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  • Teachers who abandon work to petition at Headquarters will face sactions – GES warns

    Teachers who abandon work to petition at Headquarters will face sactions – GES warns

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) has warned teachers that abandoning their duty posts to petition at its headquarters or grant media interviews during official school hours will attract sanctions.

    Management of the Service says it has observed a growing pattern where some teachers, particularly newly recruited staff, leave their schools to gather at the headquarters, form splinter groups, or engage the media about their concerns during working hours.

    “Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has observed a growing trend in which some teachers, particularly newly recruited staff, frequently besiege the Headquarters, form unrecognized splinter groups, or engage the media regarding their concerns,” the statement said.

    GES cautioned that teachers who leave their duty posts during official school hours to participate in such activities will be treated under the disciplinary provisions of its Code of Conduct.

    “Any teacher who leaves their duty post and is found at the Headquarters or elsewhere during official school hours, or who is captured on video or audio granting media interviews or participating in related activities during such hours, shall be treated under ‘Absence from Duty’ as stipulated in the Code of Conduct. The appropriate disciplinary procedures outlined in the Code will be fully applied.”

    The Service emphasised that staff concerns must be addressed through the established administrative channels rather than through confrontational approaches directed at the headquarters or the media.

    It noted that teachers are expected to first present their concerns to their Heads of School before escalating them through the District and Regional Directorates when necessary.

    GES also assured staff that their welfare remains a priority and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing legitimate concerns through structured engagement and due process.

    The Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, has stated that the salary delays affecting thousands of nurses, teachers, and junior doctors are due to lapses under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

    Speaking to the media on Wednesday, October 8, Dr. Pelpuo blamed the NPP’s poor recruitment practices and fiscal indiscipline for the current plight of nurses and doctors.

    “The situation is currently unfair, but it is a culmination of events that took place in the last regime before the current regime took over. People were engaged to work without due process. For you to work and be paid, you need clearance to show that there is money in the account and that your employment has been approved. That didn’t happen in this respect,” he said.

    Ghana, in recent times, has witnessed several protests from government employees, specifically, teachers, nurses, and doctors. According to him, the former government handed over a poorly planned budget that didn’t make room to pay nurses, teachers, and doctors.

    As such, he called the protesting groups to call for calm as the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration will work to rectify the situation.

    “We are taking it up very seriously, and I can assure the nurses, teachers, and junior doctors who are caught up in the process that we are going to respond to them before the end of the year,” he stated.

    On Tuesday, September 30, Newly Posted Teachers group, comprising of graduates from Colleges of Education and universities submitted their petition to the Finance Ministry, which calls on the government to clear debts owed them.

    The group initially declared their intention to hit the streets over salaries owed them on Tuesday, September 23. However, speaking to Citi News, the group’s Lead Convener, Simon Kofi Nartey, noted that the Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities are yet to respond to their earlier petitions, thus rescheduling the protest to September 30.

    Simon Kofi Nartey called on the government to settle their 12 months and 8 months, respectively, within the given ultimatum. According to him, the group will have no option but to hit the streets if the government does not treat their demands with urgency.

    “It is rather unfortunate that, as we speak, nothing has been done about the concerns we raised at our press conference. We have no option but to take to the streets to let Ghanaians know what is happening. We have already met with the Greater Accra Regional Police Command and agreed on September 30 for the demonstration,” he said.

    Also on October 3, the Junior Doctors’ Association of Ghana (JDA-GH) declared its intention to withdrawn nationwide over unpaid salaries and alleged untreatment from the government.

    However, the group made U-turn over its nationwide strike, which was expected to commence on Tuesday, October 6. The decision to suspend the withdrawal of services follows constructive discussions with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other key stakeholders.

    This was contained in a press statement issued by the Association’s leadership on Monday, October 6.According to the statement, “After careful consideration and following assurances from the Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders, the Association has decided to suspend its planned industrial action to allow for the full implementation of the agreed resolutions”.

    The group lamented that over 200 junior doctors have been left unpaid for 10 to 14 months. According to the Association, some medical officers have been suspended without explanation, even though they were previously on the government payroll.

    It also emphasized that more than 800 medical officers are yet to be assigned to hospitals despite numerous engagements with authorities on the matter.

    “Despite goodwill shown towards the government, no solutions have been offered. The continued exploitation of junior doctors will no longer be tolerated,” the statement read.

    On Thursday, October 2, the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives staged a protest to register similar sentiments. Over 7,000 nurses and midwives who gathered at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health lamented over working without salaries for nine to ten months.

    Convenor of the coalition, Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah, described the situation as unfair and unsustainable. Adding, “We are not comfortable hitting the streets, but it has become necessary. We are citizens, trained as professional nurses and midwives from nursing training colleges and universities.

    “We graduated in 2020, completed our rotations, and waited at home for three years. In July 2024, the Ministry of Health announced it had secured financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance for our employment.

    “The portals were opened, we registered, and by October 2024, we received postings and reported to work in December. Out of the 15,000 announced, about 13,000 took up postings.

    “But in April 2025, only some of our colleagues started receiving salaries. As we speak, just over 6,500 have been paid, while nearly 7,000 of us have worked for close to 10 months without pay”.

    In response, the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, urged the group to exercise patience, as the government has taken steps to address their displeasure.

    Addressing the aggrieved group on Thursday, October 2, the Minister disclosed that the government will include funds to settle their unpaid salaries in next year’s budget.

  • No tolerance for violence – Education Ministry warns students against attacking teachers

    No tolerance for violence – Education Ministry warns students against attacking teachers

    The Ministry of Education has frowned upon the persistent assaults on teachers in some Senior High Schools (SHSs).

    According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Education on Thursday, February 19, it has observed violent attacks on teachers by students, emphasizing that it is working to address the situation through stringent measures.

    “The Ministry notes with grave concern incidents involving assaults on teachers and related acts of violence in schools across the country. We take strong exception to these developments and are determined to nip them in the bud. Perpetrators will face severe consequences under Ghanaian law,” parts of the release read.

    President Mahama has condemned the rising attacks on teachers by students. His remarks come after a video capturing a group of final-year students from Kade Senior High School (SHS) ambushing and beating the teacher outside the school premises.


    The teacher, identified as Mr. Michael Quayson, was attacked by the students while he was invigilating the WASSCE exam and strictly enforcing rules. The students slapped and struck him, allegedly using sticks and tree branches, while others recorded the attack.


    Speaking on Monday, January 5, 2026, while addressing the Delegates Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in Accra, Ghana, President Mahama highlighted the need for the students to be prosecuted and not allowed to go scot free. According to him, such acts are criminal, slamming the conduct of the students as an audacious “sense of entitlement”.


    “Disciplinary action. I saw that video of, I think, a math teacher being beaten because, when he was invigilating, he refused to allow our children to cheat. They had a sense of entitlement and asked, “Why did you not allow us to cheat?”.I mean, how is that? This is assault. It’s criminal, you know, the President mentioned.
    President Mahama expressed his disdain about the case being settled out of legal proceedings.


    “The unfortunate thing is that the matter went to the police station, and the parents of the students went to the police and said they had settled the matter amicably. But when we inquired, the police also said that the teacher was compensated, so he didn’t want to press charges anymore,” he added.


    He recommended, “But I said, at least the children should have been booked. They should have been taken through the legal process. And at least, if nothing else, they should have been bonded to be of good behaviour for a period of time. Then we would believe that justice had been done.”


    This, he believes, will serve as a deterrent to others, as an amicable settlement was the best resolution.


    “But just for parents to come and pay a little compensation, it will encourage others to do the same, you know, adding that, “And so, as for assaults on teachers, I am with you 100%. We will deal with it.”


    Violence in SHSs has become a trend in the country. Between January and February this year, Ghana recorded five violent clashes in SHSs.

    These incidents have witnessed students possessing weapons, destroying properties and others engaging in brutal confrontations.


    Stakeholders on the other hand, have bemoaned the growing indiscipline and insecurity on school campuses, prompting calls for an immediate intervention.


    The Ghana Education Service (GES) in the Eastern Region has slapped a two-year ban on three Senior High Schools over acts of hooliganism.


    The schools include the Koforidua Senior High Technical School (SECTECH), New Juaben Senior High School (NJUSCO), and Nsutam Senior High Technical School (NSUTECH). Until 2028, these schools will not be allowed to participate in all sports and related co-curricular activities.


    This comes after stakeholders’ investigations proved that these schools were involved in hooliganism during the just-ended Regional Super Zonal Sports Competition.


    In a letter dated February 11, 2026, the Eastern Regional Education Directorate stated the joint expression of regret by the affected schools’ sports executives and school authorities following the chaos that happened during the zonal games on February 4 and 6, 2026.


    “Koforidua Senior High Technical School (Sectech), New Juaben Senior High School (Njuasco), New Nsutam Senior High Technical School (Nsutech). The Management of Eastern Regional Education Directorate and the Regional 2 Cycle Schools’ Sports Executives express their displeasure in the recent incidents before, during, and after the Regional Super Zonal Sports (Games) Competition,” parts of the statement said.


    It continued that their students, during the regional games, violated some provisions that guide the conduct of students as far as GES laws are concerned.


    It said, “in accordance with the Ghana Education Service Code of Conduct (2.17 Physical and Psychological Violence) and the Eastern Region Schools and Colleges Sports Association (ERSCSA) Code of Discipline: ARTICLE VII (Disturbances/Riots/Hooliganisms) and ARTICLE VIII (Sanctions/Punishments), the students in your school were found engaging in acts of hooliganism which are unacceptable and contradicts to the rule of discipline in GES.”


    This section prohibits any acts of physical assault, intimidation, bullying, or psychological abuse among students, stressing that violence, whether physical (fighting, attacking, causing injury) or psychological (harassment, threats, humiliation), is a serious breach of discipline.


    The penalties for violations under Article VII. Sanctions include:
    Suspension or banning of schools from sports and extracurricular activities. Withdrawal of privileges such as hosting or participating in competitions.

    Additional disciplinary measures imposed by GES or the regional sports association. The severity of punishment depends on the gravity of the offence, with repeat or violent incidents attracting harsher sanctions.


    In addition, the affected schools have been directed to pay a GHC 500 fine and be charged for any damage caused to any property or individual, or injury that was caused.


    GES said, “…….liable to a fine of Five hundred Ghana cedis (GhC500.00). b. surcharged to pay for the cost of any damage/injury to Property or Individual, which shall be determined by a Committee based on the extent of the damage/injury,” urging authorities of the affected schools to caution all their students, both old and new, to avoid further sanctions.


    “Please ensure that your students, staff, old students and other supporters adhere to all rules and regulations governing GES and ERSCSA to avoid any further disciplinary actions. Management counts on your cooperation,” GES added.


    The ban by the GES comes barely a week after a student of Koforidua Senior High Technical School (SECTECH) was hospitalised and given medical care after a violent attack by some Form Two students of New Juaben Senior High School during a clash at the Eastern Regional Inter-Schools Sports Festival in Koforidua.


    According to reports, the victim, identified as Jerome Appiah, was eating waakye on his way to campus when the Juaben students attacked him with a machete, leaving him with a deep wound to the shoulder and bleeding profusely.


    This prompted fears of reprisal attacks and heightened security concerns. Police intervened and quickly ushered Jerome to the Eastern Regional Hospital, where he was receiving treatment and was said to be in stable condition.


    To prevent an escalation, the Headmaster of Koforidua SECTECH, Emmanuel Frimpong Benjabeng, joined by other teachers, rushed to the Koforidua Youth Resource Centre, where the inter-schools sports festival was being held.

    However, while the headmaster was in an engagement with the New Juaben South Municipal Education Director, Mustapha Haruna Appiah, he was informed that further disturbances had broken out, forcing him to leave the meeting abruptly.


    Later, it emerged that a teacher of SECTECH, Henry Kudiabor, had also sustained a head injury after being struck by a flying stone during clashes involving students of Nsutam Senior High Technical School, who were allegedly pelting stones.


    The New Juaben South Municipal Education Director, Mustapha Haruna Appiah, expressed concern over the recurring violence and called on the police and event organisers to investigate the incident thoroughly and tighten security to prevent further attacks.


    This added to a worrying trend of rising indiscipline and violent confrontations among students in Ghanaian schools, particularly second-cycle schools nationwide.


    Last year was marked by at least five major violent incidents recorded between January and July 2025, from Kinbu’s teacher assault to Nalerigu’s fatal shootings.

  • Bahamas to recruit Ghanaian teachers, nurses in new MoU with govt

    Bahamas to recruit Ghanaian teachers, nurses in new MoU with govt

    The government is currently making efforts to avert the looming unemployment crisis brooding in Ghana’s health sector.

    Consequently, it is collaborating with other international partners to employ some skilled nurses as well as teachers. On Monday, October 27, the Ghanaian government, represented by Ghana’s Minister of Special Initiatives, Emmanuel Agyekum with with support from Mr Nelson Ndebah Ndebugre from the Office of the President, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a high-level meeting with Bahamian officials, including Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis.

    The bilateral deal is to facilitate the recruitment of Ghanaian teachers and nurses for employment opportunities in the Caribbean nation.

    The signing of the MoU was announced in a communique, which highlighted that the new agreement is an important step forward in the partnership between the two countries, citing that Ghana is becoming a leader in sending skilled workers abroad and that the world has confidence in the talent and professionalism of the Ghanaian people.

    “At the heart of this MoU is a shared vision aimed at improving cooperation and relations between Ghana and The Bahamas through people-centred development and mutually beneficial cooperation. As part of the initial phase of this collaboration, the recruitment of experienced Ghanaian teachers and nurses to serve in the Bahamas has commenced. This initiative proves that the trust that our international partners have in the quality of Ghanaian educators and healthcare workers, who have consistently demonstrated excellence, discipline, and dedication in shaping minds and healing the nations,” the communique read.

    Under the initial phase of the collaboration, experienced Ghanaian teachers and nurses will be recruited to serve in the Bahamas.

    It added that the programme is “only the beginning,” noting that the broader agreement provides a framework for future cooperation in commerce, culture, tourism, and human capital exchange.

    “This initiative is a win-win for both countries. It opens new pathways for Ghana’s skilled professionals to share expertise and gain global exposure while earning decent livelihoods. For The Bahamas, it ensures access to competent teachers and nurses whose professionalism will enhance their education and health sectors.”

