Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem has assured a coalition of unpaid teachers that their 13-month salary arrears will be included in the 2026 budget presentation. This assurance follows a petition submitted by the group to the Finance Ministry as part of their protest, demanding government action on the overdue salaries.
Upon receiving the petition on Tuesday, September 30, Deputy Minister Ampem expressed his understanding of their situation, stating, “I was a teacher, and I was posted to teach, and I went unpaid for 8 months. I can relate perfectly to all of you.” He added that the Finance Minister,
Dr. Ato Forson, sympathises with the teachers and has informed President John Dramani Mahama about the issue. The President has given the green light to ensure that this problem is addressed. The next budget presentation is scheduled to be delivered to Parliament next month.
He added, “The Finance Minister will present the next budget, and he will make provision for all of you to be catered for; you should be very happy that your problem will be fixed; that is the good news. You will be paid.”
Meanwhile, the protesters remain dissatisfied with the development, describing it as inhumane, as they must wait several more months to receive their unpaid salaries. “This is inhumane; we’re not ready for the 2026 budget. I’m even disappointed that he couldn’t even come to talk to us, but sent his deputy. It means we’re not worth his attention,” he stated.
Source: Samuel Ackom
