“We dare not fail” – Gov’t promises to honour teachers’ promotion pay deal

The government has pledged to fulfill an agreement with teachers concerning their promotional examinations and salary adjustments. Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Apaak disclosed that the necessary procedures will be finalized in September, with the new positions and salaries becoming effective from January 2026. Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, Dr Apaak emphasized the importance of delivering on the agreement, stating that "we dare not fail in fulfilling what we have agreed with the teachers that we will do to ensure that teaching and learning continue unabated."

The emergency meeting convened by the Education Ministry addressed two key concerns raised by teachers. The first issue pertains to additional documentation, such as last pay slips, required before placement on the new salary scales. Teachers objected to this requirement since they are already serving in the education system, and the government has now agreed not to ask for such documentation.

The second concern was the effective date of the new salaries, considering that teachers took the promotional examinations at different times. Dr Apaak confirmed that a common effective date of January 2026 will be adopted for all successful candidates. The involvement of the Controller and Accountant General and the Director General of the Ghana Education Service in the meeting boosts the government's confidence in implementing the agreement.

Dr Apaak also expressed gratitude to the teacher unions for their cooperation, emphasizing that the resolution aims to maintain industrial harmony and prevent disruption in teaching and learning.