    It further assured stakeholders that the welfare and fair treatment of Ghanaian recruits will remain a top priority, adding that recruitment processes will be transparent and the rights and safety of participants fully safeguarded.

    “Though the conditions of the MoU remain confidential as part of diplomatic protocol, I would like to point out that its spirit and purpose are rooted in cooperation, respect, and shared prosperity.”

    This is not the first time the Bahamas has recruited Ghanaian nurses to work in their country. Last year, the Bahamas’ national broadcasting service, the ZNS Network, reported in 2024 that Ghanaian nurses were being recruited to help address staffing shortages in Bahamian hospitals.

    According to Health Minister Dr Michael Darville, 18 Ghanaian speciality nurses were expected to arrive in The Bahamas by the end of October 2024 to support facilities like Princess Margaret Hospital and Rand Memorial Hospital, citing that this early recruitment was part of a bilateral healthcare support initiative.

    Meanwhile, the MoU between Ghana and the Bahamas comes about just ten days after the government signed a similar deal with Grenada. The agreement with Grenada, however, was for the recruitment of just Ghanaian nurses.

    Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, signed the agreement on behalf of Ghana, while his Grenadian counterpart, Joseph Andall, signed on behalf of Grenada, during Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell’s visit to the Presidency on Friday, October 17.

    President John Dramani Mahama, in a speech on Friday, October 17, during a state visit by Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell at the Presidency in Accra, lauded the international recognition of Ghanaian health care professionals and the benefits the agreement stands to bring to both countries.

    He said, “In the health sector, Grenada’s interest in recruiting Ghanaian nurses and allied health professionals presents a valuable opportunity for structured collaboration between our two countries. Ghanaian health workers have gained international recognition for their professionalism and their compassion. And we’re keen to explore arrangements that address both our national needs and Grenada’s health priorities.

    He added, “I’m pleased that just yesterday, Thursday, October 16, our Foreign Minister, the Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Honourable Joseph Andall, Foreign Minister of Grenada, co-chaired the inaugural session of the Ghana-Grenada Political Consultations. I’m confident that this mechanism will produce practical outcomes that deepen political, economic, and cultural engagements between our two nations.”

    The signing of the MoU comes just days after the Health Minister, Mintah Akandoh raised concerns about the balooning and looming unemployment crisis the sector is anticipated to face citing governments efforts to deal with the challenge.

    Early this month, a group of nurses and midwives, who identify as the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives, took to the streets to protest over unpaid salaries for the last 10 months since their posting in December 2024.

    The Health Ministry responded to their request, promising to settle all arrears by next month.

    Speaking on the challenges facing employment in Ghana’s health sector, Mr Akandoh, during an appearance on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Wednesday, October 15, revealed that as more health practitioners graduate each year, the unemployment rate within the sector continues to rise.

    He said if measures aren’t taken immediately, Ghana could have as many as 180,000 unemployed trained health professionals by the end of 2028.

    According to the Minister, the current number of unemployed health workers stands at around 74,000. However, with thousands more graduating each year, the figure is expected to more than double within the next three years.

    “By the end of 2026, we will have an additional 23,000. By the end of 2027, we will have an additional 35,000. By the end of 2028, we will have about 47,000. So by the end of 2028, if we don’t employ anybody, this 74,000 is still outstanding — we will have not less than 180,000 trained and they will be at home,” he said.

  • TEWU demands 50% raise in base pay for members from govt

    TEWU demands 50% raise in base pay for members from govt

    A 50 per cent increase in base pay has been proposed by the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU of TUC-Ghana) ahead of its meeting with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations.


    This was made known by the National Chairperson, Salamatu Mahamah Braimah, on Thursday, October 9, while speaking to the media. She attributed the proposed salary increment to the soaring cost of living, rising utility tariffs, and increased fuel prices.

    According to her, these factors are making it impossible for employees to sustain their livelihoods.
    “We are selling our labour, and as you know, each time things change, it means that our working conditions must change as well. So we are going into these negotiations with the mindset that there will be an improvement in the base pay. I think the minimum will be 50%. So even if the government gives us 100% we will say thank you, Mr Government or Mr President and walk away,” she said.


    However, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations is expected to engage the union in salary negotiations in the coming days. The Union began its nationwide strike on Friday, September 19, to protest the government’s inaction on addressing their long-standing concerns about conditions of service, but suspended the strike after an engagement with the National Labour Commission (NLC).


    The Union’s strike disrupted schools across the country, as the union resisted calls to suspend industrial action. Despite mounting pressure from the National Labour Commission, the union insisted it would only return to work after its demands were met.


    Meanwhile, the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, has stated that the salary delays affecting thousands of nurses, teachers, and junior doctors are due to lapses under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.


    Speaking to the media on Wednesday, October 8, Dr. Pelpuo blamed the NPP’s poor recruitment practices and fiscal indiscipline for the current plight of nurses and doctors.


    “The situation is currently unfair, but it is a culmination of events that took place in the last regime before the current regime took over. People were engaged to work without due process. For you to work and be paid, you need clearance to show that there is money in the account and that your employment has been approved. That didn’t happen in this respect,” he said.


    Ghana, in recent times, has witnessed several protests from government employees, specifically, teachers, nurses, and doctors. According to him, the former government handed over a poorly planned budget that didn’t make room to pay nurses, teachers, and doctors.


    As such, he called the protesting groups to call for calm as the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration will work to rectify the situation.


    “We are taking it up very seriously, and I can assure the nurses, teachers, and junior doctors who are caught up in the process that we are going to respond to them before the end of the year,” he stated.


    On Tuesday, September 30, Newly Posted Teachers group, comprising of graduates from Colleges of Education and universities submitted their petition to the Finance Ministry, which calls on the government to clear debts owed them.


    The group initially declared their intention to hit the streets over salaries owed them on Tuesday, September 23. However, speaking to Citi News, the group’s Lead Convener, Simon Kofi Nartey, noted that the Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities are yet to respond to their earlier petitions, thus rescheduling the protest to September 30.


    Simon Kofi Nartey called on the government to settle their 12 months and 8 months, respectively, within the given ultimatum. According to him, the group will have no option but to hit the streets if the government does not treat their demands with urgency.


    “It is rather unfortunate that, as we speak, nothing has been done about the concerns we raised at our press conference. We have no option but to take to the streets to let Ghanaians know what is happening. We have already met with the Greater Accra Regional Police Command and agreed on September 30 for the demonstration,” he said.


    Also on October 3, the Junior Doctors’ Association of Ghana (JDA-GH) declared its intention to withdrawn nationwide over unpaid salaries and alleged untreatment from the government.


    However, the group made a U-turn over its nationwide strike, which was expected to commence on Tuesday, October 6. The decision to suspend the withdrawal of services follows constructive discussions with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other key stakeholders.


    This was contained in a press statement issued by the Association’s leadership on Monday, October 6. According to the statement, “After careful consideration and following assurances from the Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders, the Association has decided to suspend its planned industrial action to allow for the full implementation of the agreed resolutions”.


    The group lamented that over 200 junior doctors have been left unpaid for 10 to 14 months. According to the Association, some medical officers have been suspended without explanation, even though they were previously on the government payroll.


    It also emphasized that more than 800 medical officers are yet to be assigned to hospitals despite numerous engagements with authorities on the matter.


    “Despite goodwill shown towards the government, no solutions have been offered. The continued exploitation of junior doctors will no longer be tolerated,” the statement read.


    On Thursday, October 2, the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives staged a protest to register similar sentiments. Over 7,000 nurses and midwives who gathered at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health lamented over working without salaries for nine to ten months.


    Convenor of the coalition, Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah, described the situation as unfair and unsustainable. Adding, “We are not comfortable hitting the streets, but it has become necessary. We are citizens, trained as professional nurses and midwives from nursing training colleges and universities.


    “We graduated in 2020, completed our rotations, and waited at home for three years. In July 2024, the Ministry of Health announced it had secured financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance for our employment.


    “The portals were opened, we registered, and by October 2024, we received postings and reported to work in December. Out of the 15,000 announced, about 13,000 took up postings.


    “But in April 2025, only some of our colleagues started receiving salaries. As we speak, just over 6,500 have been paid, while nearly 7,000 of us have worked for close to 10 months without pay”.


    In response, the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, urged the group to exercise patience, as the government has taken steps to address their displeasure.


    Addressing the aggrieved group on Thursday, October 2, the Minister disclosed that the government will include funds to settle their unpaid salaries in next year’s budget.


    On June 2, members of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) withdrew from their posts over delays in their 2024 Collective Agreement.


    In response, the National Labour Commission (NLC) filed an ex parte application on Thursday, June 5. A 10-day injunction was placed on the nationwide strike after the Industrial and Labour Division of the High Court in Accra described the protest as illegal.


    The GRNMA disclosed that it had yet to formally receive a court order restraining its ongoing strike. Public Relations Officer of the GRNMA, Joseph Krampah, insisted that the group was proceeding with the strike until an official injunction notice was served.


    Health Minister Mintah Akandoh, on the matter, revealed that the government was unable to meet the conditions of service for the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), currently on strike, this year.


    Engaging the press, the sector minister announced that the conditions of service being requested to be implemented were not captured in the 2025 budget statement; hence, it will “completely throw the economy off gear if implemented in the manner it currently exists.”


    “We are mindful of the serious economic consequences of unbudgeted expenditure and want to avoid the economic slippages that have led to the hardship in the recent past,” the Health Minister revealed.


    The Minority in Parliament entreated the government to put in the necessary measures to ensure the strike action was called off. Dr Afriyie Ayew told the government to work towards providing the conditions of service worked on by the previous government.


    “It is our belief that governance is a continuous process regardless of which party is in government public servants are paid, collective bargaining rights, which are agreed on, remain their rights regardless of which government takes over after elections.”The nationwide strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) took a heavy toll on the delivery of healthcare services, with many lives being lost due to patients being stranded.


    The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) bemoaned the evident rise in mortality cases amid the ongoing strike by nurses and midwives in the country.


    General Secretary of MOWAG, Richard Kofi Jordan, noted that the death rate has increased by approximately 100% to 150% due to nurses not being at post.


    “Looking at the [number] of deaths compared to the past and now, the death toll has increased significantly, and it is not surprising because of the impact of the nurse’s absence. On average, where we are to record about 10 a day, we are recording about 20 to 25. This tells you that the absence of our nurses is becoming so severe,” he said.


    Making reference to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, he mentioned that “we know the average in Korle Bu, you can have about 50 this time. It has risen above that. Other facilities (like) KATH and all that, we are hearing it.”
    According to him, the nurses who are no longer at their posts were mitigating the daily death rate across medical facilities in Accra.. Public

  • GES opens promotion application portal for non-teaching staff

    GES opens promotion application portal for non-teaching staff

    Non-teaching staff can now submit their applications for promotion to senior grades for the 2024/2025 academic year, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced. The categories include Accounting, Internal Audit, Administration, Catering, Technical, Library, Supply, Laboratory Technician, Secretarial, and Driver.

    Positions available for promotion include Chief Accountant, Chief Internal Auditor, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Domestic Bursar, Chief Technical Officer, Chief Librarian, Chief Supply Officer, Chief Laboratory Technician, Principal Private Secretary, and Chief Driver, among others. According to  a circular dated September 24, 2025, and signed by Prof. Smile Dzisi, Acting Deputy Director-General (MS), the Service directed applicants to submit their entries online through the GES website at https://bit.ly/GESPROMOTION25. 

    In detailing the eligibility criteria, the Service indicated that applicants must have remained active in the service and attained their current rank on or before 2021. Additionally, postgraduate qualifications such as a Master’s or PhD must have obtained them in or before 2022. The deadline for applications is October 10, 2025.

    In August this year, GES opened promotions for qualified teachers and officers for higher ranks within the service. 

    The ranks for which applications were opened include Deputy Director, Assistant Director I, Assistant Director II, and Principal Superintendent.

    Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline on Friday, September 5, 2025. Application forms can be obtained from the Ghana Education Service’s website or by scanning the QR code provided online.

    Applicants have been advised to attach a clear and legible passport-sized photograph in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format, along with their last promotion, appointment, or upgrading letter, and their highest academic certificate when applying for promotion.

    The GES emphasized that, except for the passport-sized photograph, all other documents must be in PDF format. This was contained in a press statement issued by the Ghana Education Service.

    “An applicant should upload the following documents: passport-size photograph (in jpeg, jpg, or png format), last promotion or appointment or upgrading letter, highest academic certificate used for applying for the promotion. All documents uploaded MUST be in PDF (except the passport picture) and should be clear and legible. Application window opens from Monday, 18th August to Friday, 5th September 2025. SCAN TO APPLY,” parts of the statement read.

    The Service noted that applicants for the Deputy Director rank must have held the position of Assistant Director I in or before 2020 and must have remained active in the service. Applicants for Assistant Director I must have been promoted to the rank of Assistant Director II in or before 2020 and remained continuously at post. Similarly, applicants for Assistant Director II should have been promoted to the rank of Principal Superintendent in or before 2020 and must have been consistently at post since then. For the Principal Superintendent rank, applicants must have attained the position of Senior Superintendent I in 2020 or earlier.

    “Deputy Director: An applicant should have been promoted to the rank of Assistant Director I in or before 2020 and should have been continuously at post since date (except for the periods of approved leave of absence).

    “Assistant Director I: An applicant should have been promoted to the rank of Assistant Director II in or before 2020 and should have been continuously at post since date (except for the periods of approved leave of absence).

    “Assistant Director II: An applicant should have been promoted to the rank of Principal Superintendent in or before 2020 and should have been continuously at post since date (except for the periods of approved leave of absence).

    Principal Superintendent: An applicant should have been promoted to the rank of Senior Superintendent I on or before 2020 and should have been continuously at post since that date (except for the periods of approved leave of absence). An applicant who has obtained an approved undergraduate degree will be automatically placed on this rank,” the statement added.

    Additionally, applicants who wish to apply with Master’s or Doctorate degrees must ensure their certificates are in courses recognized by the GES.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, applicants who wish to rely on Master’s/Doctorate degrees to join the interviews out of turn should note the following:Master’s/PhD programme should be on the approved GES course of study.”

    Additionally, applicants who wish to apply with Master’s/Doctorate degrees must ensure their certificates are in courses recognized by the GES and should have been acquired before their most recent promotion.

