By Kodjo Adams
Accra, Aug. 14, GNA – Government is finalising a 20 per cent incentive allowance for teachers serving in deprived communities, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, has announced.
The incentive is intended to attract, motivate and retain teachers in hard-to-reach communities while compensating them for the difficult conditions under which they work.
This was contained in a speech read on behalf of the Minister in Accra at the launch of this year’s Ghana Teacher Prize awards, organised by the National Teaching Council (NTC).
The Minister said the government was also preparing, through the Teacher Housing Initiative, to provide accommodation for teachers in rural and deprived communities.
The Ghana Teacher Prize awards, scheduled for October in Accra, are being held on the theme: “Empowering Teachers: Architects of the Future”.
Mr Iddrisu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare, professional development and dignity, describing them as “architects of the future” and essential partners in national development.
He said no education reform or forward-looking curriculum could succeed without motivated, well-trained and adequately supported teachers.
The Minister said teachers did more than prepare students for examinations, noting that they helped shape the human capital required to drive progress in medicine, engineering, governance, industry and the arts.
He said the government was working with the NTC, Ghana Education Service (GES) and other stakeholders to strengthen teacher licensing, continuous professional development and conditions of service.
Mr Iddrisu commended the NTC for sustaining the Ghana Teacher Prize as a platform for recognising excellence in the teaching profession and expressed appreciation to partners supporting the annual awards.
He outlined measures being implemented to address long-standing challenges facing teachers, including the processing of more than 30,000 diploma teachers onto the appropriate salary structure.
The Minister said the waiting period for study leave with pay for teachers serving in deprived areas had been reduced from four years to two years.
The government, he said, had also allocated resources towards teacher training allowances, while the NTC had expanded its reach through new regional offices to bring licensing and professional support closer to teachers.
Mr Iddrisu acknowledged that challenges remained, particularly regarding teachers’ conditions of service, but said the government remained committed to engaging stakeholders to address outstanding concerns.
“The direction is clear and the commitment is firm. This government will continue to invest in the people who teach our children.”
The Minister urged Ghanaians to recognise teachers’ contribution and support efforts to create an enabling environment for them to perform their duties effectively.
He called on the nation to embrace the responsibility of empowering teachers, describing such investment as essential to building a stronger future for Ghana.
A speech read on behalf of Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, Director-General of the GES, commended partners for supporting the awards and efforts to improve educational outcomes.
He encouraged teachers to uphold the dignity of the profession, pursue continuous professional development, remain innovative and place the welfare and development of learners at the centre of their work.
Mr Prosper Tachie, President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers, called on the government to address concerns over delays in teachers’ promotions and other interventions affecting educators across the country.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Kodjo Adams [email protected]