A crucial step toward ending the prolonged teacher recruitment delays was taken on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, when the Ministry of Education convened a strategic dialogue with stakeholders. The high-level engagement brought together Education Minister Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, officials from the Ghana Education Service (GES), and leaders of the Coalition of Unemployed Trained Teachers.
Key focus of the meeting
The deliberations addressed four major concerns that have dominated discussions among graduate teachers:
- Recruitment of the 2023 batch of graduates
- Unresolved postings from 2022 and 2018
- Staff ID processing delays for teachers recruited in 2024
- Outstanding salary arrears owed to recently engaged staff
Stakeholders described the meeting as candid and productive, with all parties recognizing the urgency of the situation.
Minister’s directive
In what was considered the most decisive takeaway, the Education Minister instructed the GES to immediately draft two letters—one to the Vice President and another to the Finance Minister—detailing the full number of affected teachers. These documents, scheduled to be submitted by Thursday, are expected to serve as the basis for the release of financial clearance.
Why financial clearance matters
The clearance from the Ministry of Finance is the only remaining step before fresh postings can take place. Once issued, it will unlock:
- Posting of 2023 graduates
- Placement of degree holders from 2022 and diploma holders from 2018 who have been left in limbo
- Payment of salary arrears, reportedly around GHS 46,000 per teacher for those recruited in 2024
The Deputy Director-General of GES expressed empathy for the frustrations of unemployed teachers but reaffirmed that recruitment would indeed proceed this year once the Ministry of Finance gives approval.
Way forward
Although no specific date has been set for the financial clearance, the commitment from the Ministry of Education and GES was clear: postings and arrears settlement are priorities, pending the Finance Ministry’s green light.
The Ministry also emphasized its openness to continued dialogue with teacher unions and stakeholders to ensure transparency and progress. At this stage, all eyes are on the Ministry of Finance. Its approval will determine how quickly the recruitment and payment processes can finally begin.
Published By: Justice Donkoh | GESHub.org
