The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, says the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) is validating the data of up to 51,000 teachers as the government works to settle outstanding promotion arrears.
According to the Minister, the validation exercise will pave the way for a supplementary payment schedule for one category of affected teachers, while the arrears of another category will be reflected in their October salaries.
Mr. Iddrisu disclosed this on Friday, October 2, following a meeting between the government and the striking teacher unions over concerns that have led to disruptions in teaching and learning in public schools.
He said the payment of promotion arrears was among the three key issues raised by the unions during engagements with the government.
The Education Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that all promoted teachers are placed on their new grades by the end of October.
“The government team makes a commitment to the teacher union and to all teachers that we will honour our commitment of the new grades for all promoted teachers on or before 30th October.”
Mr. Iddrisu explained that the CAGD would continue the validation process from Monday, October 5, to facilitate the payment of the outstanding arrears.
“From Monday, the Controller and Accountant-General will validate, as he is already validating data of up to 51,000 persons. And a supplementary payment schedule will be provided for that category. And the other category will have it as part of their salaries in October.”
The commitment forms part of the government’s response to concerns raised by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG).
The unions’ nationwide strike has disrupted teaching and learning in public schools, with the government seeking to resolve the outstanding issues and facilitate a return to normal academic activities.
The Education Ministry says the ongoing engagements are aimed at addressing the concerns of the teacher unions and ensuring that eligible teachers receive their outstanding promotion-related payments and appropriate grade placements.
