Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has pledged that the government will settle teachers’ outstanding promotion arrears dating back to January 2026 by October 30, 2026.
According to a report by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Iddrisu said government had accepted responsibility for its obligations as the employer of teachers and would honour the outstanding arrears.
The Education Minister made the commitment at a two-day symposium and exhibition organised for teachers by the National Teaching Council (NTC) at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall in Accra.
“If by October 30, 2026, your promotion arrears are not paid, then I will have no honour.”
The minister's assurance comes as Ghana's three pre-tertiary teacher unions continue their nationwide strike over several concerns affecting teachers.
51,000 Teachers’ Records Being Validated
The government is also working to validate the records of up to 51,000 teachers as part of the process to address outstanding promotion-related payments.
MyJoyOnline reported that the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) is validating the data, with the process expected to continue from Monday, October 5.
Teachers whose records are successfully validated are expected to be included in the payment process, with government aiming to place promoted teachers on their new grades by the October 30 deadline.
Government Engages Teacher Unions
Mr Iddrisu also said the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission would engage the teacher unions on Tuesday, October 6, to consider a new collective agreement for teachers.
The government has appealed to the teacher unions to consider calling off their strike as discussions continue over their outstanding concerns.
According to MyJoyOnline, the Education Minister said government would not renege on its commitments to teachers and urged the unions to allow teaching and learning to resume.
Other Issues Remain
Beyond promotion arrears, the teacher unions have raised other concerns, including their conditions of service and the proposed 20 per cent deprived-area allowance.
The Education Minister said a committee involving representatives of the teacher unions and the Ghana Statistical Service had been established to determine teachers and communities that would qualify for the allowance.
The nationwide strike continues to put pressure on the government to resolve the outstanding issues and restore normal teaching and learning activities in public schools.
Source: Ghana News Agency (GNA), with additional reporting from MyJoyOnline.
