Government promises to clear teachers’ 13-month arrears

Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has promised that outstanding salary arrears owed to teachers will be captured in the 2026 national budget.

His assurance followed a petition presented by a coalition of unpaid teachers to the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, September 30. The teachers, who have been picketing the Jubilee House, are demanding immediate action on what they describe as months of hardship caused by government delays.

Addressing the group, Mr. Ampem drew on his personal experience as a former teacher who once went unpaid for several months. “I was a teacher, and I was posted to teach, and I was not paid for eight months. I can relate perfectly well with all of you. The Finance Minister, Dr. Ato Forson, has briefed President John Dramani Mahama and received the green light to fix your problem,” he told the demonstrators.

He further assured them that relief was on the way. “The Finance Minister will present the next budget, and he will make provision for all of you to be catered for. You should be very happy your problem will be fixed. You will be paid,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the protesting teachers say the delay in receiving 13 months of salary arrears has severely affected their livelihoods and undermined teaching and learning in schools.