Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has expressed optimism that ongoing engagements between the government and teachers' unions will soon resolve the concerns that have led to the disruption of academic activities. She made the appeal as she commended teachers across Ghana for their contribution to national development. The Vice President was speaking at the 2026 Teacher Prize ceremony in Accra.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang said she was encouraged by the progress made in discussions between the government and the unions and expressed hope that the engagements would lead to an early resolution. She commended teachers for their significant influence on the lives and futures of children, describing teaching as one of the country's most important professions. The Vice President emphasized that teachers have a responsibility to uphold integrity, professionalism, and sound ethical conduct.
The Vice President disclosed that the government has taken steps to address long-standing challenges within the education sector. More than GH¢33 billion has been allocated to education in the 2026 Budget. This investment will support school infrastructure, including the completion of 30 E-block projects, construction of new kindergarten, primary, and junior high school facilities, and the provision of textbooks and other teaching and learning materials.
Government is also pursuing measures to improve accommodation for teachers, including initiatives to provide additional housing. The Vice President further disclosed that 99 double-track schools have already been converted to single-track, with the government committed to eliminating the double-track system. This move aims to improve the quality of education and working conditions for teachers.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted reforms in the promotion of teachers. The government has removed the long-standing link between teachers' promotion and the availability of administrative vacancies. Under the new arrangement, eligible teachers can progress through their professional ranks without waiting for an administrative position to become available.
However, the Vice President acknowledged that the reform has increased the number of cases requiring validation, processing, and placement on the payroll, contributing to delays in the payment of some entitlements. She assured that steps are being taken to address the delays and ensure affected teachers receive their outstanding entitlements.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that improving teachers' conditions must go beyond resolving administrative and conditions-of-service challenges. The government will continue investing in teacher education, in-service training, and digital resources to equip teachers for the changing demands of the classroom, including the impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on the world of work.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has allocated over GH¢33 billion to education in the 2026 Budget to improve infrastructure and resources.
- The government has removed the link between teachers' promotion and administrative vacancies, allowing eligible teachers to progress through their professional ranks.
- The Vice President has expressed optimism that ongoing engagements between the government and teachers' unions will soon resolve the concerns that have led to disruptions in academic activities.
