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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has assured striking teachers that the government will settle outstanding promotion arrears and place promoted teachers on their new grades by October 30, 2026.
Speaking at a two-day symposium and exhibition organised by the National Teaching Council (NTC) at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall in Accra, Mr Iddrisu said government had accepted responsibility for meeting its obligations to teachers.
He gave a firm personal commitment to the October 30 deadline, saying:
“If by October 30, 2026, your promotion arrears are not paid, then I will have no honour.”
The assurance comes amid an ongoing nationwide strike by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Education Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG).
The three unions began their industrial action on September 25 over outstanding promotion arrears, conditions of service and other concerns affecting teachers.
Mr Iddrisu said government was intensifying discussions with the unions to find lasting solutions to the concerns raised by teachers.
As part of the payment process, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department is validating records for about 51,000 teachers. The validated information is expected to be used to prepare supplementary payments, while other eligible teachers are expected to receive their new grades and related payments through their October salaries.
The Education Minister also said government was addressing other issues raised by the unions, including negotiations on their expired conditions of service and the proposed 20% deprived-area allowance. A committee involving teacher unions and the Ghana Statistical Service has been established to determine eligible teachers and communities for the allowance.
The government has appealed to the striking unions to consider ending the industrial action as engagements continue, but the unions have maintained their position pending further consideration of government’s proposals.
Mr Iddrisu’s latest assurance therefore places October 30 at the centre of government’s commitment to resolve the promotion-related payments owed to teachers.