    “The Master’s/PhD certificate should not have been obtained before the previous promotion. Applicants who wish to use the Master’s/PhD certificate for ADI, ADII, and Deputy Director promotion should have obtained their certificate in or before 2022,” it concluded.

    Meanwhile, the Service continues to grapple with unresolved issues concerning newly trained teachers. On Monday, June 23, over 100 aggrieved teachers picketed at the GES headquarters in Accra, demanding the payment of several months of unpaid salaries.

    The intended peaceful protest turned chaotic, prompting police intervention. However, the teachers refused to disperse. The group’s spokesperson, Eric Darfuor, explained to the media that their decision to protest stemmed from unmet assurances by the GES that their outstanding salaries would be paid by the end of July.

    “The PRO said there has been an official communiqué from GES, so we have suspended our picketing for now, and we are hoping to receive our salaries by the end of July. The PRO said they are at the final stage of resolving our issue, so very soon we will receive our salary.

    “So we are waiting and waiting for the very soon, by the end of July, so when the time is due, and we do not hear anything from them, we will come back again stronger.”

    Defiant, the protesting teachers have vowed to intensify their actions. “We’ll be here overnight so that by morning, we can go to the Finance Ministry and then proceed to Parliament,” one protest leader said.

    “When MPs arrive, we’ll let them know what the government is putting us through. All we ask is for our staff IDs and the money owed to us.”

    In response, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has stated that it is working to resolve months of unpaid salaries and other concerns raised by newly posted teachers. This was revealed in a press release issued by the GES Public Relations Officer, Daniel Fenyi, on Tuesday, June 24. According to the Service, it has formally requested an extension of the expired financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance to enable the payment of outstanding salaries and the issuance of staff IDs.

    Out of the 12,807 graduates recruited from the Colleges of Education last year, about 2,113 are yet to receive their salaries due to the expiration of financial clearance. The Service has attributed this situation to inconsistencies in the affected teachers’ Ghana Card details, SSNIT numbers, and cases of self-reposting.

    Additionally, the GES disclosed that it has set up a technical committee to resolve the anomalies. In the meantime, the Service has called for calm, assuring teachers of its commitment to addressing the matter.

    “The present GES Management, upon assuming office, immediately undertook a nationwide staff validation exercise from 7th-14th March 2025 to confirm the genuinely recruited teachers and clean up recruitment anomalies.

    “It is important to note that significant progress has already been made. The Service assures all affected staff that every effort is being made to rectify the situation and ensure that all genuinely recruited teachers receive their due remuneration,” parts of the statement read.

    In a related development, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has disclosed that it is investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences linked to the large-scale sale of appointment letters to prospective teachers and the laundering of proceeds from the unlawful enterprise.

  • GES opens applications for teachers, officers seeking higher ranks

    GES opens applications for teachers, officers seeking higher ranks

    Qualified teachers and officers can now apply for promotion to higher ranks within the service, as announced by the Ghana Education Service (GES). The ranks for which applications have been opened include Deputy Director, Assistant Director I, Assistant Director II, and Principal Superintendent.

    Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline on Friday, September 5, 2025. Application forms can be obtained from the Ghana Education Service’s website or by scanning the QR code provided online.

    Applicants have been advised to attach a clear and legible passport-sized photograph in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format, along with their last promotion, appointment, or upgrading letter, and their highest academic certificate when applying for promotion.

    The GES has emphasized that, except for the passport-sized photograph, all other documents must be in PDF format. This was contained in a press statement issued by the Ghana Education Service.

    “An applicant should upload the following documents: passport-size photograph (in jpeg, jpg, or png format), last promotion or appointment or upgrading letter, highest academic certificate used for applying for the promotion. All documents uploaded MUST be in PDF (except the passport picture) and should be clear and legible. Application window opens from Monday, 18th August to Friday, 5th September 2025. SCAN TO APPLY,” parts of the statement read.

    In detailing the eligibility criteria, the Service indicated that applicants for the Deputy Director rank must have held the position of Assistant Director I in or before 2020 and must have remained active in the service. Applicants for Assistant Director I must have been promoted to the rank of Assistant Director II in or before 2020 and remained continuously at post. Similarly, applicants for Assistant Director II should have been promoted to the rank of Principal Superintendent in or before 2020 and must have been consistently at post since then. For the Principal Superintendent rank, applicants must have attained the position of Senior Superintendent I in 2020 or earlier.

    “Deputy Director: An applicant should have been promoted to the rank of Assistant Director I in or before 2020 and should have been continuously at post since date (except for the periods of approved leave of absence).

    “Assistant Director I: An applicant should have been promoted to the rank of Assistant Director II in or before 2020 and should have been continuously at post since date (except for the periods of approved leave of absence).

    “Assistant Director II: An applicant should have been promoted to the rank of Principal Superintendent in or before 2020 and should have been continuously at post since date (except for the periods of approved leave of absence).

    Principal Superintendent: An applicant should have been promoted to the rank of Senior Superintendent I on or before 2020 and should have been continuously at post since that date (except for the periods of approved leave of absence). An applicant who has obtained an approved undergraduate degree will be automatically placed on this rank,” the statement added.

    Additionally, applicants who wish to apply with Master’s or Doctorate degrees must ensure their certificates are in courses recognized by the GES.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, applicants who wish to rely on Master’s/Doctorate degrees to join the interviews out of turn should note the following:Master’s/PhD programme should be on the approved GES course of study.”

    Additionally, applicants who wish to apply with Master’s/Doctorate degrees must ensure their certificates are in courses recognized by the GES and should have been acquired before their most recent promotion.

    “The Master’s/PhD certificate should not have been obtained before the previous promotion. Applicants who wish to use the Master’s/PhD certificate for ADI, ADII, and Deputy Director promotion should have obtained their certificate in or before 2022,” it concluded.

    Meanwhile, the Service continues to grapple with unresolved issues concerning newly trained teachers. On Monday, June 23, over 100 aggrieved teachers picketed at the GES headquarters in Accra, demanding the payment of several months of unpaid salaries.

    The intended peaceful protest turned chaotic, prompting police intervention. However, the teachers refused to disperse. The group’s spokesperson, Eric Darfuor, explained to the media that their decision to protest stemmed from unmet assurances by the GES that their outstanding salaries would be paid by the end of July.

    “The PRO said there has been an official communiqué from GES, so we have suspended our picketing for now, and we are hoping to receive our salaries by the end of July. The PRO said they are at the final stage of resolving our issue, so very soon we will receive our salary.

    “So we are waiting and waiting for the very soon, by the end of July, so when the time is due, and we do not hear anything from them, we will come back again stronger.”

    Defiant, the protesting teachers have vowed to intensify their actions. “We’ll be here overnight so that by morning, we can go to the Finance Ministry and then proceed to Parliament,” one protest leader said.

    “When MPs arrive, we’ll let them know what the government is putting us through. All we ask is for our staff IDs and the money owed to us.”

    In response, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has stated that it is working to resolve months of unpaid salaries and other concerns raised by newly posted teachers. This was revealed in a press release issued by the GES Public Relations Officer, Daniel Fenyi, on Tuesday, June 24. According to the Service, it has formally requested an extension of the expired financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance to enable the payment of outstanding salaries and the issuance of staff IDs.

    Out of the 12,807 graduates recruited from the Colleges of Education last year, about 2,113 are yet to receive their salaries due to the expiration of financial clearance. The Service has attributed this situation to inconsistencies in the affected teachers’ Ghana Card details, SSNIT numbers, and cases of self-reposting.

    Additionally, the GES disclosed that it has set up a technical committee to resolve the anomalies. In the meantime, the Service has called for calm, assuring teachers of its commitment to addressing the matter.

    “The present GES Management, upon assuming office, immediately undertook a nationwide staff validation exercise from 7th-14th March 2025 to confirm the genuinely recruited teachers and clean up recruitment anomalies.

    “It is important to note that significant progress has already been made. The Service assures all affected staff that every effort is being made to rectify the situation and ensure that all genuinely recruited teachers receive their due remuneration,” parts of the statement read.

    In a related development, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has disclosed that it is investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences linked to the large-scale sale of appointment letters to prospective teachers and the laundering of proceeds from the unlawful enterprise.

  • 70,000 health workers to gain employment soon – Health Minister assures

    70,000 health workers to gain employment soon – Health Minister assures

    The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has bemoaned the challenges within the health sector, specifically in the health sector.

    Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Friday, July 18, he indicated that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration is working to ensure a reduction in the country’s unemployment rate.

    He assured that the days of the backlog of unemployed health professionals across the country has come to an end, as the government seeks to recruit 70,000 qualified health workers.

    “We recognise the challenge of over 70,000 qualified health workers currently awaiting employment, but I want to assure you that we are working tirelessly to clear this backlog,” he said.

    Mr. Akandoh further revealed the government’s recent achievement in recruiting 10,000 nurses and midwives nationwide.

    He added that the government has already begun the process to ensure the payment of salary arrears owed to 321 Pharmacist House Officers who completed training in 2024.

    “While 1,621 qualified pharmacists await permanent employment, we are prioritising their recruitment as part of strengthening our health workforce.

    “This is just one example of our broader commitment to clearing the backlog across all health worker cadres, ensuring every qualified professional has the chance to serve and strengthen Ghana’s health system,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the government has disbursed an amount of GHS 462 million to settle training allowances owed to 120,000 nursing students nationwide.

    The six-month payment is part of the government’s wider effort to assist students in Nursing Training Colleges financially.

    In 2024, President Mahama encouraged trainee nurses to prioritize securing stable employment over relying on allowances. He highlighted the need for sustainable job opportunities in Ghana’s healthcare sector.

    Speaking to trainee nurses, Mahama acknowledged their financial difficulties but emphasized that long-term job security is more beneficial than temporary financial support.

    He assured them that his administration would focus on job creation within the healthcare industry, ensuring stable and rewarding careers for nurses and other health professionals.

    “We know the problems with trainee nurses and that is why when we were in government, we said we were going to substitute your allowance with the students’ loan because we wanted to create more employment for you. What is important for you is not the allowance it is to get a job when you finish school,” he stated.

    Adding that “But somebody came and said he will pay the allowances. Unfortunately, it was 419…Come and pay the nurses you owe them almost 30 months of arrears. Some of them have left school without receiving their allowances and some of them are going to leave school again without receiving their allowances.

    “…I make you a commitment when I come to the hospitals, we were building that have been abandoned by this government we will continue them.

    “When I come to the agenda 111 hospitals, they are building I will continue and finish them so that we can create more space to be able to absorb all of you when you finish school. This election is between Ghana and NPP.”

  • NSS deploys 13,700 trained teachers for 2025/26 national service

    NSS deploys 13,700 trained teachers for 2025/26 national service

    The National Service Authority (NSA) has deployed the first batch of trained teachers for the 2025/2026 national service year.

    A total of 13,700 graduates from accredited teacher training colleges will begin their service in various educational institutions across the country.

    In an announcement, the NSA directed all assigned personnel to verify their placements and complete necessary documentation. “All deployed Service Personnel MUST log onto the Authority’s website at www.nsw.gov.gh to check their placements and print their appointment letters for endorsement from their designated User Agencies,” the statement read.

    The newly deployed teachers are expected to begin service on April 2, 2025, while the regional validation process will take place from March 26 to April 11, 2025, at all NSA regional centers nationwide.

    Reaffirming the mandatory nature of national service, the Authority cited the governing law: “Per the National Service Authority (Act 1119) 2024, every Ghanaian citizen who has attained the age of eighteen (18) years or more and has completed an Accredited Tertiary Institution is MANDATED to undertake national service to the State.”

    https://twitter.com/nssghana/status/1904986664440856735/photo/1

  • Govt to pay teacher, nursing trainees via CAGD to avert payment delays

    Govt to pay teacher, nursing trainees via CAGD to avert payment delays

    The government has announced plans to pay teacher and nursing trainees’ allowances through the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) to ensure timely disbursement.

    President John Dramani Mahama made this known while addressing a durbar at the Jubilee Park in Tamale as part of his “Thank You Tour” of the Northern Region following his victory in the December Presidential Elections.

    “There is good news for teacher and nursing trainees. Nursing and teacher trainees’ allowances are to be paid directly by the Controller and Accountant-General. This has been made a part of the compensations item in the budget and this will permanently eliminate the delay in trainees receiving their allowances. This means that anytime public sector workers receive their monthly salaries, teacher and nursing trainees will also receive their allowances,” the president said on Saturday, March 22.

    For years, teacher and nursing trainees in Ghana have grappled with persistent delays in the payment of their monthly allowances, often waiting for several months before receiving them. These delays have made it difficult for many trainees to afford essential expenses such as transportation, feeding, and study materials.

    Some affected students have staged protests to demand the timely release of their allowances.

    To address these concerns, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced an allocation of GH¢684 million in the 2025 budget to cover the payment of teacher and nursing trainee allowances.

    “We have allocated GH¢203 million for the payment of teacher trainee allowances and another GH¢480 million for nursing trainee allowances,” Dr. Forson confirmed while presenting the 2025 Budget on March 11.

    He explained that this funding reflects the government’s commitment to investing in education and healthcare, ensuring that future teachers and health professionals are adequately supported during their training.

    The Finance Minister also detailed other allocations in the 2025 budget, including investments in education, infrastructure, social protection, and disaster relief.

  • Anum Presby SHS faces teacher crisis as 21 educators abandon posts

    Anum Presby SHS faces teacher crisis as 21 educators abandon posts

    Anum Presby Senior High School in the Eastern Region is facing a serious teacher shortage after 21 teachers left, disrupting academic activities.

    In a letter dated March 11, 2025, the Headmistress, Mrs. Stella Naa Enyo Atiase, informed the Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES) through the District Director, stressing the urgent need for new teachers in key subjects.

    The affected subjects include:
    The letter outlined the urgent need for teachers in key subjects, including:

    • Chemistry – 2 teachers
    • Physics – 2 teachers
    • Integrated Science – 4 teachers
    • Core Mathematics – 5 teachers
    • Government – 5 teachers
    • Physical Education – 2 teachers
    • Accounts Clerks – 2 personnel

    The shortage occurred because several teachers left their jobs and traveled abroad, creating a major gap in the school’s academic structure.

    The Headmistress has urgently appealed to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to step in and resolve the issue to prevent further disruptions to teaching and learning.

