Haruna Iddrisu announces October 16 payment for 52,000 promoted teachers

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced that the government will begin paying the first phase of salary arrears to 52,000 promoted teachers starting October 16, 2026. This initiative is intended to fulfill a longstanding promise to teaching staff who have been awaiting financial adjustments following their professional advancement. The Minister confirmed that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) is working closely with the Ministry of Finance to ensure the disbursement process is completed efficiently.

The payment schedule is designed in phases, with the initial rollout targeting over fifty thousand personnel. According to the Minister, the government is committed to completing the entire payment process for all affected teachers by the end of October 2026. This move is seen as a crucial step in boosting the morale of the teaching workforce and ensuring that their promotions are reflected in their remuneration without further delay.

In addition to addressing the arrears for promoted teachers, the Ministry is working to stabilize other labor issues within the education sector to prevent academic disruption. This includes ongoing efforts to resolve disputes with the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) regarding market premiums and one-time research allowances. Minister Iddrisu expressed optimism that these negotiations will lead to a swift conclusion, allowing academic activities to proceed smoothly across all levels of the educational system.

The government’s primary objective remains the maintenance of the academic calendar and the prevention of further industrial action. By prioritizing the payment of arrears for promoted teachers and engaging with university administrators, the Ministry of Education aims to create a stable environment for both students and staff. The Minister emphasized that the government is dedicated to ensuring that educational institutions remain operational and can fulfill their mandates effectively throughout the academic year.