Two pre-tertiary teacher unions have expressed disappointment over the government’s 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, saying it failed to make provisions for the long-promised 20 percent deprived area allowance for teachers posted to underserved communities.
The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers’ Association of Ghana (PRETAG) argue that the budget does little to address the welfare concerns of teachers despite significant investments in the education sector.
Presenting the Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson highlighted government’s expenditure on education, stating that more than GH¢4 billion has been invested in the sector.
He noted that government had secured a US$300 million World Bank facility to address challenges associated with the double-track system and had invested over GH¢1 billion in educational infrastructure.
The Minister also announced that more than GH¢72 million had been released for the payment of capitation grants and other education-related benefits.
Despite these allocations, the teacher unions say the budget overlooked key commitments made to improve teachers’ conditions of service.
NAGRAT President, Jacob Anaba, described the omission of the deprived area allowance as unfortunate, recalling assurances made in the 2025 budget.
“In the November Budget, it was stated that government was going to fulfil its promises on teacher welfare. They mentioned three major things: teacher accommodation, introducing the 20 percent deprived area allowance after engaging stakeholders, and building basic schools with accommodation for staff. None of these was mentioned in the revised budget,” he said.
PRETAG Vice President, Adokwei Awulley, also questioned government’s commitment to implementing its promises.
“The Minister is always trumpeting that government will pay allowances to teachers in rural areas and that they are the first government to adopt the new scheme of service. We have not heard anything about financial clearance for those commitments. You can’t keep saying one thing and do something else,” he stated.
The two unions also noted that the Mid-Year Budget failed to address other longstanding concerns, including teacher promotions and accommodation.
They recalled campaign and policy commitments made by President John Dramani Mahama to improve teachers’ welfare but said those promises were not reflected in the budget review.
The unions are urging government to engage organised labour and ensure that the outstanding welfare commitments, particularly the 20 percent deprived area allowance, are captured in future budgetary allocations.
By Daniel Opoku