  • Kumawu MP holds award scheme to honour teachers

    Kumawu MP holds award scheme to honour teachers

    Member of Parliament for Kumawu, Ernest Yaw Anim, hosted the 2025 Kumawu MP’s Teachers Awards on Monday, February 17, 2025, to celebrate exceptional educators and non-teaching staff in the constituency.

    The ceremony recognized the dedication of these individuals with an array of prizes, including refrigerators, a motorbike, television sets, cash rewards, and certificates of recognition.

    In his speech, Mr. Anim highlighted the critical role teachers play in shaping the next generation, emphasizing their sacrifices and commitment.

    “In my speech, I emphasised the pivotal role teachers play in shaping a great society—their selfless sacrifices, unwavering patience, and unrelenting dedication are the reason our children have a brighter future,” he stated.

    He reiterated his pledge to enhance education in Kumawu through technological innovation and strategic development.

    “I reaffirmed my commitment to education in the Kumawu Constituency, which is one of progress, innovation, and empowerment—a vision which prioritises the strategic integration of technology, equipping our students, schools, and teachers with essential tools they require in this digital era,” he added.

    The event attracted key dignitaries, including representatives of Barima Sarfo Tweneboah Kodua II, the Kumawumanhene, as well as education sector stakeholders. Among them were Mr. Kwame Oduro Owusu, the District Director of Education, and Dr. William Kwame Amankra Appiah, the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, represented by Mr. Henry Osei Boateng.

    Also in attendance were religious leaders, security service heads, and other invited guests who came to honour the awardees.

    Mr. Anim expressed his appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of the event.

    “I extended my warmest congratulations to all the honourees, comprising both teaching and non-teaching staff. I also expressed my heartfelt gratitude to Barima Sarfo Tweneboah Kodua II (Kumawumanhene), who was represented by Nana Akwasi Agyekumhene, Mr. Kwame Oduro Owusu (District Director of Education), Dr. William Kwame Amankra Appiah (Ashanti Regional Director of Education), who was also represented by Mr. Henry Osei Boateng, the clergy, heads of security services, dignitaries, and everyone who made this august ceremony a success,” he stated.

    The awards ceremony reaffirmed his commitment to supporting and recognizing educators for their vital contributions to the future of Kumawu.

  • Toase SHS teachers’ bungalow destroyed by fire

    Toase SHS teachers’ bungalow destroyed by fire

    A fire broke out on Friday, December 20, 2024, destroying a teachers’ bungalow at Toase Senior High School in the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

    The blaze started in one flat and quickly spread to three others, leaving the affected teachers with no belongings salvaged. Ernest Opoku Mensah, the Assembly Member for the area, confirmed the total loss but noted that no injuries were reported.

    The school has since provided temporary housing to accommodate the displaced teachers.

    “We have one bungalow but four flats, with four teachers occupying the flats. The fire started in one of them, then got to the other. The next two flats were able to pick some of their items out before the fire went to their side, but the two flats couldn’t pick anything, because everything got burnt.

    “No casualties were recorded, but all their properties have been burnt down by fire. The school administration has been able to secure an apartment for the affected teachers. We’re now moving them to that place for at least some time to calm the situation down before the net action can be taken.”

  • Teachers must be the pivotal element in promoting, enhancing education – NAGRAT

    Teachers must be the pivotal element in promoting, enhancing education – NAGRAT

    The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has called on political parties to prioritize teacher welfare in their education policies rather than focusing solely on students.

    According to NAGRAT, past governments have neglected the welfare of teachers, leading to low morale and unfavorable working conditions.

    Atindana Baba Joseph, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of NAGRAT, expressed concerns over the recurring tendency of political parties to emphasize policies that benefit students while overlooking the needs of the teachers who are responsible for implementing those policies.

    “For political parties, we have heard what they promised, and what makes us so angry is that always the policies are geared towards the students. How to make the students something, not the ones who are going to implement those policies—that has been our worry,” he said.

    NAGRAT highlighted several ongoing challenges faced by teachers, including a lack of housing for rural teachers, delays in the payment of allowances, and insufficient teaching and learning resources. These issues, the association believes, are undermining the ability of teachers to perform their duties effectively.

    One specific example cited by Atindana Baba Joseph was the distribution of TM1 laptops to teachers, which have only 2.5GB of memory, compared to laptops with higher memory capacity provided to students. NAGRAT sees this as a reflection of the broader imbalance in how education resources are allocated.

    NAGRAT urged political parties to make teachers the focal point of their efforts to improve education by offering better welfare packages, housing solutions, and enhanced facilities. The association also advocated for the improvement of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy rather than its cancellation, a concern raised by some political figures.

    “We have heard both parties and what they said, but what we are saying is that make the teacher the pivotal element in promoting and enhancing education,” said Atindana.

    “We are not interested in their new definition of improved mean cancellation; we are not interested in that. We are born to teach, whoever comes to power, we will teach. However, if you come and enhance our welfare, the package, that makes us more interested in the teaching, and every teacher motivated will teach you to the best of his ability—and the vice versa is true.”

    Speaking at NAGRAT’s 25th anniversary launch in Kumasi, the Registrar of the National Teaching Council, Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, defended the introduction of the Teacher Licensure Examination, asserting that it was essential for maintaining high standards in the profession.

    He encouraged political figures to consult with education experts for a more comprehensive understanding of policies related to teaching and learning.

  • Over 200 teachers in Okaikwei North receive laptops from GES

    Over 200 teachers in Okaikwei North receive laptops from GES

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) has distributed laptops to 233 teachers and some non-teaching staff in the Okaikwei North Municipality, Greater Accra Region.

    This initiative is part of the government’s One Teacher, One Laptop programme, aimed at enhancing the educational system through improved access to technology.

    The distribution event took place at the Municipal Education Directorate in Achimota. Recipients underwent validation processes, including the presentation of their Ghana Cards, before receiving their laptops and accompanying bags.

    Teachers expressed their gratitude towards the government and their union leaders for the timely rollout of the programme.

    One teacher remarked, “The trend in education is driven purely by ICT, and devices such as computer laptops come in handy to enhance the teacher’s efforts.”

    This programme has also benefited pre-tertiary teachers in all five northern regions of Ghana, including Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East, and Upper West. A mop-up exercise is currently underway to ensure primary school teachers, teachers on study leave, and GES office staff in these regions receive their laptops.

    Teaching and non-teaching staff who have not yet received their laptops can generate a collection code by dialing 790555# and contacting their ICT Coordinators for assistance. A statement from the manufacturing firm in Accra urged all remaining beneficiaries to use this shortcode and reach out to their respective ICT Coordinators.

    According to the company, nearly 96% of eligible GES staff have already received their laptops. Efforts are being intensified to ensure all remaining beneficiaries receive their devices, thus concluding the nationwide distribution. The shortcode has been established to facilitate this final phase.

    Teachers in the Ashanti, Greater Accra, North East, Upper West, Upper East, Northern, and Savannah Regions can activate their short code and contact their ICT Coordinators from Friday, July 26th, to collect their laptops. Teachers and non-teaching staff in the remaining 10 regions will follow the same process starting Wednesday, July 30th, 2024.

    The One Teacher, One Laptop programme, launched in September 2021, aims to improve teaching and learning outcomes in pre-tertiary educational institutions nationwide. Under the programme, every public school teacher from kindergarten to senior high school is to receive a laptop to aid in lesson preparation, research, and learning.

    The government covers 70% of the laptop cost, with teachers contributing the remaining 30% through their unions. These laptops also enable teachers to access digital online training through National Teaching Council-approved modules, ensuring that teaching aligns with National Teachers Standards across the country.

  • Teachers in Okaikwei North receives 233 laptops from GES

    Teachers in Okaikwei North receives 233 laptops from GES

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) has allocated laptops to 233 teachers and select non-teaching personnel in the Okaikwei North Municipality within the Greater Accra Region.

    This laptop distribution is part of the government’s One Teacher, One Laptop initiative.

    The distribution event was held at the Municipal Education Directorate in Achimota, where recipients completed validation steps, including presenting their Ghana Cards, before receiving their laptops and bags.

    Teachers conveyed their appreciation to both the government and their union leaders for the prompt rollout of the program.

    One teacher noted, “The trend in education is driven purely by ICT, and devices such as computer laptops come in handy to enhance the teacher’s efforts.”

    Recent reports indicate that pre-tertiary teachers across all five Northern regions of the country have also benefited from the program.

    The regions covered are Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East, and Upper West.

    A mop-up operation is currently in progress to ensure that primary school teachers, those on study leave, and GES office staff in these areas obtain their laptops.

    Staff members, both teaching and non-teaching, who have yet to receive their laptops can create a collection code by dialing 790555# and reaching out to their ICT Coordinators for support.

    In a statement released on Wednesday, the manufacturing company based in Accra urged all remaining beneficiaries to use the provided shortcode and contact their ICT Coordinators.

    The company reported that almost 96 percent of eligible GES staff have already received their laptops. They are now focusing on completing the distribution to ensure all remaining beneficiaries get theirs, marking the end of the nationwide rollout. The shortcode has been introduced to streamline this final phase of distribution.

    Teachers in the Ashanti, Greater Accra, North East, Upper West, Upper East, Northern, and Savannah Regions can activate their shortcode and reach out to their ICT Coordinators starting Friday, July 26, to collect their laptops.

    Teachers and non-teaching staff in the remaining 10 regions will follow the same process starting Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

    The One Teacher, One Laptop programme, launched in September 2021, aims to improve teaching and learning outcomes in pre-tertiary educational institutions nationwide.

    Under the programme, every public school teacher from kindergarten to senior high school is to receive a laptop to aid in lesson preparation, research, and learning.

    The government covers 70 per cent of the laptop cost, with teachers contributing the remaining 30 per cent through their unions.

    These laptops also enable teachers to access digital online training through National Teaching Council-approved modules, ensuring that teaching aligns with National Teachers Standards across the country.

  • If you’re going to wear the neck brace, wear it properly – Netizens roast LilWin

    If you’re going to wear the neck brace, wear it properly – Netizens roast LilWin

    Actor LilWin was recently spotted wearing a neck brace, despite reports of being healed by Pastor Stephen Adom Kyei-Duah.

    He visited his school in Kumasi, where he met with teachers and students, still sporting the brace that he was supposed to have removed after his healing.

    A netizen reacted to his appearance, asserting he was wearing the neck brace wrongly.

    His submissions have sparked missed reactions on social media.

    This appearance follows his arrest, which occurred ten days after a tragic accident resulting in the death of a three-year-old.

    LilWin’s arrest came amidst public outcry, particularly from Ghanaians abroad, who emphasized the principle of equality before the law.

    He was granted bail of GHC 50,000, and his case is now under review by the Attorney General’s office.

    In a recent interview on Adom Kyei’s television network, LilWin expressed disappointment at what he perceived as a lack of sympathy from fellow Ghanaians, questioning his purpose in a country he feels harbors resentment towards the successful.

    See post below:

  • I will pay you 20% of your salary as incentive if you serve in rural schools – Mahama promises teachers

    I will pay you 20% of your salary as incentive if you serve in rural schools – Mahama promises teachers

    Former President John Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to offer a 20% salary incentive to teachers who agree to serve in rural schools.

    This promise comes amid concerns raised by the education think tank, Africa Education Watch, about the inadequate and unfair distribution of trained teachers across the country.

    The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, emphasized that while Ghana requires more teachers, the perception of a shortage is misleading.

    Asare explained that the real issue lies in the over-concentration of teachers in urban areas, which negatively impacts rural education. He pointed out that thousands of public primary school classrooms in rural Ghana lack teachers, leading to an average of 30 student dropouts daily.

    For instance, the Adentan municipality has 18 public primary schools with 140 classrooms, needing at least 158 teachers to function properly.

    However, it has a surplus of 205 teachers, with 363 currently employed. Similarly, Kumasi Metro, which has 98 public primary schools with 820 classrooms, requires 918 teachers but has a surplus of 290, with 1,208 teachers currently employed.

    The Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, attributed part of the responsibility for the shortage of teachers in rural areas to members of various teachers’ associations. He noted that many trained teachers either refuse postings to rural areas or seek transfers away from these locations after a few years.

    Mahama’s proposed 20% salary incentive aims to address this distribution problem by encouraging more teachers to take up positions in rural schools, thereby improving the quality of education for students in these areas.

  • Negotiations are ongoing – GNAT assures teachers agitated over conditions of service

    Negotiations are ongoing – GNAT assures teachers agitated over conditions of service

    The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has called on its members to remain calm amid ongoing protests over delays in finalizing their conditions of service agreements with the government.

    Despite government efforts to address issues such as the scheme of service, teachers remain discontented due to unresolved concerns about allowances and other benefits.

    In an interview with Citi News, GNAT General Secretary Thomas Musah expressed optimism, indicating that negotiations are progressing well and an agreement is expected soon.

    “We want to assure them that the negotiations are ongoing. We are still engaging the government; it has not broken down yet, so we want them to be reassured that we are working around the clock together with the government to ensure that the agreement is concluded as soon as possible.”

    Teachers have issued multiple ultimatums and staged numerous protests nationwide to pressure the government into paying their allowances.

    GNAT, the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) have been leading these demands.

    Although recognizing progress in negotiations, GNAT has urged the government to proactively address their concerns.

    “When the whole thing started from the labour commission, we had six items. Three were addressed instantly. The OSP matter was addressed, and the scheme of service matter was also addressed because they were told to provide us with the scheme of service by April. From there, other changes have been made.”

  • Parliament in Tennessee passes bill allowing teachers to carry weapons

    Parliament in Tennessee passes bill allowing teachers to carry weapons

    Tennessee House Republicans were confronted by protesters shouting “You are accountable for harm” after passing a bill that would allow select teachers and staff to carry concealed firearms in public schools without disclosing their identities to parents or other teachers.

    The bill got 68 votes in favor and 28 votes against it, so it will now go to the Republican governor. Please think about Bill Lee. If he makes it a law, it would be the biggest increase in access to guns in the state since a deadly shooting at a school last year.

    The public people who didn’t like the bill yelled at the Republican lawmakers after they voted. The House Speaker, Cameron Sexton, told everyone to leave the galleries.

    Four House Republicans and all Democrats didn’t support the bill, even though the state Senate had already passed it. The rule would stop sharing which employees have guns with anyone other than school administrators and police, including students’ parents and other teachers. The school principal, school district and police must all agree for the staff to carry guns.

