The Ghana Education Service (GES) has instructed all Regional Directors of Education to validate information on communities and schools classified as deprived ahead of the planned introduction of a 20% basic salary allowance for teachers working in underserved areas.
In a letter dated October 19, 2026, and signed by GES Director-General Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, the Service directed regional offices to verify details of the identified communities and schools, including the number of teachers currently serving in the affected locations and the number expected to be posted there.
The exercise is part of efforts to prepare for the implementation of the proposed allowance, which is intended to provide additional financial incentives for teachers working in deprived communities.
The Ministry of Education has identified potential beneficiary communities using established criteria that assess access to essential services, household living conditions and educational challenges.
GES has directed the Regional Directors to submit the verified information electronically to the Director-General by Friday, October 23, 2026.
GES outlines criteria for identifying deprived communities
The Ministry’s assessment framework considers several factors, including access to electricity, safe drinking water, financial services, healthcare, police services and telecommunications.
Under the criteria, communities may be classified as deprived where households lack access to grid electricity, rely on unimproved sources of drinking water or spend more than 30 minutes travelling to obtain water.
Proximity to essential services is another consideration. Communities situated more than five kilometres from financial institutions, healthcare facilities or police posts may be considered disadvantaged. Areas without mobile network coverage or internet access are also covered by the assessment.
Housing, sanitation and poverty levels considered
The criteria also examine the living conditions of residents. Communities where more than 50% of households occupy non-durable housing or use unimproved sanitation facilities may qualify for consideration.
Poverty levels across key areas, including education, healthcare, employment and general living conditions, will also contribute to the classification of deprived communities.
These indicators are intended to help authorities identify locations where difficult living conditions and limited access to basic amenities could make it challenging to attract and retain teachers.
Educational needs form part of the assessment
Education-related indicators will also influence the identification of potential beneficiary communities.
These include the pupil-trained teacher ratio (PTTR), which helps assess the availability of trained teachers relative to the number of pupils, as well as access to basic education.
Under the stated criteria, communities where pupils travel an average distance of more than three kilometres to reach school may be considered disadvantaged.
GES has therefore directed Regional Directors to assess the data provided to them against the established indicators and ensure that the information is accurate before submitting their reports.
Verification to determine eligible schools and teachers
The ongoing exercise is expected to establish a reliable record of communities and schools that meet the deprivation criteria. It will also help determine the number of teachers currently working in those areas and the staffing requirements of the affected schools.
Regional Directors have been instructed to submit the verified information in electronic format to the Director-General using the email addresses specified in the official letter.
The Service has emphasized the importance of accurate reporting and adherence to the October 23 deadline as preparations continue towards implementing the proposed 20% allowance.
However, the verification exercise does not, by itself, confirm that payments have begun or that every community meeting an individual criterion will automatically qualify. Final eligibility will depend on the outcome of the official assessment and approval process.