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BREAKING: GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG Declare Nationwide Strike Over Teacher Salaries and Allowances

September 25, 2026

Article Information

Field	Details
Category	Teacher Recruitment & Job Updates
Hub	Teacher Careers
Cluster	GES Teacher Promotion 2026
Article Type	Breaking Education News
Date Published	25 September 2026
Primary Focus Keyword	teacher unions strike Ghana 2026
Location	Ghana
Key Institutions	GNAT, NAGRAT, PRETAG, Ministry of Education, FWSC, CAGD
Status	Breaking / Developing
Author	Ferdinand Ellis
Source Basis	Joint statement of GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG dated 25 September 2026, with current media reports and Ministry response

Fact Check & Editorial Review

Status: Confirmed

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) have declared a nationwide industrial action effective Friday, 25 September 2026.

The declaration follows the unions’ earlier 22 September deadline, which gave government until midday on Thursday, 24 September to address outstanding concerns.

In their latest joint statement, the unions cite three principal areas of concern:

delays in negotiating a new Collective Agreement;
failure to automatically place newly promoted teachers on their appropriate salary scales and pay the associated arrears; and
non-implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance.

The unions say prolonged delays and what they describe as unfulfilled commitments have increased frustration among teachers.

The Ministry of Education has responded by appealing to the unions to call off the strike, saying government is making progress on the issues and that further engagement involving the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) is expected.

Key Takeaways

GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG have declared a nationwide strike effective Friday, 25 September 2026.
The action follows the unions’ 24 September deadline to government.
The unions are demanding progress on a new Collective Agreement.
They are also demanding automatic salary placement and payment of arrears for teachers who passed the relevant promotion examinations.
The unions are demanding implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance.
The Ministry of Education has appealed to the unions to call off the strike while government continues engagement with the relevant institutions.
The dispute follows an earlier August agreement under which promoted teachers were expected to be placed on their appropriate salary scales by September 2026, with a supplementary payroll mechanism for those not captured by the end of September.

In Brief

Ghana’s three major pre-tertiary teacher unions have moved from warning of industrial action to an actual nationwide strike.

GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG say they took the decision after government failed to resolve outstanding concerns by the deadline set in their 22 September notice.

The immediate dispute centres on teacher promotion salary placement and arrears, but the unions have also placed the renewal of their Collective Agreement and implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance at the centre of the industrial action.

➡️ Related: [Teacher Unions Give Government September 24 Deadline Over Promotion Salaries and Arrears]
➡️ Related: [Teacher Promotion 2026: January Effective Date, September Placement and Automatic Placement]

Introduction

The long-running dispute over teacher promotion salaries and conditions of service has escalated into nationwide industrial action.

GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG have declared a strike effective Friday, 25 September 2026, after their deadline for government to address outstanding concerns expired on Thursday.

The development marks a significant escalation from the unions’ 22 September warning, when they said they would no longer be able to restrain teachers if the issues remained unresolved.

The unions have now formally directed industrial action while government maintains that work is ongoing to address the concerns.

Why the Teacher Unions Have Declared the Strike

The unions’ latest statement identifies three major issues.

1. Delayed Collective Agreement

The unions say negotiations for a new Collective Agreement have remained unresolved despite the expiration of the existing agreement.

According to reports on the unions’ statement, they expected the negotiations for a new agreement to have been completed by June 2026.

They say the matter has been raised repeatedly with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, but the process remains outstanding.

The Collective Agreement is important because it provides a framework for key aspects of teachers’ conditions of service.

➡️ Related: [Teacher Conditions of Service in Ghana: What the Collective Agreement Covers]
➡️ Related: [GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG: Understanding Ghana’s Major Teacher Unions]

2. Promotion Salary Placement and Arrears

The second major issue concerns teachers who successfully completed promotion examinations but have not yet been fully placed on their new salary scales.

The unions are demanding automatic placement of affected teachers together with payment of arrears.

The current dispute follows an agreement reached at a meeting between government and the teacher unions on 31 August 2026.

That communiqué stated that the effective date for the substantive appointment of promoted teachers would be January 2026 and that all promoted teachers should be placed on their respective salary scales by September 2026.

It further stated that if some teachers were not placed by the end of September, a supplementary payroll would be raised to ensure that all affected teachers were placed on scale.

