Mahama approves long-awaited promotions for Deputy Directors of Education

President John Dramani Mahama has approved the promotion of Deputy Directors of Education who have been stuck in their positions for over ten years, bringing relief to many teachers across Ghana.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, during a meeting at the Jubilee House between President Mahama and the leadership of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT).

For a long time, many Deputy Directors complained about their lack of career progression, with some staying in the same role for 10 to 15 years. The Ghana Education Service (GES) had blamed the delay on the lack of office space at higher levels. But President Mahama’s new directive removes that barrier.

“Your approval means those affected will be promoted despite the absence of office accommodation,” said Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu during the meeting. Also present were GNAT General Secretary, Mr. Thomas Tanko Musa, and economist Mr. Kwame Pianim.

President Mahama also promised to pay all outstanding allowances owed to teachers, including the 20 per cent out-of-station and deprived-area allowances, which have been delayed for years.

The Education Minister added that the President has instructed that all new school building projects must include housing for teachers to improve their living conditions, especially in rural areas.

The government is now waiting for a formal directive from the President to the Minister of Finance to release the promised funds.

GNAT’s General Secretary, Mr. Musa, praised President Mahama on his re-election and said the union is hopeful that he will keep his promises to teachers. “The Ghanaian people spoke clearly in December,” Mr. Musa noted.

Minister Iddrisu also assured the President that talks with education stakeholders were going well and there was no immediate risk of a teachers’ strike.

These steps are expected to raise morale among teachers and restore trust in the government’s commitment to their welfare and career development.