Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Pledges Payment of Teacher Promotion Arrears by October 30 to End Nationwide Strike

The Mahama administration has intensified efforts to end a nationwide industrial action by pre-tertiary teachers, with Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu pledging to clear all outstanding promotion arrears by October 30, 2026. Speaking at a symposium organized by the National Teaching Council in Accra, the Minister tied his personal "honour" to the fulfillment of this financial obligation, acknowledging the frustrations caused by delayed payments. This commitment comes as the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) prepares for a high-stakes meeting with the leadership of the three striking unions on Tuesday, October 6, to negotiate a new collective agreement and broader conditions of service.

The strike, which commenced on September 25, 2026, involves the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Education Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG). Beyond the immediate payment of arrears for teachers promoted since January 2026, the unions are demanding the implementation of a 20% Deprived Area Allowance and the finalization of a new collective bargaining agreement. Regional leadership, including those in the Volta Region, have signaled full support for the industrial action, which has significantly disrupted academic activities in public schools nationwide.

In response to these grievances, Minister Iddrisu announced that the government has established a committee to manage the 20% deprived-area allowance for eligible staff based on their posting locations. During the 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize ceremony, both the Minister and Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak appealed for teachers to return to their classrooms while negotiations continue. Dr. Apaak emphasized that the government recognizes the legitimacy of the teachers' concerns and is committed to implementing automatic promotions and benefits as part of a broader strategy to improve teacher welfare.

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has also reiterated the government's long-term commitment to the sector, highlighting ongoing investments in school infrastructure and the "Teacher Dabrə Initiative," which focuses on improving accommodation for teachers in underserved areas. She stressed the importance of evolving the education system to meet the demands of a changing global job market and artificial intelligence. As the October 30 deadline for arrears payment approaches, the outcome of the October 6 meeting between the FWSC and union leaders will be the critical factor in restoring normalcy to the country's pre-tertiary education system.