The latest strike declaration indicates that the unions consider the implementation of the arrangement incomplete.

➡️ Related: [Teacher Promotion Salaries: Why the August Agreement’s Supplementary Payroll Matters]
➡️ Related: [GES Teacher Promotion 2026: January 2026 Effective Date Explained]

3. Deprived Area Allowance

The unions have also cited the non-implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance.

According to reports on the unions’ latest statement, the issue is linked to provisions in the 2024 Collective Agreement concerning a review of the Deprived Area Report, followed by negotiations on the applicable allowance.

The unions say the process has not been completed.

The allowance is particularly relevant to teachers serving in areas classified as deprived, where recruitment, retention and working conditions can present additional challenges.

➡️ Related: [Deprived Area Allowance for Teachers in Ghana: What We Know]
➡️ Related: [Teacher Welfare and Conditions of Service in Ghana]

From September 24 Deadline to September 25 Strike

The latest development follows a sequence of events that began with the unions’ earlier concerns about promotion placement.

On 22 September 2026, GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG issued an urgent notice saying that the 2025 promotion placement and payment of arrears had not been fully effected.

The unions gave government until midday on Thursday, 24 September to address the outstanding matters.

They also cited the renewal of the Collective Agreement and payment of the Deprived Area Allowance.

The notice warned that the unions would no longer be able to restrain teachers if the issues remained unresolved.

The deadline has now passed, and the unions have proceeded with industrial action.

What Was Agreed on Teacher Promotion in August?

The current strike needs to be understood against the background of the 31 August 2026 meeting between government and the teacher unions.

The published communiqué recorded three important resolutions:

Issue	August 31 Resolution
Effective date	January 2026
Salary placement	All promoted teachers to be placed on their respective salary scales by September 2026
Outstanding teachers	Supplementary payroll to be raised if some were not captured by the end of September
Application process	Placement to be automatic, with no forms or application letters required

The communiqué was issued by the Communications Directorate of PRETAG.

The unions’ latest position indicates that they consider the implementation of these commitments insufficient or incomplete.

This is therefore not an entirely new dispute. It is an escalation of an unresolved issue that had already brought the unions and government to the negotiating table in August.

Government’s Response

The Ministry of Education has appealed to GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG to call off the strike.

According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, Hashmin Mohammed, government has made significant progress in addressing the concerns raised by the unions.

He said the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, had continued engaging relevant stakeholders.

The Ministry also indicated that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department were expected to engage the unions to work towards a resolution.

The Ministry has also raised concerns about the potential effect of the industrial action on Ghana’s academic calendar, particularly following efforts to restore the school calendar to a September reporting cycle.

The government position therefore differs from that of the unions on the status and pace of implementation.

What Happens to Schools During the Strike?

The immediate practical effect of the declaration is that affected teachers are expected to withdraw their services in accordance with the directives of their unions.

The precise operational consequences for individual schools may depend on subsequent directives from the unions and any developments arising from negotiations with government.

Parents, school authorities and teachers should therefore rely on official communications from the unions, Ghana Education Service and Ministry of Education rather than unverified messages circulating on social media.

EducateGhana.com will continue monitoring official developments.

Why the September 2026 Promotion Dispute Matters

The dispute has implications beyond individual salary payments.

For affected teachers, promotion is linked to professional progression and the corresponding salary grade. Delays in financial implementation mean that a teacher may have completed the promotion process without immediately receiving the financial benefits associated with the new rank.

The unions’ demand for arrears from January 2026 is therefore central to the dispute.

The August communiqué specifically established January 2026 as the effective date for the substantive appointment of promoted teachers.

The latest strike demonstrates that the issue has moved from an administrative implementation matter into a broader industrial-relations dispute involving teacher welfare and conditions of service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which teacher unions are on strike?

The three unions are:

Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT);
National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT); and
Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG).

When does the strike begin?

The unions declared the nationwide industrial action effective Friday, 25 September 2026.

Why are the teachers on strike?

The unions cite three principal concerns: the delayed Collective Agreement, incomplete salary placement and arrears for promoted teachers, and the non-implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance.

What was agreed on promoted teachers in August?

The 31 August communiqué stated that the effective date would be January 2026, that promoted teachers would be placed on their salary scales by September 2026, and that a supplementary payroll would be raised for teachers not captured by the end of September.

