A group of newly posted teachers in Ghana has issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate payment of outstanding salaries and arrears, warning that a massive demonstration will be held in Accra on September 23, 2025, if their demands are not met.
The teachers, who graduated from Colleges of Education and various universities, say many have gone without salaries for several months, with some unpaid for as long as a year, while others are still awaiting up to eight months’ arrears.
At a press conference in Accra on Monday, September 8, the group’s Lead Convener, Simon Kofi Nartey, appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene.
“We know His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, is a listening leader. We humbly call on him to ensure the Ministry of Finance releases the necessary funds to pay our arrears and salaries without further delay,” Mr. Nartey said.
The group warned that if their staff ID numbers are not issued and their salaries validated and paid by the end of September, they will take to the streets in protest.
Teachers shared emotional accounts of the hardships they are facing. Some revealed that colleagues are forced to borrow money just to feed themselves, while others risk eviction because of overdue rent.
“It’s very bad. We don’t even have money to eat. Some of us have to beg from colleagues who are also struggling,” one teacher said.
“Our salaries are not much, between GH₵3,000 and GH₵4,000, yet we’re still not paid, while others in less demanding jobs earn more than GH₵5,000 every month,” another added.
The group expressed frustration over what they described as the government’s failure to honour its commitments.
“The last time we raised this issue, it went to Parliament, and the Minister of Education assured us payment would be made by the end of last month. But as we speak, nothing has happened,” Nartey stressed.
Teachers also warned that the delays undermine their work.
“We are the ones educating your ministers, doctors, and engineers, but we are treated as though we don’t matter. You can’t expect us to teach effectively when we haven’t been paid for 12 months,” one teacher said.
The teachers remain hopeful the government will act before their deadline but insist that their planned protest will go ahead if nothing changes
