Haruna Iddrisu pledges teacher salary adjustments by October 16

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has assured public pre-tertiary teachers that the government will pay outstanding promotion-related salary adjustments and arrears by October 16, 2026. This commitment follows the suspension of a two-week nationwide strike by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG). The industrial action, which began on September 25, was halted on October 9 after successful negotiations between the government and union leadership.

During a monitoring visit to the Osu Presbyterian Cluster of Schools, Mr. Iddrisu emphasized that administrative processes are currently underway to validate records and ensure that all eligible teachers who received permanent promotions are paid. He acknowledged the financial constraints facing the government but reiterated a firm commitment to honoring the agreement. Beyond salary adjustments, the Minister noted that work is progressing to identify beneficiaries for a proposed 20% deprived-area allowance, which requires further validation to ensure accurate distribution to teachers in eligible regions.

Following the strike's suspension, classrooms across the country officially reopened on October 12. In the Greater Accra Region, reporting indicated a high level of attendance, with teachers seen supervising assemblies and preparing lesson plans. However, the situation was more varied in other parts of the country; for instance, some primary schools in the Sunyani Municipality recorded low student attendance despite teachers being present. In contrast, Junior High Schools in the same area reported full classrooms, leading headteachers to urge parents to send their children back to school immediately to recover lost instructional time.

The National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NC-PTAs) and the Council of State have both expressed relief at the resumption of classes, with the NC-PTAs specifically thanking President John Mahama for his intervention in the dispute. Both bodies have called for sustained dialogue and proactive engagement between the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the Ghana Education Service (GES), and the teacher unions. Stakeholders stressed that maintaining good faith and meeting the October 16 deadline is essential for ensuring long-term stability within the academic calendar.