President John Dramani Mahama has approved the promotion of Deputy Directors of Education who have been in their positions for between 10 and 15 years without advancement. He has also committed to releasing outstanding teacher allowances, including the 20 percent out-of-station and deprived-area payments. This decision comes in response to concerns raised by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) regarding the stalled progression of deputy directors, which has largely been attributed to limited office space at higher levels within the Ghana Education Service.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, during a meeting between the President and the GNAT leadership at the Jubilee House. The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, who was present at the meeting, stated that promotions would proceed regardless of office space constraints.
“Your approval means those affected will be promoted despite the absence of office accommodation,” the Minister told the President at the meeting, which was attended by GNAT General Secretary, Mr Thomas Tanko Musa, and economist Mr Kwame Pianim. According to Mr Iddrisu, Mr Mahama has also instructed that no new school buildings should be constructed without provision for teacher accommodation. The Education Minister confirmed that this directive is being implemented.
The government is now awaiting a formal instruction from the President to the Minister of Finance to release the pledged allowances. These include the long-outstanding 20 per cent payments for teachers working in deprived areas and those stationed away from their home districts. Mr Musa congratulated President Mahama on his re-election and said GNAT was confident the President would honour his promises, especially those concerning teachers.
“The Ghanaian people spoke clearly in December,” Mr Musa said, expressing the union’s belief that the new administration would deliver on its commitments to education workers. The Education Minister also assured the President that teacher-related issues were being handled constructively and that there was no threat to industrial peace in the sector.
By: Mohammed Ali
