Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has assured newly posted teachers across the country that the government is working urgently to resolve the prolonged salary arrears that have left them teaching for months without pay.

Addressing the teachers after receiving their petition at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, September 30, Mr. Iddrisu described the situation as “an unacceptable labour practice” and pledged to ensure that their grievances are addressed without further delay.

“It is an unacceptable labour practice anywhere that you will work for 13 months without pay… Be assured that I’m on top of the matter,” he said, promising to “walk the talk” on their concerns.

The Minister disclosed that he had already met with Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on September 23 to deliberate on the matter.

He added that a joint cabinet memorandum, to be signed by both ministries, will soon be presented for consideration to fast-track payment.

Mr. Iddrisu further revealed that the government plans to recruit an additional 53,000 teachers into the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, part of broader efforts to strengthen the education system.

The Minister’s assurances followed a protest by teachers from the 2022 batch of Colleges of Education graduates and university graduates, who marched from Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle through the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance before converging on the Jubilee House.

The teachers, demanding payment of 13 and 9 months’ arrears respectively, carried placards highlighting their frustration. Lead convener Simon Kofi Nartey said repeated attempts to engage authorities had been ignored, forcing them to take to the streets.

He stressed that the issue was not just about survival but also about safeguarding the quality of education, warning that newly recruited teachers struggling to afford transport and accommodation cannot give their best in the classroom.

The petition is expected to be reviewed as part of ongoing discussions between the Education and Finance Ministries.