    The proposal offers a very different solution to The Covenant School shooting compared to what Lee suggested last year. Republican lawmakers rejected his proposal to prevent people who are considered a threat to themselves or others from having guns.

    It is unlikely that Lee will say no, because it has never happened before and lawmakers can easily disagree with him.

    “The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Ryan Williams, said that you are creating something that will stop people from doing something. ” “In our state, we have had problems with shootings. ”

    Republicans said no to ideas from the Democrats, like needing parents’ permission, letting people know if someone has a gun, and making the school district responsible if someone gets hurt or killed by staff with guns. Democrat lawmakerJustin Jones tried to change the bill’s name to the “Refusal to Protect Kids in Schools Act. ”

    “My Republican friends are keeping our state in a difficult situation to please their gun industry donors,” Jones said. “It is very wrong. ”

    It’s not certain if any school districts would use the law if it is approved. For instance, a representative for Metro Nashville Public Schools named Sean Braisted said that the district thinks it’s safest for only approved police officers to have guns on school grounds.

    Around half of the US states allow teachers or other employees with concealed carry permits to have guns at school, according to the Giffords Law Center, a group that supports stricter gun laws. The governor of Iowa approved a new law that allows trained school employees to carry a permit to protect themselves from being sued if they need to use force to protect students.

    In March 2023, a person shot and killed three children and three adults at The Covenant School, a Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee. The police later killed the shooter.

    After the shooting, people tried to convince the Statehouse to make strict gun control rules, but the Republican-led lawmakers mostly said no. They rejected gun control ideas from Democrats and even from Lee during regular yearly meetings and a special meeting, even though parents of Covenant students talked about the shooting and its long-term impacts.

    The new bill says that if a worker wants to bring a gun to school, they need to have a permit and permission from the school principal and local police. They also have to pass a background check and complete 40 hours of handgun training. They were not allowed to bring guns to school events in stadiums, gyms, or auditoriums.

    Tennessee made a law in 2016 that said school workers in two rural counties could bring guns to school, but they never actually did it.

    Tennessee Republicans have worked to make gun laws less strict, and in 2021 they agreed that people can carry handguns without needing a permit. Lee supported the change.

    The first law said that people 21 and older could carry guns in public without needing a permit. Two years later, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti made a agreement in a lawsuit that allowed 18- to 20-year-olds to carry handguns in public.

    After the shooting last year, Tennessee Republicans made a new law to give more protection to gun and ammo dealers, makers, and sellers from being sued. This year, the governor and lawmakers agreed that private schools with pre-kindergarten classes can have guns at their campus. Private schools that do not have pre-kindergarten classes can choose whether or not to allow people to bring guns onto their property.

    They have made some strict rules about who can have a gun. One law needs the governor’s signature to make it so that certain criminal defendants who are ruled unable to stand trial because of their mental illness or intellectual disability will have to go to a hospital for treatment and temporarily lose their right to have a gun. Another proposal needs the Senate’s agreement. It would take away the right to have a gun for young people who have committed serious crimes until they are 25 years old.

  • I teach 8 classes for 30 minutes each – Only teacher who accepted posting to school at Afram Plains

    I teach 8 classes for 30 minutes each – Only teacher who accepted posting to school at Afram Plains

    Many teachers who are posted to rural areas to help educate children turn down the directive of the Ghana Education Service (GES), but that was not the case for one female teacher who is making an impact in the lives of over a hundred children.

    Yeboah Agnes Agyapong, a dedicated teacher posted to a village school in Hlihadzi in the Afram Plains, has been teaching eight classes single-handedly for the past three years.

    Despite the challenges of teaching in a remote village with no electricity, access to clean water, or transportation, Agnes has remained committed to educating the children in her care.

    Agnes explained that she accepted the posting because the students are not difficult to manage. She starts teaching at 8 am and allocates 30 minutes to each class, totaling about 140 students.

    Remarkably, she receives the salary of one teacher, not eight, for her efforts. The school’s makeshift classrooms are not without hazards, as poisonous animals like snakes and scorpions sometimes find their way inside.

    Despite these dangers, Agnes continues to teach diligently, driven by her passion for education and the wellbeing of her students.

    Agnes is married, but her husband resides in Tamale, highlighting the sacrifices she makes to fulfill her teaching duties.

  • More than 100,000 teachers yet to receive laptops they paid for since 2021 – GNAT

    More than 100,000 teachers yet to receive laptops they paid for since 2021 – GNAT

    As the government rolls out the Ghana Smart School Project to distribute 1.3 million tablets to public Senior High School and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students, teacher unions are highlighting the government’s failure to fulfill its promises under the 1 Teacher 1 Laptop project.

    During an appearance on JoyNews’ PM Express, President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers, Rev. Isaac Owusu, explained that the ongoing strike by public school teachers, which started last Wednesday, is a result of over 100,000 teachers not receiving the laptops they were promised and have been deducted for since 2021.

    Rev. Isaac Owusu responded to criticism of the strike by the CEO of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Ben Arthur, stating, “Engineer [Fair Wages CEO] has been attacking us at every opportunity since Wednesday when we declared the strike.”

    “When it comes to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the unions have raised five solid issues, and each of the issues is very important and dear to the teacher we’re representing. Regarding the issue concerning the laptop, the contract says that within 12 calendar months; that is from January 2021 to December 2021, the supplier should have finished the distribution and we are in 2024. More than 100,000 teachers have not received the laptop, and what is the engineer talking about?” he fumed.

    As of December 2021, the Ghana Education Service (GES) reported that approximately 80% of the 62,000 laptops allocated for teachers in Senior High Schools had been distributed in the first phase of the project.

    President Akufo-Addo, speaking at the launch of the Ghana Smart Schools Project aimed at providing smart tablets for SHS students, stated that the Ministry of Education had already distributed 200,000 laptops to teachers in pre-tertiary institutions nationwide.

    On March 20, the three major teacher unions – the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Ghana National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana (CCT-GH) – declared a strike due to unsatisfactory conditions of service. They cited the government’s failure to renew their collective agreement, which expired in 2023, among other concerns.

    Despite efforts to engage the government in negotiations, the unions claimed that the government had not shown willingness to address their grievances, leading them to resort to industrial action.

    The CEO of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) criticized the unions for declaring the strike without following due process and for not adhering to an order by the National Labour Commission to call off the strike. He also expressed disappointment that the unions did not attend a meeting called by the FWSC and the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations.

    “There are procedures, there are provisions as to what must happen before you can really embark on a strike. You failed to notify the employer, Fair Wages was not in the know, and what was statutory of you to notify the National Labour Commission was also not done, and then all of a sudden we’re ambushed.”

    The President of GNAT affirmed to host Evans Mensah that teachers would remain on strike until all their demands are met, regardless of any criticism directed at them. This statement came in response to remarks made by the CEO of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission during the show regarding their ongoing strike.

    “The collective agreement, before the 2020 one that we signed, we were having 2009 collective agreement and we used it from 2009 to the year 2020. I want Engineer [FWSC CEO] to understand that, yes, you’re under the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, but you’re not the employer of the teacher. The law says that if we want to embark on industrial action we should notify the employer. Engineer, are you the Director-General for GES? Evans, we wrote two separate letters on the 29th of February and in those letters, the NLC was duly notified.”

    “The teachers of today are not the teachers of yesterday. The teachers of today are demanding results from leadership, and that’s what we are doing. We don’t have any ill motives and nobody is behind us,” he noted, in response to Mr Ben Arthur’s query to know what their true motivation for the strike is.

    He mentioned that they have a meeting scheduled with the National Labour Commission on Tuesday, March 26, to address the same issues.

  • NSS assigns 13,516 trained teachers to basic, secondary schools

    NSS assigns 13,516 trained teachers to basic, secondary schools

    The National Service Scheme (NSS) has disclosed the deployment of 13,516 trained teachers from Colleges of Education for their mandatory one-year national service in primary and secondary schools across the country.

    This announcement was made on Monday, March 4, 2024, prompting all service personnel in this category to verify their placements on the NSS website, www.nss.gov.gh.

    In a press release signed by the Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, Ambrose Entsiwah, it was clarified that trainees should then proceed to the respective NSS Regional Secretariats to complete the registration process.

    Registration is scheduled to commence on Friday, March 8, 2024, at all designated centers.

    The NSS management encourages all deployed trained teachers to accept their placements and adhere to the reporting instructions.

  • Ghana’s most outstanding teacher affirms Ghana teacher prize fully authentic

    Ghana’s most outstanding teacher affirms Ghana teacher prize fully authentic

    In the pursuit of the elusive Ghana Teacher Prize, I immersed myself day and night in crafting ten essays that would epitomize the strength, diplomacy, and authenticity of the National Teaching Council (NTC).

    Each day after school, I fervently rushed to my computer, pouring my heart into narrating the journey of my evolution as a teacher. What initially seemed like a daunting task gradually transformed into an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

    As I revisited my story, reflecting on the profound impact I had made, a sense of astonishment overwhelmed me. The realization of my significant service to the beloved country sent shivers down my spine.

    Days before the application deadline, a revelation struck—the imperative need for a meticulous review to ensure the success of my submission. The challenge nearly pushed me to the brink of surrender.

    Despite the hurdles, I persevered and submitted my application.

    Months passed with a constant anticipation for communication from the NTC. No formal word had arrived, leaving me in suspense.

    Then, one early morning, as I prepared for school, a text message from the NTC appeared. Excitement surged as I eagerly opened the message, instructing me to join the launch of the Teacher Prize—an awaited acknowledgment of my dedication and a testament to the NTC’s commitment to recognizing outstanding educators.

    At school, I would eagerly check every few seconds until I finally saw that the program had begun in full swing.

    To my delight, I discovered that I was the third name on the list, and I could not contain my joy.

    One significant challenge was gathering the necessary documents for the interview.

    Some of the required materials dated back five years, and the most daunting aspect was retrieving certain documents from my previous school.

    Despite the difficulty, I undertook the task. This involved obtaining my School Based Assessment, lesson notes, BECE results, and various other pieces of evidence showcasing my work.

    A day was scheduled for the interview in Kumasi, and the journey from Accra to the Ashanti Regional capital proved both exhausting and emotionally charged.

    My husband made a few stops along the way in an attempt to calm my nerves.

    The following day, we arrived at the academy, and the sight of the interview team left me trembling with a mix of nerves and excitement.

    They were not only warm but also poised, clearly aiming for the best candidates.

    As I entered the interview space, a group of NTC ladies carried my seemingly overly expected teaching resources.

    The sight of them and their diligence reminded me of the devoted service of the Galilean women in the holy book.

    Throughout the process, they treated us with care and respect, providing all the necessary support.

    My session involved teaching and responding to detailed questions about the teaching profession, making it one of the most intense days of my life.

    After the interview, I shared with my husband how the chairperson closely scrutinized my impact brochure.

    He suggested that we pass by the next day to give the book to the chairperson. I hesitated, expressing fear about going against the academy’s warning not to offer any form of appreciation to the team, not even a simple book, because I did not want to invite any trouble.

    Soon, award ceremony at hand. We were provided with comfortable accommodation at Akromah Plaza in Takoradi.

    The hotel not only offered restful sleep but also served appetizing meals. However, the anticipation of the contest outcome weighed heavily on my mind, causing me to lose my appetite.

    During the two-day symposium, we had the chance to share our impact stories with the observers present. Interestingly, many people kept asking if I had any hint that I was going to win.

    The answer was a resounding no. There were no signs, no hints, just a lingering suspense that added to the excitement of the moment.

    It felt surreal, like a dream unfolding on October 5th when my name filled the airwaves – the Outstanding Teacher came from Greta D Shepherd 2.

    What made this honour even more special was the absence of any financial obligation.

    There were no secret meetings, no undisclosed demands for the award, reinforcing my belief that indeed, genuine organizations existed in Ghana.

    My sincere appreciation goes to the NTC for upholding such integrity.

    Many were curious about the packages promised by the NTC. To my delight, every commitment made by the NTC was promptly fulfilled, and I received everything promised within the shortest possible time. Yes, everything.

    My journey to Singapore was an unforgettable experience, and with the promised one thousand exercise books and three-bedroom house fulfilled, there was no doubt that the NTC had elevated me to a higher level.

    Just when I thought I had done well for myself, the NTC came along and made me a better woman.

    I declare, with the heavens as my witness, that the Ghana Teacher Prize Award is truly free and authentic.

    I stand as living proof, a beneficiary of this genuine recognition.

    Grace, passion, and hard work are consistently the keys that unlock doors.

    I encourage all fellow teachers to continually fall in love with the noble profession we have been called to.

    One day, divine recognition will speak, and the world will sing our praise.

    The National Teaching council is indeed building confidence and raising teaching standards.

    Long live NTC!

    Long live Ghana!

    Written by Faith Aku Dzakpasu

  • TEWU to embark on an indefinite strike effective February 1 until further notice

    TEWU to embark on an indefinite strike effective February 1 until further notice

    The Teachers, Education and Workers Union (TEWU) has initiated an indefinite strike, citing the government’s failure to fulfil its terms and conditions of service as the primary cause.

    TEWU leader, Suleman Abdul Rahman, emphasised the urgency of disbursing tier 2 pension funds to fund managers promptly.

    He said, “TEWU demands immediate payment of the tier 2 pension funds by the government to the fund management.”

    Furthermore, TEWU is pressing for the equitable provision of vehicle maintenance allowance to deserving staff members in public institutions, without discrimination.

    The group’s leadership contends that addressing the terms and conditions of service is crucial for ensuring effective work delivery from the workers’ union.

    Expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s lackadaisical approach to their demands, the statement asserts that TEWU will continue the indefinite strike until their terms and conditions are met.

    The group accuses the government of Ghana of paying mere lip service to their concerns.

    In response to the perceived neglect of TEWU members in traditional universities, the group is set to embark on an indefinite strike starting from February 1, extending until their demands are adequately addressed.

    TEWU has joined the Senior Staff Association-Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG) in the strike action.

    See video below:

  • Unknown gunmen in Nigeria kidnap 6 students, 3 teachers and a bus driver

    Unknown gunmen in Nigeria kidnap 6 students, 3 teachers and a bus driver

    Six students, three teachers and a bus driver have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in south-western Nigeria.

