Mahama Urged to Boost Teacher Salaries for a Stronger Education System - National Education Forum proposes
The National Education Forum has recommended that John Dramani Mahama’s administration prioritize increasing teachers’ salaries, particularly for those posted to underserved communities. This suggestion emerged after a thorough three-week stakeholder consultation aimed at identifying challenges in Ghana’s education system and proposing actionable reforms. Professor George K. T. Oduro, Chairman of the Forum’s Committee, emphasized that competitive salaries and enhanced allowances are crucial to motivating teachers and improving overall education standards. The committee also advocated for better housing and welfare packages, including scholarships, to attract and retain qualified teachers in remote areas.
In response, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang reassured stakeholders that the recommendations would not be ignored, promising that they would be given serious consideration in shaping education policy. This aligns with Mahama’s previous commitments to improving teacher welfare, such as abolishing the teacher licensure exam, integrating licensing into final-year assessments, eliminating mandatory national service for teacher trainees, and restoring automatic employment for newly qualified teachers. These proposed changes aim to ease the burden on educators and streamline the process of entering the profession, ultimately strengthening the teaching workforce.
Additionally, Mahama has proposed a 20% salary incentive for teachers who accept postings to rural schools, encouraging more professionals to serve in less developed regions. He has also underscored the importance of a sustainable funding model for education, acknowledging the sector’s ongoing financial difficulties. The Forum’s recommendations highlight the need for significant investment in teacher welfare to ensure quality education across the country. By implementing these policies, the government aims to create a more equitable and effective education system, fostering long-term national development.
