In a landmark decision set to resolve a protracted and distressing chapter for thousands of educators, the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that the Cabinet has approved the absorption of over 6,200 teachers who have been working without pay for several months.
The announcement, made during a press briefing, signals a decisive move by the government to address the grievances of the Coalition of Unpaid Teachers. The coalition has been vocal in its protests, highlighting the immense financial hardship and demoralization caused by the non-payment of salaries, despite the teachers being actively posted in classrooms across the country.
Minister Haruna Iddrisu framed the approval as a critical step in stabilizing Ghana's education sector. "This move is not just about settling arrears; it is about affirming the value of our teachers and securing the quality of education for our children," the Minister stated. "The government is committed to resolving these administrative hurdles and ensuring that our educators are motivated and fairly compensated for their dedicated service."
The breakthrough comes as a massive relief to the affected teachers, many of whom have struggled to make ends meet. The government's plan includes two key immediate actions: the processing of all outstanding salary arrears and the issuance of official staff identification cards. The IDs are crucial for formalizing their status within the Ghana Education Service (GES) and integrating them into the permanent payroll system.
This development is also seen as a strategic effort to bolster the teaching workforce amid broader national recruitment drives. By regularizing the status of these thousands of teachers, the government aims to curb the disruptions caused by staff shortages and restore confidence in the education system.
For the members of the Coalition of Unpaid Teachers, this announcement marks the potential end of a long and frustrating ordeal. While the focus now shifts to the swift implementation of these promises, the cabinet's approval is being welcomed as the most significant progress made in months, offering a tangible light at the end of the tunnel for these dedicated public servants.
All eyes will now be on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to expedite the logistical process, ensuring that the promised back pay and identification cards reach the teachers without further delay.