The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Apaak, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to implementing a 20 percent allowance for teachers who accept postings to deprived and hard-to-reach communities.
Speaking at a ceremony in honour of 52 candidates who excelled in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), Dr. Apaak said the allowance is designed to boost teacher morale and make rural postings more attractive.
“We are introducing 20 percent on top of their gross salary as part of the motivation. The thinking is that if we combine the provision of accommodation with additional remuneration, it will make it easier for teachers to take up appointments in rural and underserved communities,” he explained.
Beyond teacher incentives, the Deputy Minister expressed concern about the continued existence of schools operating under trees. According to available data, nearly 5,000 schools across the country were still holding classes under trees as of 2024.
“We are going to construct 200 junior high schools, 200 kindergartens and another 200 primary school blocks, among others, to address this phenomenon of schools under trees,” he stated.
The Ministry has also come under criticism over what some describe as a weak response to rising cases of hooliganism in schools. Dr. Apaak, however, delivered a strong warning to students engaging in acts of indiscipline.
“If you misconduct yourself, you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you may go to jail and lose the opportunity to realise your dream,” he cautioned.
His remarks come in the wake of a ruling on January 20, 2026, which fined four students GH¢3,800 each for assaulting a mathematics teacher. Other incidents, including reported attacks on a teacher at Kade and assaults involving students attacking their peers, have also been recorded.
Education stakeholders are calling for tougher action from authorities to curb the growing wave of violence in schools.