    In a statement posted online, the Ekiti state government said the victims were attacked in the town of Emure while returning from a road trip on Monday night.

    State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji said the authorities are determined “to get the children and their teachers rescued”, meanwhile residents are being urged to remain and share any information that could help the search.

    It is not yet clear who is responsible or whether they have demanded a ransom.

    Kidnapping for ransom has worsened in Nigeria in recent years with armed gangs targeting road travellers, students as well as residents in rural and urban areas across the country.

    Earlier on Monday, about 50 civil society organisations issued a joint call on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency regarding the security situation.

    They said over 1,800 people had been abducted since the president assumed office in May last year.

    Tumi expressed his disappointment at the lack of acknowledgment and stressed the psychological and financial costs of having his works mistakenly credited to someone else.

  • Teachers and students kidnapped in Nigeria

    Teachers and students kidnapped in Nigeria

    Six students, three teachers and a bus driver were taken by attackers in south-western Nigeria.

    The Ekiti state government said on the internet that the victims were attacked in the town of Emure while coming back from a road trip on Monday night.

    The Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, said that the authorities are working hard to find the children and teachers. People are asked to stay and give any information that could help the search.

    We don’t know yet who is responsible or if they have asked for money.

    In the past few years, kidnapping for money has gotten worse in Nigeria. Armed gangs are taking people from the roads, schools, and towns across the country.

    More update on this story soon.

  • Over 6,800 trained teachers graduate from UCC

    Over 6,800 trained teachers graduate from UCC

    The University of Cape Coast (UCC) celebrated the graduation of 6,819 students from the Institute of Education within the College of Education Studies.

    The graduation ceremony consisted of two sessions, with the first session comprising 2,873 students who completed five-semester sandwich programs in education.

    The second session included 3,946 graduates who participated in three-semester programs and were also beneficiaries of the Ministry of Finance’s Ghana CARES Obantanpa TUC Programs.

    Among the graduates, there were notable achievements, with 578 students graduating with first-class honors, 3,493 with second-class upper honors, 1,946 with second-class lower honors, 581 with third-class honors, and 229 with passes. Mr. Eric Osei was recognized as the overall best student with a Grade Points Average (GPA) of 3.97, receiving a laptop, an undisclosed amount of cash, and a plaque.

    During the ceremony, Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, encouraged the graduating teachers to embrace technological and innovative teaching methods to make a meaningful impact on their students.

    He emphasized the importance of staying informed about educational policies, adapting to changes, and enhancing communication and instructional techniques.

    The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the significance of building rapport and demonstrating empathy towards students to create a friendly academic environment conducive to students reaching their full potential.

    The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the positive strides in infrastructural development at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) but highlighted a deficit, particularly in students’ accommodation on campus. This shortage has forced many students to seek housing in hostels and apartments around campus, leading to an increase in theft and robbery incidents. The Vice Chancellor expressed the school’s commitment to addressing the accommodation challenge through collaboration with the UCC branch of the Ghana Universities’ Staff Superannuation Scheme, aiming to find sustainable solutions.

    Professor Boampong outlined achievements in the College of Education Studies, including mentoring other Colleges of Education, organizing development programs for in-service teachers, and participating in initiatives like the Ghana CARES Obatanpa program for non-professional teachers in private schools. The college has also undertaken projects to improve teaching and learning in selected low-performing basic schools in Cape Coast.

    He proudly mentioned UCC’s position as the top-ranked university in Ghana and West Africa, and among the top 10 in Africa. The Vice Chancellor emphasized the university’s commitment to strategic partnerships to consolidate its achievements.

    Prof. Boampong appealed for a violence-free campus during the 2024 general elections, urging tolerance among the university community. He emphasized the potential dangers associated with conflicts and war. The valedictorian, Mr. Osei, encouraged his fellow graduates to continue adding value to themselves and using their knowledge and skills for the benefit of society.

  • Ablakwa settles 6 months rent advance fees for 167 teachers displaced during Akosombo Dam spillage

    Ablakwa settles 6 months rent advance fees for 167 teachers displaced during Akosombo Dam spillage

    The North Tongu constituency’s Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disbursed GH¢150,000 to the Ghana Education Service in the district, clearing six months’ rent advance for 167 teachers affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

    In efforts to encourage the teachers’ return for uninterrupted teaching, Ablakwa emphasized the importance of such initiatives.

    “My office has paid rent for 167 teachers who were displaced by the floods in order for them to return to teach our children.

    “These are some of the innovations we’re embarking on to ensure our people are not left behind,” he explained in an interview with Citi News.

    Despite ongoing challenges, Ablakwa’s office has provided school bags, footwear, and essential items to facilitate education in the area. Full scholarships have been granted to 50 student victims across various tertiary institutions.

    Addressing St. Kizito SHS, which housed a significant number of displaced victims, Ablakwa reported that “teaching and learning have commenced, and painting and renovation works will be completed next week.”

    He appealed to benevolent organizations for further assistance, highlighting the persistent impact of the floods and the crucial need for ongoing support.

    “The flood is no longer in the community. Yes, the water has receded, but the people are still homeless,” he expressed concern.

    Following the 2023 Akosombo Dam spillage, which displaced around 12,000 residents in North Tongu, Ablakwa’s initiative continues. Victims with uninhabitable properties remain in tents, prompting the MP’s call for support.

    Ablakwa’s ongoing project includes the construction of a shelter in Mepe for 300 widows, elderly individuals, and single mothers.

    Currently, the facility is 78% complete and is scheduled for handover in February 2024. This second resettlement center in the constituency features 50 rooms, washrooms, and an entertainment room exclusively for vulnerable women.

  • You can prepare your lesson notes electronically or handwritten – GES tells teachers

    In response to the evolving curriculum and educational systems, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has provided clarity on the procedures for teachers in basic and high schools regarding lesson notes.

    In the past, teachers were required to submit lesson plans every Monday, with potential disciplinary action for non-compliance. However, recent modifications have led to confusion.

    In a statement on January 17, the GES clarified that lesson notes can be either handwritten or electronically prepared, and they can be submitted physically or via email.

    The GES urged regional directors to communicate this information to district, municipal, and metropolitan directors of education.

    Teachers in Ghanaian schools traditionally used dedicated Teacher Lesson Note Books provided by the school to create lesson plans and notes. Headteachers documented and reviewed weekly subjects before implementation.

    In the past, the Ghana Education Service (GES) mandated teachers to submit lesson plans every Monday, with potential disciplinary action for non-compliance. This practice had become ingrained in the GES system over the years, seen by many teachers as an essential part of their job.

    However, recent modifications to the curriculum and educational systems presented new challenges. In a significant change for 2024, the GES directed district/municipal/metropolitan directors of education to accept lesson notes in both handwritten and electronically generated formats, either in print or via email.

  • Over 9,000 teachers who 2023 failed licensure exams to retake test

    Over 9,000 teachers who 2023 failed licensure exams to retake test

    The over 9,000 teachers who did not meet the required threshold in the 2023 Teacher Licensure Exams have been given an opportunity to retake the exams in March of the same year.

    Out of the 20,181 teachers who took the 2023 Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE) 2&3, a notable proportion of 9,556, which is over 30%, did not meet the required pass mark.

    Registrar of the National Teaching Council, Dr. Christian Addea Poku, emphasized the Council’s dedication to ensuring that only qualified teachers are placed in classrooms.

    “People have been talking about the fact that we failed people because there is no vacancy for the Ministry of Education or the Ghana Education Service to employ them, but for us at the National Teaching Council, we don’t regulate and license only public school teachers. So, we expect that when people go through the system and they get licensed, some of them may get absorbed by the Ministry of Education or the Ghana Education Service,” he said.

    The decision to provide a second chance for these teachers reflects the commitment to maintaining high standards in the education sector.

  • More than 16k Ghanaian teachers applied to UK Department of Education for jobs

    More than 16k Ghanaian teachers applied to UK Department of Education for jobs

    It appears the exodus of workers in pursuit of better opportunities in other countries is no longer confined to the health sector as it has now permeated into the education sector.

    According to the Registrar, National Teaching Council, Dr Christian Addai-Poku, over 16,000 Ghanaian teachers applied for positions with the Department of Education in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2023. 

    The Registrar reported that as of June 13, 2023, around 10,000 applicants possessing Ghana Teacher Licences were certified to work in the UK, eliminating the need for additional assessment by the UK government.

    Speaking on the alarming trend, Director of the Institute for Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER),  Professor Peter Quartey, urged the Ghanaian government to create more job opportunities for teachers to reduce the attrition rate.

    He said most teachers who sought greener pastures did so because of unemployment, low wages, and poor working conditions, and he called on the authorities to address the issues and ensure improvement in learning outcomes.

    Speaking in an interview, the Professor said that though the country could not stop migration, there was a need to manage the situation.

    “If the country has excess teachers, then it can export, but in a coordinated manner to maximise the benefits for the country,” he said.

    Prof Quartey said the government could institute measures and set a quota for teachers to migrate and pay remittances to the country as part of an agreement to defray the training cost.

    He said a country like the Philippines had done that not only in the teaching space but the health sector and had received foreign inflows.

  • I will introduce a 20% allowance for rural teachers – Mahama

    I will introduce a 20% allowance for rural teachers – Mahama

    Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has made a pledge to introduce a 20% allowance for rural teachers if he is elected back into office.

    This proposed basic allowance is intended to incentivize teachers to work in rural areas, addressing the shortage of educators in certain communities.

    During a town hall meeting in the Western Region, John Mahama expressed his full commitment to addressing the challenges associated with the successful implementation of this allowance.

    In response to concerns raised by teachers from the Ahanta West District, he highlighted the importance of categorizing both rural and urban areas to determine which teachers would be eligible for the allowance.

    He acknowledged the complexity of this task, stating, “in Takoradi here, there are some villages within the city. Where will you categorize that? All of these would have to be considered. We will sit with you to address this.”

    The former President acknowledged that a significant challenge in implementing the proposed policy lies in accurately categorizing rural communities deserving of the teacher allowance.

    Simultaneously, private school owners expressed dissatisfaction, perceiving unfair advantages given to public school examinations.

    In response to these concerns, Mr. Mahama expressed his commitment to investigating the issues raised by private school owners and proposing suitable solutions to address the challenges faced by rural areas.

    He emphasized that the NDC government is dedicated to conducting a comprehensive review of the free senior high school policy. This review will involve engaging stakeholders such as parents, teachers, educationists, and students to ensure a thorough assessment and potential improvements to the existing educational policies.

    “We will have a stakeholder consultation to examine the challenges with the policy and address them. For instance, due to an infrastructure deficit, the school operates on a shift system.

    “Currently, some students are at home and will return to school in March. After such a long break, how do they retain what they were taught?” Mahama questioned.

  • Teachers walk out after fight about naked painting at French school

    Teachers walk out after fight about naked painting at French school

    France’s education minister went to a school where some students didn’t want to see a painting of naked women. This made the teachers leave their work.

    The students said their teacher made mean comments about race and Islam, but the school says it’s not true.

    The teachers at Jacques-Cartier school near Paris said they didn’t want to work.

    There were a lot of problems at the school since the beginning of the school year. Parents kept complaining about the work their kids had to do and the punishments given out.

    The problem started when a teacher showed Diana and Actaeon, a painting from the Renaissance period that tells a story from a book called Metamorphoses.

    Sophie Venetitay from the Snes-FSU teachers union said that some 11 and 12-year-old students in their first year of high school were upset by a painting made by Italian artist Giuseppe Cesari in the 17th century.

    “Some students looked away, felt upset, and said they were surprised,” Ms. She also mentioned that “some students claimed the teacher said racist things” during a class conversation.

    The day after, a French news source said that a parent sent a letter to the principal saying that their child was not able to talk during a class conversation.

    Staff felt like they did not have enough help and were working in a bad environment, Ms Venetitay said.

    She said that this case reminds her of the violent murder of Samuel Paty. He was killed after showing drawings of the Prophet Muhammad in a class.

    The French government thinks that false stories about the teacher caused an 18-year-old Chechen refugee who had been radicalized to kill him near the school in a Paris suburb. Six teenagers were found guilty of being involved in the murder last week.

    Education Minister Gabriel Attal said that students who made complaints at Jacques-Cartier school will be punished, and a team will check the school to make sure it follows the rules of the country.

    On Tuesday, the school started classes again after being closed for a few days.

  • Improve health and educational facilities for nurses, teachers to work – Mpraeso MP to govt

    Improve health and educational facilities for nurses, teachers to work – Mpraeso MP to govt

    Member of Parliament for the Mpraeso, Davis Opoku Ansah, has called on the government to take a look at providing and upgrading the various health and educational facilities in the country.

    He believes that this forms part of one of the ways to ensure the retention of health experts in the country.

    He expressed about the increasing exodus of Ghanaian-trained nurses and teachers.

    “Most of these advanced countries (UK, Canada, USA) are giving away visas for skilled workers, and our trained teachers and nurses are leaving for these countries for free without the state getting anything in return, and that is affecting the workforce in this country.”

    “But the most important thing is the equipment they need to work because if you post a nurse to a health facility and they go there and can’t work because there is no equipment, they become frustrated. So it will be important for us to improve the facilities for them to work,” Davis Opoku Ansah said on Rainbow Radio Accra.

    In the last couple of years, Ghana has seen an increased exodus of trained nurses and teachers abroad in search of greener pastures due to unfavourable working conditions.

    Davis Opoku Ansah said this when he presented health logistics to ten CHPS compounds in Kwahu South Municipality.

    Some of the equipment he donated includes delivery beds, hospital beds, drip stands, scales, BP apparatus, and more.

  • Teaching is a great profession, impact the lives of others – Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang urges teachers

    Teaching is a great profession, impact the lives of others – Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang urges teachers

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially inaugurated its Teachers‘ Forum at the party’s headquarters in Accra.

    Speaking on behalf of former President John Mahama, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the 2020 Running-mate to the NDC ticket, stressed the significance of embracing change.

    She specifically pointed to the 24-hour economy as a deliberate and well-intended proposal for rebooting Ghana’s economy and social life.

    Professor Opoku-Agyemang urged all Ghanaians to prioritize this transformative shift, stating that the current challenges faced by the country require a paradigm shift, as proposed by NDC leader John Dramani Mahama.

