Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has expressed optimism that ongoing discussions between government and teachers’ unions will soon resolve the concerns that have disrupted academic activities.
Speaking at the 2026 Teacher Prize ceremony in Accra, the Vice President said she was encouraged by the progress made so far in negotiations and hoped the engagements would result in an early resolution.
“I am, however, encouraged by the progress made so far in the talks between government and the unions, and I am hopeful that the constructive engagements we have seen will lead us to resolution very soon,” she said.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang commended teachers across the country for their contribution to national development, describing teaching as one of the country’s most important professions.
She said teachers have a significant influence on the lives and futures of children but stressed that such influence comes with responsibilities, including integrity, professionalism and sound ethical conduct.
The Vice President said government had taken steps to address some of the long-standing challenges in the education sector, noting that more than GH¢33 billion had been allocated to education in the 2026 Budget.
According to her, the investment will support the completion of 30 E-block projects, the construction of new kindergarten, primary and junior high school facilities, as well as the provision of textbooks and other teaching and learning materials.
She also said government was pursuing measures to improve accommodation for teachers, including initiatives to provide additional housing.
On the double-track system, Professor Opoku-Agyemang disclosed that 99 schools had already been converted to single-track, with government committed to eventually eliminating the system.
She also highlighted reforms in the promotion of teachers, saying government had removed the long-standing requirement for teachers to wait for administrative vacancies before progressing in their careers.
Under the new arrangement, eligible teachers can advance through their professional ranks without waiting for an administrative position to become available.
However, she acknowledged that the reform had increased the number of cases requiring validation, processing and placement on the payroll, contributing to delays in the payment of some teachers’ entitlements.
She said steps were being taken to address the delays and ensure that affected teachers received their outstanding payments.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang further stressed that improving teachers’ conditions must go beyond addressing administrative challenges and conditions of service.
She said government would continue to invest in teacher education, in-service training and digital resources to prepare teachers for changing demands in the classroom.
The Vice President noted that artificial intelligence, digital technologies and changes in labour markets were transforming the world of work, making it necessary for Ghana’s education system to remain adaptive.
She congratulated the award recipients at the Teacher Prize ceremony and expressed appreciation to teachers across the country for their dedication, particularly those working under difficult conditions.
She called for the teaching profession to continue receiving the support, respect and attention it deserves.
The 2026 Teacher Prize ceremony was held in Accra to celebrate teachers who have demonstrated excellence, professionalism, dedication and commitment to the profession.