Has government responded?

Yes. The Ministry of Education has appealed to the unions to call off the strike and said government is making progress on the outstanding matters. It expects FWSC and CAGD to engage the unions.

Is the strike indefinite?

The current reports confirm the declaration of industrial action effective 25 September. The duration and any subsequent suspension or modification will depend on further directives and developments between the unions and government.

Conclusion

The declaration by GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG marks a new stage in Ghana’s 2026 teacher promotion and conditions-of-service dispute.

The unions have moved beyond the 24 September deadline and commenced nationwide industrial action over three principal concerns: the delayed Collective Agreement, outstanding promotion salary placement and arrears, and the Deprived Area Allowance.

Government, for its part, says progress is being made and has appealed for the strike to be called off while FWSC, CAGD, the Ministry and the unions continue engagement.

The immediate focus will now be on whether further negotiations can resolve the outstanding matters and what steps the unions and government take in the coming days.

For teachers, the key issues remain clear: salary placement, arrears, conditions of service and the implementation of agreed allowances.

EducateGhana.com will continue to track official statements and verified developments.

About the Author

Ferdinand Ellis is a Ghanaian education blogger, curriculum specialist, researcher, education policy analyst and educator. He is the founder and editor of EducateGhana.com, Ghana’s Education Intelligence Platform, and writes on Ghana’s education policy, teacher careers, curriculum, teacher welfare and developments within the education sector.

Editorial Note

Published: 25 September 2026
Status: Breaking / Developing Story

This report is based on the joint declaration of industrial action by GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG dated 25 September 2026, alongside current reporting and the Ministry of Education’s response.

The unions’ reasons for the strike are presented as their stated position. The Ministry’s response is separately identified to distinguish the two positions.

EducateGhana.com will update this report as further official information becomes available.

Sources

GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG joint statement dated 25 September 2026, as reported by current Ghanaian media.
MyJoyOnline, 25 September 2026.
Adom Online, 25 September 2026.
Citi Newsroom, 25 September 2026, Ministry of Education response.
31 August 2026 communiqué on the meeting between the teacher unions and the Minister for Education.
Ghana News Agency, 1 September 2026, on the earlier government-union engagement.

Teacher Promotion Dispute: Why the August Agreement’s Supplementary Payroll Matters

Ferdinand Ellis

September 24, 2026

OP-ED | By Ellis Ferdinand

The latest ultimatum issued by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) over outstanding promotion salaries and arrears is understandable.

The frustration among teachers is real.

After months of waiting for the financial implementation of promotions, affected teachers understandably want to see their new ranks reflected on the payroll and the corresponding arrears paid.

The three unions have now given government until midday on Thursday, 24 September 2026, to address the outstanding issues. In their urgent notice dated 22 September, they said the 2025 promotion placement and payment of arrears had not been fully effected. They also raised the renewal of the Collective Agreement and payment of the Deprived Area Allowance.

The unions have every reason to keep pressure on government to honour commitments already made.

However, there is another important dimension to the current situation that deserves attention.

The agreement reached between government and the teacher unions on 31 August 2026 already contains a mechanism for dealing with teachers who are not captured in the September payroll.

That provision should not be overlooked.

The August Agreement Already Anticipated Incomplete Placement

The 31 August agreement followed an emergency meeting involving the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department and the leadership of the teacher unions.

The published communiqué states three important things.

First, the effective date for the substantive appointment of all promoted teachers was agreed as January 2026.

Second, all promoted teachers were to be placed on their respective salary scales by September 2026.

Third, and most importantly for the present situation, the agreement specifically provided that if some teachers were not placed by the end of September, a supplementary payroll would be raised to ensure that all affected teachers were duly placed on scale.

The agreement also made placement automatic. Promoted teachers were not required to fill forms or submit application letters for the placement exercise.

This is a crucial safety net.

It means the parties did not simply agree on a September deadline and leave teachers without a remedy if some cases remained outstanding.

They anticipated the possibility of incomplete placement and agreed on a mechanism for addressing those cases.

➡️ Related: Government Agrees Automatic Placement of Promoted Teachers as September 2026 Implementation Begins

➡️ Related: GES Revises Effective Date for 2025 Promotions to January 2026

The Real Question Is Whether We Should Allow the Agreed Process to Run

The latest ultimatum raises an important question.

