Gov’t to build 50,000 houses for teachers nationwide – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, says the government will build 50,000 houses nationwide to improve teachers’ living conditions and welfare.

Speaking on behalf of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu at the 5th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the Conference of Heads of Basic Schools (COHBS) in Koforidua on Wednesday, Dr. Apaak said the initiative responds directly to the accommodation challenges confronting teachers and headteachers across the country.

“On this last point, I am glad to report that the Honourable Minister has announced Government’s plans to build 50,000 houses for teachers nationwide — a direct response to the accommodation difficulties that have for too long forced teachers and headteachers to live far from the schools they serve, or in conditions unworthy of their service,” he said.

Describing the housing programme as a major intervention, Dr. Apaak said it demonstrates government’s commitment to addressing the welfare concerns of teachers.

“This is a bold undertaking, and as it rolls out, it should stand as concrete proof that Government hears you,” he added.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged that many teachers continue to work under difficult conditions, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate school infrastructure and poor accommodation.

“We are not blind to the conditions under which many of you serve — overcrowded classrooms; schools without adequate furniture, ICT, water, electricity or safe access roads; and housing challenges that follow you home at the end of a long day,” he noted.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Apaak commended teachers and headteachers for their dedication to educating Ghanaian children.

“Despite all these challenges, you continue to show up, with professionalism, resilience and patriotism intact. That is not a small thing. That is national service of the highest order,” he said.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving conditions in the education sector, saying efforts were also underway to address infrastructure deficits, teacher shortages, funding constraints and other challenges affecting basic schools as part of broader reforms to strengthen education delivery nationwide.