“I’ll have no honour if your arrears are not paid by October 30,” Haruna Iddrisu tells teachers

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu is urging teacher unions to end their strike and reassures them that the government is dedicated to resolving their issues, especially concerning promotion arrears. At the 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize event, Iddrisu pledged that outstanding promotion arrears will be addressed by October 30, 2026, stating, "If by October 30, 2026, your promotion arrears are not paid, then I will have no honour."

This statement follows the National Teaching Council's hosting of the Ghana Teacher Prize, held from October 3 to 4 at GNAT Hall in Accra, which aims to recognize and celebrate teachers' contributions to education and national development. The two-day event culminates in a grand durbar on Monday where outstanding teachers are expected to be honored.

Teacher unions play a crucial role in shaping the values, skills, and knowledge that form the foundation of Ghana's future, and the theme for this year's celebration emphasizes the need to empower teachers with resources, recognition, and respect. Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, the Registrar of the National Teaching Council, emphasized the importance of celebrating teachers for their role in shaping the next generation.

The Ghana Teacher Prize provides an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of teachers and reaffirm the importance of investing in those responsible for educating the country's future leaders. Iddrisu's message is clear: "We all owe it to the teacher."