    Professor Opoku-Agyemang, referencing the party’s manifesto, underscored the significance of members acquainting themselves with it, studying its contents, and actively working towards its outlined goals.

    She encouraged members to draw inspiration from the impactful legacies of the late Prof J.E.A. Mills and the current experienced flag bearer of the party, HE John Mahama.

    Emphasizing the intrinsic value of the teaching profession, she acknowledged the numerous challenges it faces, including unwarranted intimidation. Nevertheless, Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the profession’s immense contribution to human development, reinforcing its importance within the broader societal context.

    “It is a great profession. We are not among the richest in the country. but we are rich in our skills acquisition and determination of knowledge sharing. I am not saying the other professionals are not knowledgeable, but our initial mandate to educate, induct others, especially the youth into the life flow of society places us in a unique position to impact others,” she said.

    Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang urged teachers to actively engage in the country’s elections, emphasizing that they are well-placed to understand the processes leading up to the elections and are equipped to explain them to others. She encouraged teachers to play meaningful roles in their respective branches, highlighting that decisions and outcomes at that level have far-reaching effects on everyone.

    Furthermore, Professor Opoku-Agyemang encouraged teachers to take pride in their profession. Using the well-known phrase “If you can read it, thank a teacher,” she emphasized the doors of opportunity that teaching can open and underscored the critical role the profession plays in human development.

    “The best thing that happened to me as a person is being a teacher. The benefits are so many. So we should be proud of ourselves. We hold the key to human development, the most important asset and resource of any country. Education therefore needs very careful attention and handling,” she added.

  • Court gives 2 teachers 6-years sentence for faking receipt of Judicial Service

    Court gives 2 teachers 6-years sentence for faking receipt of Judicial Service

    In an Accra Circuit Court, two teachers who forged official receipts from the Judicial Service have been sentenced to six years in prison each.

    The mastermind behind the forgery, Lordfred Heward Mills, was sentenced in absentia, while Lawrence Ansu Asante, the second accused person, was escorted to jail by the police.

    The verdict was reached after Mrs. Afia Owusua Appiah, the presiding judge, found them guilty of charges including conspiracy to commit the offense of uttering forged documents and actually uttering forged documents at the conclusion of the trial.

    Inspector Wisdom Alorwu led the prosecution, and it was revealed that the complainant, Eric Ansah Agyei, is a pastor residing in Aburi.


    Mills, residing in Bubuashie, and Asante, a resident of James Town, served as sureties in the pending case of Republic versus Jeffery Wilson Ofori before Circuit Court 4, formerly presided over by the late Mr. Emmanuel Essandoh.

    According to the court records, in June 2021, the complainant entrusted GH₵3,500 to the now-convicted individuals for payment on behalf of Jeffery Wilson Ofori, an accused person in an ongoing case. Subsequently, the accused, now convicts, devised a scheme to forge an official Judicial Service receipt, failing to remit the money to the court.

    The prosecution revealed that the convicts sought the assistance of Boakye Boateng to obtain forged Judicial Service official receipts. They later presented one of these forged receipts, numbered 19/0263336 and dated June 11, 2021, with a face value of GH₵3,500, to the prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rita Asaah.

    Upon submitting the receipt to the court on November 23, 2021, it was rejected, leading to the judge ordering the arrest of the convicts. They were subsequently detained at the Community 18 Police Station for further investigation.

    Mills, during questioning, implicated Boakye Boateng, who remains at large, as the source of the forged receipts, allegedly charging them GH₵500 for the service. The remaining GH₵3,000 was reportedly divided between the convicted individuals.

    In their caution statements, both convicts admitted to the offense in the presence of an independent witness.

  • Your reward is not in heaven but in the western world – Lecturer urges colleague teachers to flee Ghana

    Your reward is not in heaven but in the western world – Lecturer urges colleague teachers to flee Ghana

    A Senior Lecturer in Political Science at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Akwasi Amakye Boateng, is campaigning for Ghanaian teachers to flee the country in search of better working conditions abroad.

    His advice comes at a time when the Registrar of the National Teaching Council (NTC), Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, has voiced concerns about the high attrition rate in Ghana’s education sector, emphasizing the potential threat it poses to the nation’s future development.

    Dr. Christian Addai-Poku revealed that over 10,000 Ghanaian teachers, all possessing Ghana Teacher Licenses, have been granted certification to work in the United Kingdom (UK).

    He pointed out that the majority of teachers leaving the country due to the deplorable working conditions are specialized in science and maths, underscoring the demand for Ghanaian educators in the global job market and raising questions about the impact on Ghana’s education system due to the migration of qualified teachers.

    Reacting to the exodus of teachers, Dr. Akwasi Amakye Boateng believes eloping is the best solution, as other countries in the West provide better remuneration and working conditions for teachers.

    He noted that it would be absurd to suffer and die in Ghana when one has the opportunity to travel abroad.

    “Years ago, people said the reward for a teachers was in heaven, but I tell you, their reward is in the western world. Other countries need the service of the Ghanaian teacher badly. They are now hard to find, so if you are a teacher, don’t stay here and die.”

    He is said to have made the comment during a discussion on Kumasi-based Angel FM.

  • There is no shortage, we can get 100 teachers today if we want – Education Minister

    There is no shortage, we can get 100 teachers today if we want – Education Minister

    The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has dismissed assertions of a teacher shortage in the country. He stated that there is an ample supply of teachers, with many awaiting their postings to educational institutions.

    Dr. Adutwum conveyed this message during the National Teachers Day celebration held in Takoradi, Western Region, on Thursday, October 5.

    “And we can forever put to rest this illusion that there is a shortage when there is no shortage. There are so many people who are waiting to be posted to go and teach and when we get clearance we will do that. We are one of the few countries in the world where you can get 100 teachers today if you want them.”

    This contradicts comments by the Registrar of the National Teaching Council (NTC), Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, who has voiced concerns about the high attrition rate in Ghana’s education sector, emphasizing the potential threat it poses to the nation’s future development.

    Dr. Christian Addai-Poku revealed that over 10,000 Ghanaian teachers, all possessing Ghana Teacher Licenses, have been granted certification to work in the United Kingdom (UK). Remarkably, these certifications were issued without requiring additional assessments, such as the qualified teacher status test, by the UK government.

    He pointed out that the majority of teachers leaving the country are specialized in science and maths, underscoring the demand for Ghanaian educators in the global job market and raising questions about the impact on Ghana’s education system due to the migration of qualified teachers.

    These concerns were raised by Dr. Addai-Poku during his welcome address on the first day of a two-day symposium leading up to this year’s Ghana Teacher Prize in Takoradi, Western Region.

    Dr. Addai-Poku disclosed that slightly over 16,000 Ghanaian teachers applied to the UK Department of Education for employment.

    The symposium served as a gathering for education practitioners, academics, and policymakers to discuss crucial issues in the education sector. It provided a significant platform for various agencies to engage with participants on vital policy matters and allowed schools to showcase innovations emerging from their institutions.

    Moreover, the symposium facilitated discussions related to the theme of this year’s World Teachers Day celebration, allowing award winners to showcase what set them apart and led to their national recognition.

    The Registrar highlighted that despite the country producing a substantial number of qualified teachers annually, the persistently high attrition rate results in an ongoing shortage of teachers nationwide.

    In response to this growing concern, Dr. Christian Addai-Poku appealed to the government and relevant stakeholders to implement appropriate measures addressing the high attrition rate in the education sector, aiming to avert the imminent danger posed by this trend.

  • We are willing to pay grants to teachers to move to remote areas – Education Minister

    We are willing to pay grants to teachers to move to remote areas – Education Minister

    The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has disclosed that the government is contemplating providing transfer grants to incentivize teachers who are willing to accept postings in underserved communities.

    Dr. Adutwum explained that this initiative aims to address the teacher-student ratio in the country.

    During the National Teachers Day celebration in Takoradi, Western Region, Dr. Adutwum emphasized that Ghana does not have a shortage of teachers.

    “If there is a need to pay transfer grants, we will pay it so that teachers can go to the places that need them the most. And we can forever put to rest this illusion that there is a shortage when there is no shortage. There are so many people who are waiting to be posted to go and teach and when we get clearance we will do that. We are one of the few countries in the world where you can get 100 teachers today if you want them.”

    This comes after the Registrar of the National Teaching Council (NTC), Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, voiced his concerns about the high attrition rate in Ghana’s education sector, emphasizing the potential threat it poses to the nation’s future development.

    Dr. Christian Addai-Poku revealed that over 10,000 Ghanaian teachers, all possessing Ghana Teacher Licenses, have been granted certification to work in the United Kingdom (UK). Remarkably, these certifications were issued without requiring additional assessments, such as the qualified teacher status test, by the UK government.

    He pointed out that the majority of teachers leaving the country are specialized in science and maths, underscoring the demand for Ghanaian educators in the global job market and raising questions about the impact on Ghana’s education system due to the migration of qualified teachers.

    These concerns were raised by Dr. Addai-Poku during his welcome address on the first day of a two-day symposium leading up to this year’s Ghana Teacher Prize in Takoradi, Western Region.

    Dr. Addai-Poku disclosed that slightly over 16,000 Ghanaian teachers applied to the UK Department of Education for employment.

    The symposium served as a gathering for education practitioners, academics, and policymakers to discuss crucial issues in the education sector. It provided a significant platform for various agencies to engage with participants on vital policy matters and allowed schools to showcase innovations emerging from their institutions.

    Moreover, the symposium facilitated discussions related to the theme of this year’s World Teachers Day celebration, allowing award winners to showcase what set them apart and led to their national recognition.

    The Registrar highlighted that despite the country producing a substantial number of qualified teachers annually, the persistently high attrition rate results in an ongoing shortage of teachers nationwide.

    In response to this growing concern, Dr. Christian Addai-Poku appealed to the government and relevant stakeholders to implement appropriate measures addressing the high attrition rate in the education sector, aiming to avert the imminent danger posed by this trend.

  • Teachers, parents advised not to compare, discriminate amongst children

    Dr. Joseph Gerald Tetteh Nyanyofio, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for La Dadekotopon Constituency, has offered guidance to parents and teachers, urging them to avoid making comparisons and discriminating among the children and students in their care.

    He emphasized that such practices could have harmful consequences and leave lasting scars on a child’s self-esteem.

    Dr. Nyanyofio cited notable figures in Ghana’s political history, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr. Ako Adjei, Kwegir Aggrey, and Nii Anyetei Kwakwranya, as examples of individuals who had made significant contributions to the nation despite potential setbacks in their early education.

    He stressed the importance of not underestimating the foundational stages of a child’s education, particularly preschool and basic levels, as these stages play a crucial role in a child’s intellectual development.

    Dr. Nyanyofio shared a personal anecdote from his own school days when he faced criticism from both families and some teachers due to his initially unimpressive academic performance. However, he highlighted how his educational journey, from the basic level to tertiary education, ultimately led to the attainment of a PhD.

    On the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, he encouraged parents to invest equally in the education of all their children, recognizing that each child possesses a unique set of talents that should be discovered, nurtured, and harnessed for the benefit of national development.

    Additionally, Dr. Nyanyofio challenged children to embrace qualities such as patriotism, discipline, honesty, and hard work, urging them to be confident in facing academic challenges and making wise choices for their future leadership roles.

    “Be courageous enough to dream bigger than you can even achieve,” he charged them.

    He was optimistic about the nation’s future prospects, stating that “if all sectors of our national life fail, but our education system is on track, we shall recover and succeed. On the other hand, if all systems of our state architecture are working, and our education system fails, Ghana can not survive”

    He observed “the future of this nation will be determined, not only by what happens at the Ministry of Finance and other key sector ministries, or the University of Ghana and other leading tertiary institutions in the country, but also, what happens in every basic school across the nation.”

  • Morocco earthquake: Numerous schools damaged, 7 teachers killed

    Morocco earthquake: Numerous schools damaged, 7 teachers killed

    Morocco’s Ministry of Education has decided to temporarily halt student learning in the areas most severely affected by the earthquake.

    The ministry announced on Sunday that it is actively exploring alternative methods to ensure students can continue their education while the affected regions undergo recovery efforts.

    Additionally, the ministry reported that seven teachers have tragically lost their lives, and 39 others have suffered injuries.

    The earthquake has also inflicted damage on 585 schools, potentially necessitating the transfer of some students to different educational facilities.

  • Nigerian teachers to work 2 days a week over cost of living

    Nigerian teachers to work 2 days a week over cost of living

    College of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, has informed the media that its members will limit their work to only two days per week until the government takes action to tackle the surging cost of living.

    COEASU which ranks as the third largest in Nigeria, is requesting a substantial 200% salary increase to cope with rising transportation and other essential expenses.

    The union has expressed that its members have been facing unbearable conditions. To push for their demand for a salary adjustment, the union has made a decisive move.

    According to a statement released on Wednesday by COEASU National President, Smart Olugbeko, the union’s national leadership convened an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

    During this meeting, it was unanimously agreed that members will only be able to work for two days a week until their demand is met by the government.

    This call comes in the wake of a significant hike in petrol prices resulting from the removal of a government fuel subsidy.

    The statement read in full:”The National leadership of our great Union in its extraordinary meeting held on Tuesday, 18th July 2023 had agreed to direct its members to go to work two days weekly until Federal Government yields to its demand of 200 per cent increase in salary amidst the difficulty of members to get to work as a result of hike in the price of petrol.

    “The implementation of the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government two months ago raised the price of a litre of petrol by 250%. This worsened the inflationary rate on the cost of transportation, food and other essential commodities and impoverished the Nigerian people.

    “Workers, including staff of colleges of education, kept faith with the government and chose to endure the untold hardship thinking it would be only for a while as Government promised to roll out palliative measures including significant increase in salaries. Alas! While our capabilities to sustain hope were already exhausted, the price of petrol rose further to N650 per litre.

    “Now, the leadership of the Union has been inundated by members’ complaints that they could no longer go to work as a result of a hike in the price of petrol and the resultant high cost of transportation. Against this backdrop, it has become inevitable for the Union to direct members to go to work only two days weekly while an emergency NEC meeting shall be convened to ratify this decision and decide on the specific days of the week members are to go to work.

