Ghana's Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, has pledged to settle teachers' promotion arrears from January 2026 by October 30, 2026. He made this commitment 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. The Minister emphasized the government's responsibility as the employer of teachers.
The Education Minister stated that the government had accepted responsibility for its obligations as the employer of teachers and would honour the arrears owed to them. He made this statement at the NTC event, which aimed to address teacher-related issues and provide a platform for educators to share ideas. The Minister's assurance was well-received by the teaching community.
The symposium and exhibition were part of activities preceding the Ghana Teacher Prize grand durbar, scheduled for October 5, 2026, at the University of Professional Studies Accra Auditorium. The event aimed to honour and reward outstanding teachers. The Minister's engagement with teachers was seen as a positive step towards addressing their concerns.
The Education Minister also announced that the government was intensifying engagements with teacher unions to address their concerns and find lasting solutions to challenges confronting the profession. He mentioned that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission would engage teacher unions on October 6, 2026, to consider a new collective agreement for teachers. This move was expected to improve working conditions for educators.
Regarding the 20 per cent deprived-area allowance, the Minister stated that a committee comprising representatives of teacher unions and the Ghana Statistical Service had been established to determine eligible teachers and communities. The allowance was location-specific and not permanent, meaning that a teacher's eligibility would depend on their posting location. This clarification was important for teachers who were expecting the allowance.
Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, Registrar of the NTC, emphasized the critical role of teachers in shaping the future of learners. He highlighted the need to empower teachers in terms of skills and capacity to deliver quality education. The NTC Registrar's statement underscored the importance of teacher development and support.
The Education Minister's commitment to paying teachers' promotion arrears by October 30, 2026, was seen as a major breakthrough for the teaching community. The government's engagement with teacher unions and the establishment of a committee to determine eligible teachers for the deprived-area allowance were also significant developments. Teachers were expected to benefit from these initiatives.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has committed to paying 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 intensifying engagements with teacher unions to address their concerns and find lasting solutions to challenges confronting the profession.
