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Good News for Unpaid Teachers in Ghana: Cabinet Approval Paves Way for Absorption of Over 6,700 Aggrieved Teachers

Haruna Iddrisu - Wikipedia

Minister Haruna Iddrisu Addressing the Press on Teacher Issues

In a significant development for Ghana’s education sector, Minister of Education Hon. Haruna Iddrisu has announced that Cabinet has given approval for the absorption of over 6,700 aggrieved teachers who have been unpaid for months. This move comes as a relief to the Coalition of Unpaid Teachers, who have been protesting over salary arrears, and signals the government’s commitment to addressing teacher shortages amid broader recruitment efforts. With staff IDs set to be released and back payments processed, this could mark the end of a prolonged ordeal for these dedicated educators. In this blog post, we’ll break down the announcement, provide background on the issue, and explore what it means for Ghana’s teaching workforce as of October 14, 2025.

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The Announcement: A Joint Push for Resolution

On September 30, 2025, Minister Haruna Iddrisu received a petition from the Coalition of Unpaid Newly Posted Teachers during their protest at the Jubilee House in Accra. In response, he pledged that the Ministry of Education would submit a joint memorandum to Cabinet, co-signed with Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to secure urgent approval for resolving the teachers’ grievances. The Minister described the non-payment of salaries as an “unfair labour practice” and empathized with the teachers’ plight, assuring them of swift action.

Key highlights from the announcement:

Number of Teachers Affected: The urgent focus is on 6,700 teachers whose recruitment process began after the Ministry of Finance issued clearance in December 2024. This aligns closely with the query’s mention of “over 6000 aggrieved teachers.”
Absorption and Staff IDs: Absorption refers to the formal integration of these teachers into the Ghana Education Service (GES) payroll system. Upon Cabinet approval, their staff IDs will be released, enabling them to access salaries and benefits.
Salary Payments: The teachers are owed 13 months’ arrears, and the Minister assured compensation for this period once the memo is approved.
Broader Context: The memo also addresses the need for recruiting about 53,000 teachers for both GES and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, highlighting systemic teacher shortages.

In a direct quote, Minister Iddrisu stated: “We are heading to Cabinet with a joint Cabinet memo to make a strong case for recruits… The matter which requires an urgent solution is 6,700… We are sure that when we get approval of the Cabinet memo, you will receive deserved compensation, even for the period you are complaining about—you will be compensated for it.”

Additionally, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem, who received an earlier petition from the coalition, confirmed that the arrears would be included in the 2026 national budget presentation to Parliament next month. Ampem, drawing from his own experience of working eight months unpaid as a teacher, emphasized empathy and resolution.

Newly employed teachers protest unpaid salaries Read more in the comments section. #Dailygraphic #GhanaNews #GraphicOnline

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Coalition of Unpaid Teachers Protesting at Obra Spot, Accra

Background: The Plight of Unpaid Teachers in Ghana

The issue stems from delays in processing salaries for newly posted teachers, many of whom graduated from Colleges of Education and universities and were deployed to schools in September 2024. These educators have been teaching without pay for up to 13 months, leading to financial hardship and frustration. The Coalition of Unpaid Newly Posted Teachers formed to advocate for their rights, staging protests including a major demonstration on September 30, 2025, starting at Obra Spot in Circle, Accra, and marching to the Jubilee House.

Timeline of Events: Recruitment clearances were issued by the Finance Ministry but expired in December 2024, causing bureaucratic delays. Protests escalated in 2025, with the coalition submitting petitions to key officials.
Broader Strikes: This isn’t isolated; two education unions, including the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), declared strikes over similar unpaid salary issues.
Impact on Education: With Ghana facing a shortage of over 53,000 teachers, these delays exacerbate classroom overcrowding and affect educational quality. Some teachers have reportedly left the profession due to financial strain.

The coalition’s demands include immediate payment of arrears, release of staff IDs, and systemic reforms to prevent future occurrences. Media personalities like Bridget Otoo have amplified their voices by receiving petitions and highlighting the issue.

What This Means for Teachers and the Education Sector

The Cabinet’s approval is a game-changer:

Immediate Relief: Once formalized, the 6,700 teachers will be “absorbed” into the GES system, meaning official posting, staff ID issuance, and backdated salary payments.
Financial Security: The 13-month arrears will be cleared, providing much-needed funds to educators who have been working without compensation.
Long-Term Implications: This could set a precedent for faster processing of future recruitments, especially with the planned hiring of 53,000 more teachers. It also aligns with the 2026 budget, ensuring fiscal allocation for education.

However, challenges remain. The Minister has also urged the GES to deal decisively with undisciplined teachers, indicating a balanced approach to reforms.

Di Coalition of Unpaid Newly Posted Teachers, wey include graduates from Colleges of Education and universities, bin stage protest for Accra, Ghana capital. Di teachers dey demand say make govment release 13

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Protesters from the Coalition Demanding Salary Payments

Next Steps and Government Commitment

The joint memo is expected to be presented imminently, with outcomes tied to the upcoming 2026 budget. Teachers are advised to monitor updates from the GES and Ministry of Education. The government has reiterated its commitment, with Deputy Minister Ampem’s personal anecdote underscoring empathy.

This announcement is a positive step toward stabilizing Ghana’s education workforce. For the affected teachers, it’s not just about pay—it’s about recognition of their vital role in shaping the nation’s future.