President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of teachers, describing educators as the backbone of Ghana’s national development and pledging sustained investment in their professional and economic well-being.
He made this known while opening the 7th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers at a time when the Ghana Education Service marks its 50th anniversary.
Addressing delegates, President Mahama said the conference theme, Education and Development, the GES at 50, reflects a historic and strategic moment for the country.
He explained that the milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on five decades of service by the Ghana Education Service while encouraging stakeholders to review existing systems, revise what no longer works, and grow the profession to meet the demands of a changing world.
“Every political, social, and economic milestone Ghana has achieved carries the fingerprints of teachers. Behind every doctor, every engineer, every entrepreneur, public servant, and President, like myself, stands a teacher who believed that guiding good students is the function of a good education and dignity at the centre of our national education strategy.”
President John Dramani Mahama
He noted that placing dignity at the center of national education strategy is not a rhetorical commitment but a deliberate policy choice backed by budgetary action.
Key Measures and Interventions
He cited measures taken in the 2025 budget, including the payment of millions of cedis in teacher training allowances, the restoration of promotion eligibility up to the rank of director, and the placement of more than 30,000 diploma teachers who upgraded to degree status onto the appropriate salary scale.
President Mahama further announced that government is developing modalities to implement a 20 percent base pay incentive for teachers working in deprived and hard to reach areas.
He described these measures as strategic investments rather than acts of charity, emphasizing that quality education and national transformation depend on motivated and adequately supported teachers.
He commended the Ghana National Association of Teachers for demonstrating foresight and responsibility beyond traditional union advocacy.
According to the President, GNAT has built strong economic institutions that secure the future of its members while contributing to national development.
He described the Teachers Fund as one of the best-managed workers’ funds in the country, creating value for teachers and setting an example of how unionism and enterprise can reinforce development goals. He paid special tribute to Stateman Kwame Pianim for his role in establishing the Teachers Fund.
“Through the teachers’ fund properties and teachers’ fund financial services, it shows that unions can be active players in strategic sectors of the national economy. This is a powerful example how unionism, enterprise, and national development can reinforce one another.”
President John Dramani Mahama
The President also highlighted GNAT’s investments in strategic sectors, including hostel facilities, its national headquarters in Accra, and the Ghana Sweden Medical Centre.
He identified opportunities for deeper collaboration between the government and the association, particularly through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which is expected to support the treatment of non-communicable diseases, including cancers.
GHS 500 million Housing Commitment
Housing emerged as a major focus of the President’s address. He recalled earlier discussions with GNAT leadership and financial partners on developing housing schemes for teachers and announced that government has allocated 500 million Ghana cedis in the current budget to support teacher housing.
Under the initiative, teachers will be able to apply for housing units to be built in locations of their choice, a move aimed at preventing challenges faced by teachers who retire and struggle over family homes.
President Mahama said government will work with GNAT and district assemblies across the country to make suitable lands available for the housing projects.
He explained that improving teachers’ living conditions is critical to strengthening retention, particularly in rural communities where accommodation challenges remain a major deterrent.
While celebrating progress, the President acknowledged that the education system faces serious challenges that require renewed collaboration.
As Ghana marks 50 years of the Ghana Education Service, he called for a recommitment to partnership built not only on budgets but also on trust, dialogue, professionalism, and shared responsibility.
He expressed confidence that the resolutions emerging from the conference would shape the next chapter of education delivery, teacher professionalism, and unionism in the country.
President Mahama concluded by wishing GNAT a successful conference and reaffirming government’s resolve to work closely with teachers to build a stronger education system.
He described teachers as central to Ghana’s future and urged continued cooperation to ensure that education remains a powerful driver of national development.
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