In a significant announcement, President John Dramani Mahama declared the government’s pledge to enhance public expenditure on education to four percent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This commitment aligns with the global standards established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
During his keynote speech at the Ghana National Association of Teachers’ (GNAT) 7th Quadrennial and 54th National Delegates Conference held at the University of Professional Studies in Accra, Mahama pointed out that while education spending had increased by ten percent in 2026 compared to the previous year, it still only reached 3.1 percent of GDP. This figure falls short of the UNESCO benchmark, prompting his administration’s resolve to elevate funding over the next three years.
The conference, themed “Education and Development: The GES @ 50: Reflecting, Reviewing, Revising and Growing the Profession and the Unions,” marks the 50th anniversary of the Ghana Education Service (GES). It serves as a critical platform for educators nationwide to discuss the future of education, teacher welfare, and unionism.
Among the attendees were key figures such as the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, his Deputy, Dr. Clement Apaak, and veteran political leader Opanin Kwame Pianim, who presided over the session.
To meet the UNESCO funding goal, President Mahama introduced a comprehensive three-year fiscal strategy focused on the District Assemblies’ Common Fund. He acknowledged a recent reduction in allocation from 7.5 percent to five percent, stating, “We aim to increment this by one percent annually for the next three years.”
Mahama emphasized the strategic importance of the conference’s theme, reflecting on five decades of the GES’s contributions, while urging a critical review of past practices to foster growth in the teaching profession. He underscored education’s pivotal role in national development, asserting, “Education is the most reliable engine of growth.”
He paid tribute to teachers, noting, “Every significant achievement in Ghana’s history is a testament to the influence of teachers.” He personally acknowledged the critical support from educators throughout his journey, stating, “Behind every professional, including myself, stands a teacher who has inspired and guided them.”
Additionally, Mahama recognized GNAT for its progressive initiatives, particularly the establishment of the Teachers Fund and its investments such as Aviance Ghana, illustrating the synergy between trade unionism and national progress. He also revealed that the Finance Minister has allocated GH¢500 million in the budget to collaborate with GNAT on a housing project for teachers.
On the infrastructure front, the President unveiled plans to upgrade 30 Category C senior high schools, complete 30 unfinished educational blocks, and build 200 new kindergartens, primary, and junior high schools across the country. He also announced efforts to eliminate the double-track system in schools, with about 100 double-track institutions already reverting to single-track operations.
Addressing concerns regarding examination integrity, Mahama criticized the culture of silence around cheating, labeling it a corruption issue. He vowed to implement reforms that encourage honest academic practices among students, collaborating with teacher associations to foster this change.
In a parallel discussion, Rev. Isaac Owusu, President of GNAT, cautioned that the association would not hesitate to shut down schools if assaults on teachers persisted. He expressed alarm over rising violence against educators, which threatens the educational environment and called for immediate action to ensure their safety.
The association is also urging a comprehensive review of the Single Spine Pay Policy, citing current conditions as inadequate for teachers.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu assured educators of the government’s commitment to re-evaluating the pension system to enhance benefits for all workers, particularly those in the teaching profession, ensuring a secure retirement for those who have dedicated their lives to Ghana’s development.
