Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has stated that the government is committed to resolving the concerns of teachers that led to industrial action. She made this statement at the Ghana Teacher Prize Awards ceremony in Accra, where outstanding teachers were honored for their contributions to education and national development. The Vice President emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges facing teachers to strengthen the education system. She also urged teachers to uphold professional and ethical standards.
The Vice President noted that the education sector faces several challenges, including career progression, recruitment, and infrastructure deficits, particularly at the secondary school level. She mentioned that over GH¢33 billion has been allocated to education in the 2026 Budget to support infrastructure, textbooks, teaching and learning materials, and teacher accommodation. This allocation aims to improve the overall quality of education in Ghana.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted that the government's efforts to address teachers' concerns include the completion of 30 E-block projects and the construction of new primary, junior high, and kindergarten schools. Additionally, measures are being implemented to improve access to accommodation for teachers, such as the Teacher Housing Initiative and 404-unit teacher bungalows in underserved communities. These initiatives aim to improve teachers' living conditions.
The Vice President also mentioned that 99 double-track schools have been converted to single-track institutions, and the government remains committed to eliminating the double-track system. Furthermore, the removal of the link between teachers' promotion and administrative vacancies has enabled eligible teachers to progress through their professional ranks without waiting for positions to become available.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the importance of supporting teachers' professional development, particularly in the face of changing labor markets and technological advancements. She stated that the government will continue to invest in teacher education, in-service training, and digital resources to equip teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills.
The Ghana Teacher Prize is an annual initiative that recognizes teachers for excellence, professionalism, and dedication in the delivery of education. Ms Abigail Agyeiwaa, an English teacher at Mangoase Senior High School, emerged as the overall outstanding teacher for 2026 and received a three-bedroom house valued at GH¢700,000 as her prize. The Vice President congratulated the recipients of the Ghana Teacher Prize.
The Vice President commended teachers across the country for their contributions to education and national development, particularly those working under challenging conditions. She expressed hope that the ongoing engagements with teacher unions would soon result in an agreement, and the government would continue to prioritize the needs of teachers and the education sector.
Key points
- The government has allocated over GH¢33 billion to education in the 2026 Budget to support infrastructure and teacher development.
- The government has implemented measures to improve teachers' living conditions, including the Teacher Housing Initiative.
- The government remains committed to eliminating the double-track system in schools.
