Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Apaak, has expressed confidence that the government will fulfil its commitments to teacher unions and avert any future industrial action. Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday, October 9, Dr Apaak said assurances from Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu had reinforced his belief that the government would implement the terms agreed upon with the unions.
Under the agreement, between 51,000 and 52,000 promoted teachers whose records have already been submitted to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department are expected to receive adjusted salaries and related allowances by October 15 or 16. The remaining promoted teachers are expected to be migrated to their new salary scales by October 30. Dr Apaak also disclosed that the rural and deprived-area allowance is scheduled to take effect in January 2027.
“The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has been giving assurances for almost a week or more. He was even bold enough to stake his own reputation on this issue, and I believe and trust his leadership,” he said.
According to Dr Apaak, the composition of the government’s negotiating team further strengthened confidence that the agreement would be honoured. The team, constituted by President John Dramani Mahama, included the ministers responsible for Finance, Education and Labour Relations, as well as officials from the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).
He also commended the Council of State and other stakeholders for their contributions toward reaching the agreement. The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers’ Association of Ghana (PRETAG) suspended their strike on Friday after negotiations with the government over promotion arrears, allowances, and conditions of service. The unions have directed members to return to the classroom on Monday, October 12, while discussions on unresolved issues continue.
Related article
