Ghana Education Sector Updates: CAGD Initiates Arrears Payments as KNUST Administrators Implement Reforms

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has officially commenced the disbursement of long-awaited salary arrears for workers in the education and health sectors. Beginning May 29, 2026, the payments address outstanding dues dating back to August 2024. This financial relief will be executed in a phased approach over a four-month period, with each tranche covering approximately four months of arrears. The CAGD has expressed gratitude to affected public sector workers for their patience, noting that subsequent disbursements will follow a strict schedule until all outstanding balances are fully cleared by August 2026.

While payroll arrears are being addressed by the CAGD, the National Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, Hajia Fati Forgor, has clarified the financial status of the nation’s caterers. Dismissing claims of widespread unpaid dues, Forgor stated that payments for the second term of the 2025/2026 academic year have already been fully disbursed. During a recent engagement in the Damongo Constituency—where she also conducted social welfare activities for local widows—the Coordinator emphasized that her office has not received formal complaints regarding arrears, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maintaining the social intervention program’s stability.

Simultaneously, administrative and structural changes are taking shape within higher education institutions. The Ghana Association of University Administrators at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (GAUA-KNUST) has adopted a new local constitution and introduced significant electoral reforms. These measures, which include the formation of an independent election committee and the introduction of electronic voting options, are designed to enhance transparency and minimize internal disputes. GAUA-KNUST President Festus Nyame noted that these reforms coincide with broader public sector discussions, including a 40% consolidation of market premiums and non-basic allowances intended to mitigate the impact of inflation on university staff.

These combined developments signal a period of significant transition for Ghana’s education workforce. Beyond immediate arrears payments, the government is reportedly exploring potential reforms to replace the existing Single Spine Salary Structure to better reflect current economic realities. As the April 2026 salary adjustments take effect alongside the CAGD’s arrears schedule, stakeholders remain hopeful that these financial and governance interventions will foster greater industrial harmony and improve the overall delivery of educational services across the country.