    “The present salary of staff of Colleges of Education was approved in the year 2010 – 13 years ago! This means we have been on same salary since 2010 while the petrol price rose intermittently from N65/N70 in 2010 to N650 in 2023 (a tenfold increase). Our salary structure which is subject to renegotiation at 3-year intervals has remained static for 13 years, skipping four due renegotiations. It is ludicrous that Government has refused to return to the negotiation table on the welfare package for staff after the Union, prior to the removal of the fuel subsidy, had proposed a 200% increase in salary as against the Government’s offer of a ridiculous 35% for the Chief Lecturers and 23% for other cadres.

    “We call on the FG to urgently do the needful because the inevitable action of the Union against this hardship will have devastating effects on the students as it will lead to a prolonged academic calendar – a semester of 16 weeks will become 32 weeks or more; while Teaching Practice exercise of 6 months will become 12 months.

    “We call on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to quickly address the issue of salary adjustment for staff of Colleges of Education. We believe in the capacity of the President to address this problem as he did when he was the Governor of Lagos State where he so generously increased the salaries of staff in the then Lagos State-owned Colleges of Education that they became the highest paid nationwide.”

  • 17,000 teachers in Tunisia denied Salaries

    17,000 teachers in Tunisia denied Salaries


    In response to widespread protests by education staff across Tunisia, the authorities have taken action by suspending salary payments for 17,000 teachers and terminating the positions of 350 school principals.

    This decision directly impacts almost one-third of the nation’s primary school teachers and comes after recent demonstrations by education personnel.

    As part of these protests, teachers have refused to submit students’ grades.

    The Tunisian government has justified its actions by citing the country’s dire economic situation, asserting that the teachers’ salary demands are unfeasible given the current circumstances.

    Tunisia is grappling with high inflation, escalating unemployment rates, and severe shortages of certain essential food items.

    These economic challenges have created significant difficulties for the country.

  • Nursing, teacher trainees allowance won’t be affected by IMF– Akufo-Addo

    Nursing, teacher trainees allowance won’t be affected by IMF– Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo Addo has provided reassurance that the IMF extended credit facility program with Ghana will not impact the nursing and teacher training allowance.

    In mid-May 2023, the IMF approved a 36-month arrangement worth US$3 billion for Ghana. The initial tranche of US$600 million was disbursed promptly.

    However, the IMF bailout package for Ghana comes with certain conditions aimed at addressing economic challenges, ensuring fiscal discipline, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

    Despite suggestions from some economists to cancel the payment of nursing and teacher trainee allowances for fiscal reasons, Senior Presidential Advisor Yaw Osafo-Maafo, speaking on behalf of President Akufo-Addo, affirmed during the 175th Anniversary and Prize Giving Day of the Presbyterian College of Education that the government had strongly safeguarded the nursing and teacher trainees allowance as a social intervention program during negotiations with the IMF.

    “Teacher trainees present, I know that the difficulty in the economic landscape which has resulted in government’s signing up for a program with International Monitory Fund IMF may cause you some concern. But none of the allowances of the teaching profession will be affected with our program with IMF. There were certain things which are not to be touched and the teacher allowances was on of such protected allowance. The difficulty in prompt payment is coming from our own mobilization of resources and not the IMF once you have it you can be sure that teachers allowances and the rest of it will be honoured appropriately”.

    The president reaffirmed government’s dedication to teacher education and the teaching profession, emphasizing the importance of ensuring quality education.

    He also highlighted the implementation of licensing for teachers as a significant measure taken to restore dignity and enhance professionalism within the teaching profession

    “The introduction of licensing examination for teachers for example was done in the utmost good fate. It is aimed at lifting the image of the profession and avoiding situation where unqualified persons could pose as teachers and in the process bring the profession into disrepute”.

    He added that “it is my expectation that interventions such as the distribution of laptops and payment of continuous professional development allowance to teachers will systematically improve the capacity and morale among the teaching profession and our teachers”.

  • 6,481 teachers fail 2023 licensure exam

    6,481 teachers fail 2023 licensure exam

    Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, the Registrar of the Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE), has disclosed that out of the 7,728 prospective teachers who participated in the national teacher licensure exams this year, 6,481 individuals failed.

    This means that only 1,277 candidates, representing 16.1 percent of the total, were successful in the examination.

    Dr. Addai-Poku also mentioned that all the candidates had previously attempted the examination, with some individuals making up to nine attempts.

    He highlighted that those who did not pass still have an opportunity to retake the exam later in the year before any changes are made to the format and content.

    He said candidates who would fail at their last chance and would want to continue to resit the exam, would be those with first degree.

    He stated that “those with a diploma will be required to upgrade themselves to acquire a first degree before they can resit the exam.”

    “We are reforming and restructuring the examination and we will start it this year with those who have qualified to write it for the first time,” he added.

    He said unlike the current examination where the candidates were examined in numeracy, literacy, and professional skills, this time around, they would have to be examined in a specific area of specialty.

    Dr. Addai-Poku further explained that a candidate who aspired to teach geography must, in addition to the three areas, be examined in geography.

    The Teachers Licensure Exams was introduced by the government in 2019 to improve the professional standing and status of teachers in the country.

    The National Teaching Council is mandated by the Education Act 2008 (Act 778), section 9 to improve professional standing and status of teachers and to license and register teachers in Ghana.

  • GNAT calls for policy to deploy teachers to rural areas

    GNAT calls for policy to deploy teachers to rural areas

    According to the Deputy General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Kwame Dagbandow, teachers sent to rural regions should be guaranteed a transfer after their predetermined period of stay is up.

    This is one of the ways to persuade instructors to accept posting to remote locations, according to Mr. Dagbandow, who is in head of Education and Professional Development at GNAT and spoke on Prime Morning on Tuesday.

    According to him, certain rural locations are in really poor condition, and the surrounding atmosphere is not motivating enough for instructors to be assigned there. As a result, a policy should be in place that specifies a set amount of time for teachers to remain in rural areas.

    The teachers might be sent to metropolitan regions when the time comes, he continued, making place for other people to be deployed to rural areas.

    According to Mr. Dagbandow, this program might encourage instructors to accept positions in these rural locations, which would significantly increase their numbers.

    “There are areas where you won’t believe that they climb on top of trees to be able to get (telephone) network, look at the risk involved, everybody has to stand at that one point before you can communicate to the outside community, that’s challenging.”

    “We are saying that if we can have a policy of deploying teachers then we can say that, okay if you accept to be in this deprived area for about 2-3 years, we are moving you to a more developed area so that others could also go there,: he stated.

    Mr Dagbandow said that he has never regretted entering into the teaching profession but urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in it because there is a lot of work to be done.

    This, he added, will help attract more individuals into the profession.

  • 256 teachers sue GES over promotional exams failure

    Some two hundred and fifty-six (256) teachers have filed lawsuits against the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Attorney General.

    The lawsuit was initiated as a result of the widespread failure of the teachers’ promotion exams in December 2021.

    In December 2021, the plaintiffs who registered for the Assistant Director Grade I position, sat for the exams at the Ada Training College Centre.

    Speaking to the media, counsel for the applicants, Mr James Enu, asserted that neither of the teachers who took part in the tests at that center qualified, that, he said was unusual and must be delved in.

    He revealed that candidates were apprised of the exam’s pass mark after they were done writing, but the GES was eager to inform them after they had all failed the exam.

    According to him, the concerned teachers requested that the GES probe into what may have caused the failure, but the educational body said they found nothing after their investigations.

    However, Mr Enu added that the educational body did not undertake thorough checks; the applicants also demander their scripts and scores, but all to no avail.

    He disclosed that one of the plaintiffs, who claimed he did not own an index number, was required to use his staff number.

    The spokesperson for the counsel also said that even candidates who did not participate in the exams due to reasons known to the GES scored zero.

    The GES’ actions, according to the teachers, have had a negative impact as they are unable to carry out their jobs as required.

    The teachers have therefore asked the court to throw out the exam results and order the accused to give the applicants their exam results and scripts.

    In addition, there is an injunction barring the respondent from holding any additional exams till the case is resolved.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Ghana teacher prize: Awarding excellence, professionalism and dedication

    Those who have an impact on the youth of society have the power to change and transform lives and this confirms the significance of teachers in building positive and inspired future generations.

    Teachers are the backbone of our society as they serve as the power of education to today’s youth, thereby giving them the possibility for a better and brighter future. The astronomical inputs of teachers in the moulding of character and personality cannot be overlooked and it is for this reason, teachers worldwide are religiously celebrated and acknowledged for their efforts.

    With the influence that teachers have over our lives, recognizing teacher accomplishments is a necessity. Teacher recognition is essential as it validates and empowers teachers. It serves as an enabler for teachers to gain a sense of worth. An award system is certainly useful for teachers’ growth and productivity.

    The Ghana Teacher Prize

    The Ghana Teacher Prize which was instituted in 1994 as “Best Teacher Awards” but was recommissioned in 2018 and renamed, “Ghana Teacher Prize” (GTP) is one spectacular event aimed at motivating teachers for higher performance and also boosting the respect for the profession. It is a three-day event which commences from the 3rd to the 5th of October annually. Symposium and exhibitions are organised on the first two days and the grand durbar is on the last day, 5th October (world teachers’ day)

    Over the years, a plethora of deserving teachers has won several prizes ranging from houses, cars, scholarship opportunities, financial rewards etc.
    For this year, Dr Christian Addai-Poku, Registrar of the National Teaching Council, announced the introduction of a new category, the ‘Teacher in Leadership’ award to acknowledge the critical role of teachers in educational leadership and administration.

    In all, the Most Outstanding Teacher will be awarded a 3-bedroom apartment, with the first runner-up getting a 4×4 pickup vehicle and the Second Runner-up, a Saloon Car. Again, The Most Outstanding Teacher in Leadership gets a saloon car, First Runner-up gets a cash prize, Second Runner-up gets a cash prize.
    For the Non-teaching category, the Best Non-teaching Staff will be awarded a car, First Runner-up gets a cash prize, and the Second Runner-up also gets a cash prize.

    As part of the package for the 2022 Ghana Teacher prize, GETFund, a headline sponsor has pledged to award the Most Outstanding Teacher a scholarship to pursue a master’s or PhD programme abroad and the other 22 finalists will receive scholarships to pursue a degree or master’s or a PhD programme in Ghana

    This year’s Ghana Teacher Prize, under the theme “Transformation of Education begins with the teacher” will have a two-day symposium and exhibition organized at Modern City Hotel and the grand durbar at the Great Hall of University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale from 3rd to 5th October 2022.

    In a nutshell, Teachers play a vital role in nation-building and there is no contention about the positive contributions of teachers to human capital development globally, thus events centred on awarding and celebrating teachers help to foster continued engagement and validation.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Teacher trainees alarmed over potential food shortage in colleges

    Trainee teachers across the country may in the coming days have to find alternative ways of feeding themselves as government has failed to pay their feeding grants and allowance for the past seven months.

    According to the teacher trainees, government has not paid their allowances for the 2021/2022 academic years, rendering their principals incapacitated.

    Principals of Colleges of Education in May 2022 raised similar concerns after the failure of government to pay that of the preceding academic year.

    National President of the Teacher Trainees Association, Jonathan Dzunu, told Citi News that the inability of the government to pay their allowances is negatively affecting their academic work.

    “Some of the allowances are for the 2021/2022 academic year. We complained and they told us that some funds have been released but the monies are yet to be released, so we are hoping that soon the money will hit the accounts. Soon, if care is not taken, food shortage will hit the colleges of education because the principals are complaining that suppliers are not giving them supplies. Students are also complaining about food quantity and quality. So if things are not done early, there will be a food shortage and that will not be good for us,” he said.

    Recently, the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana expressed worry over the amount that is being used to feed students of Colleges of Education across the country.

    This comes after principals of Colleges of Education revealed that GH¢6.5 is the amount per head for feeding trainee teachers per day.

    This, they say, has been the situation for over five years now, despite the recent increase in prices of food commodities in the country.

    The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana described the situation as unfortunate and has thus called on the government to increase the amount.

    “It is shocking. Really, really shocking,” Prince Obeng Hemang, the President of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana, said to the press.

    “This pretence and hypocrisy have to stop,” he added.

    Mr. Hemang stressed that more commitment needed to be shown to the students in these colleges.

    “If we really want to feed the students, we should feed them well on campus… They have to come clear and give them decent meals, so they will be able to live comfortably and study well,” he said.

    These concerns come as school feeding caterers have protested for an increase in their allocation for basic school pupils from 93 pesewas per child to GH¢3.00.

    These demands are due to the high cost of food items and the current economic situation in the country is making it impossible for them to feed the pupils.

    Source: Citinews

  • GES to meet leadership of striking teacher unions on Wednesday

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) is expected to meet with the leadership of the four teacher unions which have declared a strike action over the non-payment of their Cost of Living Allowance (COLA).

    Public Relations Officer of the Education Ministry, Kwesi Kwarteng in an interview with JoyNews on Tuesday said the meeting will “develop a roadmap and engage on how to bring this issue to an end.”

    “We hope that by the close of tomorrow [Wednesday] some progress would have been made,” he told Emefa Apawu on Newsnight.

    Mr. Kwarteng is optimistic that the various stakeholders involved would show commitment and goodwill to resolve the impasse.

    Responding to calls by the Minority for schools to be shut down due to the strike action, he noted that the GES directive for schools to remain open despite the industrial action is the best interim solution.

    “We know there is a problem and we know there has to be a decision that ought to be made…In the interim, this takes very good care of these children while we look at an immediate resolution of the strike action which is just tomorrow. That is even with regards to the schools that are operating the boarding system in the SHS schools.

    “If you come to the basic level that is the primary schools to the JHS level, we could not have shut down the schools because it is possible that some parents did not even know and the temptation to take their wards to school will be high,” he stated.

    Background

    Four teacher unions on Monday, July 4 declared an indefinite nationwide strike over demands for the payment of Cost of Living Allowance (COLA).

    The unions, comprising the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana (CCT), are demanding that 20% of their basic salary be paid to them.

    “We can no longer bear the hardship. Even more so, we reject the inequality of salaries in the public services of this country. We have been compelled under the current circumstances to publicly communicate to Ghanaians on our intention to go on strike, having gone past the June 30, 2022 deadline [that] we gave government for the payment of the Cost of Living Allowance.

    “Consequently, we have decided to embark on a strike action effective today, Monday, July 4, 2022. By this, we are informing the general public that we are withdrawing all our services in all the pre-tertiary education space this includes teaching and non-teaching staff,” the teachers announced.