Should the unions introduce a new deadline of 24 September, or should they continue to hold government to the end-of-September deadline already contained in the agreement?

In my view, the latter approach deserves serious consideration.

This is not an argument against the unions.

On the contrary, the unions have played an important role in bringing the promotion-placement issue to the attention of government and securing an agreement that gives affected teachers a January 2026 effective date.

Their pressure contributed to the agreement that teachers would be placed automatically and that the effective date would not be pushed forward to July 2026.

The unions should therefore continue to hold government accountable.

But accountability is strongest when it is anchored in the terms of the agreement already reached.

September Has Not Yet Ended

The 31 August agreement did not say that every teacher had to appear on the payroll by 24 September.

It said that promoted teachers should be placed by September 2026, with a supplementary payroll to cater for those who remained outstanding after the end of the month.

That distinction matters.

As of 22 September, September still has several days remaining.

If the agreed process is already underway and some teachers have begun seeing their placements reflected, the immediate task should be to determine the extent of the implementation, identify outstanding cases and ensure that the agreed supplementary payroll mechanism is activated for those who remain uncaptured.

The Ghana News Agency previously reported that the government had assured the unions that placement would be completed by the end of September and that a supplementary process would be used to clear outstanding cases.

Therefore, the safety net is not merely an interpretation of the agreement. It has also been publicly reported as part of the assurances given during the government-union engagement.

➡️ Related: Teacher Promotion 2026: January Effective Date and September Salary Placement Explained

➡️ Related: Some Promoted Teachers Have Been Put on Salary Scale, Ellis Ferdinand Reports

The Issue Is Implementation, Not Another Agreement

The central challenge now is implementation.

The government and unions have already reached an agreement on the critical questions of:

the effective date;
automatic placement;
September salary-scale placement; and
a supplementary payroll for teachers who remain outstanding after September.

The next stage should therefore be about making the agreement work.

Teachers should not have to negotiate the same issues repeatedly.

Government should provide clear information on how many teachers have been captured, how many remain outstanding, when the remaining cases will be processed and how the January 2026 arrears will be handled.

The unions, for their part, should continue demanding this information and insisting on compliance with the agreement.

What About the Teachers Already Placed?

There are reports that some teachers have already been placed on their appropriate salary scales during the September implementation.

That development is important because it suggests that the payroll process is not merely theoretical.

But the existence of some successful placements does not resolve the problem for teachers who remain outstanding.

Those teachers also have legitimate expectations under the agreement.

This is precisely why the supplementary payroll provision matters.

If some teachers are not captured in the September payroll, the agreed mechanism should be used to ensure that they are subsequently placed and that their financial entitlements are properly addressed.

The focus should therefore be on completing the process rather than abandoning it before the agreed deadline expires.

The January 2026 Effective Date Must Be Protected

One of the most important gains from the 31 August engagement was the agreement that the effective date for the substantive appointment of promoted teachers would be January 2026.

This was significant because concerns had previously been raised over an effective date beginning in July 2026.

The Ghana News Agency reported after the meeting that the arrears would instead be calculated from January 2026 for teachers who sat the relevant aptitude tests in December 2025 and February 2026.

GES subsequently communicated the revised January 2026 effective date for the 2025 promotion exercise. EducateGhana.com also reported on that development.

For affected teachers, therefore, the question is not merely “When will I appear on the scale?”

It is also:

“Will my salary adjustment and arrears properly reflect the agreed January 2026 effective date?”

That is where close monitoring will be required.

The Unions Still Have a Strong Role to Play

Calling for patience should not be confused with asking the unions to abandon their responsibility.

Far from it.

GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG must continue monitoring implementation.

They should demand regular updates from the relevant authorities and insist that teachers who remain outstanding after the September payroll are captured through the agreed supplementary mechanism.

If the agreed mechanism fails to operate, the unions would then have a much stronger factual basis for determining their next course of action.

The issue would no longer be whether government was given sufficient time to implement the agreement.

It would be whether government had failed to honour a specific mechanism that both sides had already accepted.

The 24 September Deadline and the End-of-September Agreement

The latest union notice gives government until midday on Thursday, 24 September 2026.

