Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang says she is hopeful that talks between the government and teachers’ unions will quickly resolve concerns that have disrupted academic activities.
Speaking at the 2026 Teacher Prize ceremony in Accra, she said progress in negotiations had given her confidence that an agreement could be reached soon.
She also used the event to recognise teachers’ contribution to Ghana’s national development.
“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,” Professor Opoku-Agyemang said.
While discussions continue, she said the ceremony was an opportunity to acknowledge the importance of teachers and their work across the country.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang described teaching as one of Ghana’s most important professions, saying teachers play a major role in shaping the lives and futures of children.
She added that such influence carried responsibilities, including integrity, professionalism and strong ethical conduct.
The Vice-President said the government had introduced measures to tackle long-standing problems in the education sector.
More than GH¢33 billion has been provided for education in the 2026 Budget, she disclosed. The allocation will support school infrastructure, including the completion of 30 E-block projects and the construction of new kindergarten, primary and junior high school facilities.
It will also fund textbooks and other teaching and learning materials.
The government is taking further steps to improve teachers’ accommodation, including initiatives to provide additional housing.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang said 99 double-track schools had already been converted to single-track institutions, adding that the government remained committed to ending the double-track system.
She also outlined changes to the promotion system for teachers. The government has removed the long-standing requirement linking promotion to the availability of administrative vacancies.
Under the revised arrangement, teachers who meet the eligibility requirements can advance through their professional ranks without waiting for an administrative post to become available.
However, the reform has increased the number of cases requiring validation, processing and placement on the payroll. Professor Opoku-Agyemang said this had contributed to delays in paying some entitlements.
She said action was being taken to resolve the delays and ensure affected teachers received the money owed to them.
The Vice-President added that improving teachers’ conditions involved more than dealing with administrative matters and conditions of service.
The government would continue to invest in teacher education, in-service training and digital resources, she said, to prepare teachers for the changing demands of the classroom.
Artificial intelligence, digital technologies and shifts in labour markets are reshaping the world of work, making it essential for Ghana’s education system to remain adaptable.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang congratulated the winners at the 2026 Teacher Prize ceremony and thanked teachers across the country, particularly those working in difficult circumstances.
She said the teaching profession should continue to receive the seriousness, support and respect it deserved.
The ceremony in Accra celebrated teachers recognised for excellence, professionalism, dedication and commitment to their profession.
