Haruna Iddrisu confirms October 16 deadline for teacher salary adjustments

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that the government will pay outstanding promotion-related salary adjustments to eligible teachers by October 16, 2026. This commitment follows the suspension of a nationwide strike by three pre-tertiary teacher unions—the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG). The Minister's assurance comes after successful negotiations aimed at resolving long-standing grievances regarding service conditions and unfulfilled financial obligations.

During a visit to the Osu Presbyterian Cluster of Schools, Mr. Iddrisu explained that administrative processes are currently underway to validate records and ensure accurate payments for teachers who have received permanent promotions. He also addressed the proposed 20% deprived-area allowance, noting that further validation is required to identify specific eligible areas and personnel. Despite national financial constraints, the Minister emphasized the government’s readiness to engage with unions to maintain industrial harmony and ensure that students remain in a safe learning environment.

The industrial action, which began on September 25, 2026, was suspended on October 9 after government intervention. Teachers officially returned to classrooms on October 12, though reports on student attendance have been mixed. While schools in the Greater Accra Region saw teachers supervising assemblies and preparing for the week, some primary schools in the Sunyani Municipality recorded low student turnout initially. Headteachers in those areas have urged parents to return their children to school promptly to recover lost lesson time.

Various stakeholders, including the Council of State and the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NC-PTAs), have commended the strike suspension and urged all parties to adhere to the agreed timelines in good faith. The NC-PTAs specifically acknowledged the intervention of President John Mahama in facilitating the dialogue. Moving forward, the government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission are expected to work proactively with the unions to finalize the remaining aspects of the collective agreement and ensure lasting stability within the education sector.