Government assures striking teachers of full payment once dispute ends
Finance and Education deputies confirm President's directive to restore teachers to classrooms within days as unions fight for promotional arrears.
Finance Deputy Kwame Augustine Domah and Education Deputy Isaac Yaw Opoku have pledged to settle all outstanding obligations owed to teachers immediately after the current impasse concludes. The assurance follows a nationwide strike that began when teacher unions halted services over delayed promotion payments. Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu revealed the President has personally directed accelerated resolution to prevent prolonged disruption to learning.
The industrial action stems from unresolved claims of unprocessed promotional increments dating back several months. Affected educators staged peaceful protests across regional education offices demanding the Ministry disburse arrears before resuming teaching duties. Union leaders warned the walkout could become permanent if financial gaps were not bridged swiftly.
Ministers clarified that the standoff originated from contractual disagreements between local government payroll offices and newly posted teachers in districts. Evidence presented showed some classrooms remained empty while officials processed incomplete personnel records. This administrative shortfall delayed bulk payments despite verified service continuity over six months.
Conversely, urban centers like Accra experienced minimal disruption as school administrators prioritized ongoing lessons. Market women from Osu supported education officers who managed fare collection on bus routes, ensuring punctual transport. These grassroots collaborations helped maintain normal school operations where teacher shortages were less severe.
Stakeholders connected the prolonged impasse to the XBB.1.16 variant's emergence in Ghana, which temporarily diverted attention from education negotiations. However, officials confirmed final clearance procedures were nearing completion through coordinated health and finance channels.
Ministries revealed a persistent mismatch between Controller and Accountant-General database outputs and Ghana Statistical Service figures used in disbursement approvals. This disconnect created artificial gaps preventing teacher payments despite routine salary enrollments in schools.
President Akufo-Addo has now mandated accelerated negotiations with union delegates, with daily update sessions scheduled at his office. All parties involved anticipate a breakthrough within 72 hours.
