The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has disclosed that the government is putting final arrangements in place to introduce a 20 per cent incentive allowance for teachers working in deprived and hard-to-reach communities.
The proposed allowance is aimed at attracting and retaining teachers in underserved areas while providing additional compensation for the challenging conditions they face in their places of work.
Mr Iddrisu made the disclosure in a speech delivered on his behalf in Accra during the launch of the 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize, organised by the National Teaching Council (NTC).
He also announced that the government is working through the Teacher Housing Initiative to provide accommodation for teachers stationed in rural and deprived communities.
The Ghana Teacher Prize ceremony is scheduled to take place in October in Accra under the theme “Empowering Teachers: Architects of the Future.”
Government Pledges to Improve Teachers’ Welfare
The Education Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the welfare, professional development, and status of teachers.
He described teachers as “architects of the future” and key contributors to Ghana’s development, stressing that no meaningful education reform can succeed without teachers who are properly motivated and supported.
According to Mr Iddrisu, teachers contribute far beyond preparing students for examinations. They play a crucial role in developing the human capital needed to advance sectors such as medicine, engineering, governance, industry, and the arts.
He said the government was collaborating with the NTC, Ghana Education Service (GES), and other stakeholders to improve teacher licensing, continuous professional development, and conditions of service.
Over 30,000 Diploma Teachers to Be Placed on Appropriate Salary Structure
The minister also highlighted measures being implemented to address some of the longstanding concerns affecting teachers.
He disclosed that more than 30,000 diploma teachers are being processed for placement on the appropriate salary structure.
In another policy change, the government has reduced the waiting period for teachers in deprived communities seeking study leave with pay from four years to two years.
Mr. Iddrisu further said resources had been allocated towards teacher training allowances, while the NTC had established additional regional offices to make professional support and teacher licensing services more accessible.
Although he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in relation to teachers’ conditions of service, he assured stakeholders that the government would continue engaging with them to resolve outstanding issues.
He said the government remained committed to investing in teachers and improving the conditions under which they work.
Call for Greater Support for Teachers
The minister urged Ghanaians to recognize the important contribution teachers make to national development and support efforts to create a favorable environment for them to perform their duties effectively.
He maintained that empowering teachers and investing in the teaching profession are essential steps towards building a stronger future for the country.
Meanwhile, a speech delivered on behalf of the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Professor Ernest Davis, commended organizations and individuals supporting the Ghana Teacher Prize and efforts to improve educational outcomes.
Teachers were encouraged to uphold the reputation of the profession, pursue continuous professional development, embrace innovation, and prioritize the welfare and development of their learners.
GNAT Calls for Action on Promotion Delays
The President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Prosper Tachie, also appealed to the government to address concerns surrounding delays in teachers’ promotion placements and other interventions affecting educators across the country.
The call comes as stakeholders continue to push for measures that will improve teachers’ working conditions and strengthen the education sector.
Source: GNA