dedication to the education sector. Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, Registrar of the NTC, highlighted the critical role of teachers in shaping the future of learners. He emphasized that teachers should be celebrated and empowered in terms of skills and capacity to deliver quality education.
On the issue of the 20 per cent deprived-area allowance, Mr. Iddrisu explained that a committee comprising representatives of teacher unions and the Ghana Statistical Service had been established to determine eligible teachers and communities. He noted that the allowance is location-specific and not permanent, meaning that a teacher's eligibility for the allowance may change if they are transferred to a different school or location. This move aims to ensure that teachers in deprived areas receive the necessary support and incentives to motivate them.
The Minister's engagement with teacher unions and stakeholders is part of a broader effort to address the challenges facing the education sector. He mentioned that almost all other unions have concluded their negotiations with the Fair Workers and Salaries Commission and signed on. The government is working to conclude and sign a new collective agreement with teacher unions within a framework that has been agreed upon with other teacher unions.
Dr. Addai-Poku also emphasized that the role of teachers goes beyond classroom lesson delivery to shaping the values, skills, and knowledge that form the foundation of Ghana's future. He stressed the need to empower teachers with the necessary skills and capacity to deliver quality education. The NTC's efforts to promote and reward outstanding teachers are part of a broader strategy to improve the quality of education in Ghana.
The government's commitment to paying teachers' promotion arrears and addressing their concerns is expected to boost morale and motivation among educators. The education sector is critical to Ghana's development, and the government's efforts to improve the welfare of teachers and enhance the quality of education are crucial. The payment of promotion arrears by October 30, 2026, is a key milestone in this effort.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has pledged to pay teachers' promotion arrears from January 2026 by October 30, 2026.
- A committee has been established to determine eligible teachers and communities for the 20 per cent deprived-area allowance.
- The government is working to conclude and sign a new collective agreement with teacher unions to improve their welfare and enhance the quality of education.