The unions state that if all the issues are not addressed by then, they may no longer be able to restrain teachers and that teachers should participate in actions announced by their leadership.

That is the unions’ stated position.

However, the previously published agreement provides a different timeline for the specific promotion-placement issue: the end of September, followed by a supplementary payroll for teachers who remain outstanding.

These two positions should therefore not be conflated.

The 24 September deadline is contained in the unions’ latest notice.

The end-of-September placement deadline and supplementary payroll are contained in the 31 August agreement.

The difference is important for teachers trying to understand what happens next.

What Should Happen Now?

Rather than allowing the dispute to escalate unnecessarily, the parties should use the remaining days of September to establish the actual implementation position.

Government and CAGD should provide the unions with a clear update on:

The number of promoted teachers already placed on scale.
The number still outstanding.
The categories of teachers yet to be captured.
The timetable for the remaining placements.
The arrangements for the supplementary payroll.
The treatment of arrears from the January 2026 effective date.

The unions should scrutinise the information and communicate the position clearly to teachers.

This would give teachers something more valuable than speculation: verifiable information about their individual and collective payroll status.

➡️ Related: What Promoted Teachers Should Check on Their Payslips

➡️ Related: Teacher Promotion Arrears 2026: What the January Effective Date Means

My Position: Respect the Agreement

The latest ultimatum is well-intentioned because it reflects the genuine frustration of teachers who have waited for their promotions to be financially implemented.

But I believe the stronger approach at this stage is to respect and exhaust the agreement already reached.

The unions signed the agreement.

Government signed onto the implementation framework.

The agreement provides a September deadline and, importantly, a supplementary payroll for teachers who are not captured by the end of September.

Let that process run.

Let government complete the September payroll.

Let the unions verify the outcome.

And if, after September, the supplementary payroll does not materialise and affected teachers remain unplaced, then the unions will have a clear and documented basis for taking whatever further steps they consider necessary.

That would make the argument much simpler:

The agreed deadline has passed. The agreed safety net has not been activated. Teachers remain outstanding.

At that point, the question would not be whether the unions acted too quickly.

It would be whether the agreement itself had been honoured.

Teachers Deserve Certainty

At the heart of this dispute are teachers who have already done what was required of them.

They sat the promotion examinations.

They passed.

They received their promotion outcomes.

They are now waiting for the corresponding financial implementation.

They deserve certainty.

They deserve to know their placement status.

They deserve clarity on their arrears.

And they deserve an implementation process that does not repeatedly move the goalposts.

The best way to provide that certainty now is for the parties to work from the agreement already reached and make its provisions operational.

Conclusion

The latest GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG ultimatum reflects a genuine concern about incomplete promotion placement, arrears and other unresolved teacher welfare matters.

The unions are right to demand accountability.

But the 31 August agreement already provides a framework for dealing with teachers who are not captured in the September payroll.

Its provisions include a January 2026 effective date, automatic placement by September and a supplementary payroll for teachers who remain outstanding at the end of September.

My position is therefore straightforward:

Let us respect the agreement.

If by early October the supplementary payroll does not come and teachers are still not on scale, the unions will have a clear basis to determine their next course of action.

For now, let the process run to the agreed deadline while the unions maintain pressure, demand transparency and protect the interests of every affected teacher.

The objective should not simply be to issue another deadline.

The objective should be to get every legitimately promoted teacher onto the correct salary scale, with the January 2026 effective date and corresponding arrears properly implemented.

About the Author

Ellis Ferdinand is an education policy analyst, curriculum specialist, researcher, educator and founder/editor of EducateGhana.com, Ghana’s Education Intelligence Platform.

His work focuses on Ghana’s education policy, teacher education, curriculum implementation, teacher welfare, education governance and educational research.

Editorial Note

Article Type: Opinion / Op-Ed
Published: 22 September 2026
Status: Commentary on a developing education-policy and labour-relations issue

The views expressed in this article are those of Ellis Ferdinand and are presented as an opinion analysis. The 31 August agreement referenced in the article provides for January 2026 as the effective date, September 2026 placement and a supplementary payroll for teachers not captured by the end of September.

EducateGhana distinguishes the author’s interpretation of the agreement from the positions subsequently expressed by the teacher unions and any response from government.

