The Communications Director of the Progressive Alliance for Ghana (PAG), Donald Brown Dzamashie, has expressed concerns over the government's handling of teachers' welfare. In a Facebook post, he questioned why teachers have not received similar attention to traditional authorities. Dzamashie's comments come after the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, announced a 150% increase in monthly allowances for Paramount Chiefs and Queen Mothers on October 5, 2026.
The increased allowance for traditional leaders is from GH¢1,200 to GH¢3,000, with six quarters of payments made since the current administration assumed office. Dzamashie acknowledged the important role of traditional authorities in preserving Ghana's cultural heritage and maintaining peace. However, he emphasized that teachers also play a central role in the country's development and deserve urgent attention to their welfare.
Dzamashie highlighted the critical role teachers play in educating and shaping the minds of children who will become future leaders. He expressed concern over outstanding promotion arrears, delays in negotiations over teachers' conditions of service, and the non-implementation of the deprived-area allowance. The PAG spokesperson questioned why teachers have to resort to industrial action before their concerns receive attention.
The government's handling of teachers' welfare has been criticized amid industrial action by major pre-tertiary teacher unions. The unions are protesting unresolved conditions of service, delays in placing promoted teachers on the appropriate salary scales, and the implementation of the deprived-area allowance. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has pledged to settle outstanding promotion arrears by October 30, 2026.
Dzamashie stressed that his comments were not intended to create a contest between teachers and traditional authorities. He argued that both deserve respect and fair treatment. Improving teachers' welfare should be a national priority, given their role in preparing the next generation. Dzamashie emphasized that a country cannot build a strong future while neglecting educators.
The PAG spokesperson concluded with a call for improved treatment of educators. He noted that teachers are responsible for building a strong future and deserve urgent attention to their welfare. Dzamashie's comments have sparked a conversation about the government's priorities and the need to address teachers' concerns.
The government's response to the concerns raised by teacher unions and Dzamashie remains to be seen. The Education Minister's pledge to settle outstanding promotion arrears is a step towards addressing some of the concerns. However, the implementation of the deprived-area allowance and negotiations on teachers' conditions of service remain ongoing.
Key points
- The government's priorities on teachers' welfare have been questioned following a 150% increase in monthly allowances for Paramount Chiefs and Queen Mothers.
- Teachers in Ghana are protesting unresolved conditions of service, delays in placing promoted teachers on the appropriate salary scales, and the implementation of the deprived-area allowance.
- The PAG spokesperson has called for improved treatment of educators, emphasizing their critical role in preparing the next generation.
