At the 5th Upper East Regional Ghana Journalists Association awards in Bolgatanga, Deputy Minister of Education Dr Clement Apaak called on the 80,000 teachers on strike to return to classrooms as the government works to resolve their concerns.
He confirmed that the government recognises the legitimacy of the teachers’ demands and is committed to addressing promotion delays, salary adjustments, allowances, rural and underserved community incentives, and service conditions.
Dr Apaak explained that the delay in implementing new salary scales for teachers who passed promotional examinations was partly due to data transfer challenges between the Ghana Education Service and the Controller and Accountant‑General’s Department. The government had agreed that promotions would be automatic and that teachers would receive new salaries and allowances from January 2026, regardless of when they sat the exams.
He highlighted a proposed 20 percent-plus salary incentive for teachers posted to rural, underserved and deprived communities, noting that the policy would begin next year once the government clearly defines qualifying communities and the implications of transfers.
The Deputy Minister said the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission has met with teacher unions and that President John Dramani Mahama has directed a high‑level meeting with the Ministers of Finance, Labour Relations and Employment, Education and the unions to continue negotiations.
“We want to encourage you to continue,” Dr Apaak urged, adding that what is due to the teachers will eventually be paid. He warned that the strike’s impact on pupils could undermine quality education and urged all parties to work together to resolve the impasse.
“Without the teachers, we would not be here,” he said, describing teachers as “the most important group of professionals.”
