By Humu Shaibu
In a move set to restore industrial harmony within the education sector, the Government has announced a structured, fast-track payment plan to settle all outstanding salary arrears owed to teachers across the country.
The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, revealed the breakthrough during a stakeholder briefing, outlining a systematic disbursement schedule designed to conclude the long-standing debt by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
The Disbursement Schedule
According to the Deputy Minister, the strategy involves “batching” the payments to ensure teachers receive significant portions of their back-pay every 30 days. The rollout is scheduled as follows:
● May: Payment of four months of arrears.
● June: Payment of an additional four months of arrears.
● July: Payment of another four months of arrears.
● Ongoing: The cycle will repeat until the total outstanding debt is fully liquidated.
“In May you will receive four months of arrears, June, you will receive another four months, July another four months, until the payments are concluded,” Hon. Ampem Nyarko stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the roadmap.
A Boost for Teacher Morale
The issue of arrears covering salary increments, promotions, and recruitment back-pay has been a point of friction between teacher unions and the state for several years. By committing to an accelerated four-month-per-month payout, the government aims to alleviate the financial pressure on educators and prevent potential industrial actions.
Financial analysts suggest that this structured approach is intended to manage the state’s liquidity while providing teachers with a predictable and substantial influx of funds.
Economic Context
This intervention comes on the heels of several other fiscal measures aimed at cushioning public sector workers. The Ministry of Finance indicated that the funds have been ring-fenced to ensure that the schedule remains uninterrupted, regardless of other budgetary pressures.
The leadership of the various teacher unions has expressed cautious optimism, noting that the timely execution of the May payments will be the first test of the government’s resolve.
Looking Ahead
The Deputy Minister urged teachers to remain dedicated to their classrooms, assuring them that the Ministry is working closely with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) to prevent any technical glitches during the disbursement process.
As the first payments hit accounts next month, all eyes will be on the Ministry of Finance to see if this ambitious “4-4-4” formula finally closes the chapter on teacher arrears in Ghana.
