Delayed promotions put teachers’ retirement benefits at risk – GNAT

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has raised concerns over the impact of delayed teacher promotions on the retirement benefits of nearing retirees. National President Prosper Tackie emphasized the critical role promotions play in determining retirement benefits and expressed the union's strong stance on resolving these delays.

During an interview on Joy News’ PM Express, Tackie highlighted the ongoing dispute, which stems from discrepancies in the figures provided by the Controller and Accountant General’s Department and the Ghana Education Service. He clarified that the figures encompass a broad range of teachers, from those in higher ranks (around 58,000) to those in lower ranks, amounting to more than 80,000 teachers in total.

Tackie alleged that the Controller and Accountant General may have only accounted for the 58,000 higher-rank teachers, neglecting the others in lower ranks. He recounted the arduous promotional process that teachers faced last year, having to take exams in December to meet the government’s clearance deadline. Despite their efforts, some teachers' results were not received until months later, even after the promotion results were expected by March.

The delays were brought to the attention of President John Dramani Mahama, who acknowledged the impact on teachers nearing retirement.