Sources

31 August 2026 communiqué on the meeting between the Teacher Unions and the Minister for Education.
Ghana News Agency, Teacher unions satisfied with meeting over intended strike, 1 September 2026.
EducateGhana.com, Teacher Promotion 2026: January Effective Date, September Placement, Automatic Placement.
EducateGhana.com, GES Changes Effective Date for 2025 Promoted Teachers: Arrears Now From January 2026 Instead of July.

BREAKING: Teacher Unions Give Government Until September 24 Over Promotion Salaries and Arrears

Ferdinand Ellis

September 22, 2026

GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG have given the Government of Ghana until midday on Thursday, 24 September 2026, to address outstanding concerns over the placement of promoted teachers on their new salary scales, payment of promotion arrears and other unresolved conditions of service.

The three major pre-tertiary teacher unions have issued an Urgent Notice to All Teachers, dated Tuesday, 22 September 2026, stating that the 2025 promotion placement and payment of related arrears have not been fully effected.

The unions say the situation amounts to a failure to fulfil the agreement reached with government to automatically place all affected teachers by the close of September 2026.

The latest notice has introduced renewed uncertainty into the ongoing teacher promotion salary-placement process, which has been closely followed by teachers across the country.

Article Information

Field	Details
Category	Teacher Recruitment & Job Updates
Hub	Teacher Careers
Cluster	GES Teacher Promotion 2026
Article Type	Breaking Education News / Developing Story
Date Published	22 September 2026
Primary Focus Keyword	teacher promotion salaries and arrears 2026
Location	Ghana
Key Institutions	GNAT, NAGRAT, PRETAG, GES, Ministry of Education, CAGD
Status	Breaking / Developing
Author	Ferdinand Ellis
Source Basis	Joint Teacher Unions Urgent Notice dated 22 September 2026

Fact Check & Editorial Review

Status: Official Joint Teacher Unions Notice

The document reviewed by EducateGhana.com is headed “URGENT NOTICE TO ALL TEACHERS” and is jointly signed by:

Thomas T. Musah, General Secretary, GNAT
Jacob Anaba, President, NAGRAT
King Ali Awudu, President, PRETAG

It is dated Tuesday, 22nd September 2026.

The unions state that the 2025 promotion placement and payment of arrears have not been fully effected and that this is contrary to the agreement reached with government to automatically place all affected teachers by the close of September 2026.

The notice also identifies the renewal of the Collective Agreement and payment of the Deprived Area Allowance as outstanding concerns.

These statements represent the official position of the three teacher unions as expressed in their joint notice. They should not be presented as an independent finding that government has breached the agreement without also identifying the unions as the source of that assertion.

The immediate deadline stated in the notice is midday on Thursday, 24 September 2026.

➡️ Related: Some Promoted Teachers Have Been Put on Salary Scale, Ellis Ferdinand Reports

➡️ Related: Government Agrees January 2026 Effective Date for Promoted Teachers

Key Takeaways

GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG have issued an urgent notice to teachers.
The unions say the 2025 promotion placement and payment of arrears have not been fully effected.
They say this contradicts the agreement to automatically place affected teachers by the end of September.
The unions have raised the renewal of the Collective Agreement as another outstanding issue.
They are also demanding action on the Deprived Area Allowance.
Government has been given until midday on Thursday, 24 September 2026 to address the issues.
The unions say they may no longer be able to restrain teachers if the matters remain unresolved.
Teachers have been instructed to remain calm and follow official directives from their leadership.
The notice calls on teachers to participate in any actions announced by their union leadership.

In Brief

The teacher promotion salary dispute has entered a new phase after GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG issued a joint notice giving government until midday on 24 September 2026 to address outstanding concerns.

The unions say the 2025 promotion placement and associated arrears have not been fully implemented despite an earlier agreement that all affected teachers would be automatically placed by the close of September.

The unions have also listed the renewal of the Collective Agreement and payment of the Deprived Area Allowance among outstanding issues.

They have warned that if the issues are not addressed by the deadline, they will no longer be able to restrain teachers from taking action.

Teacher Unions Say Promotion Placement Has Not Been Fully Implemented

The main issue raised in the notice concerns the implementation of the 2025 teacher promotion exercise.

According to the three unions, the placement of affected teachers on their new salary scales and the payment of associated arrears have not been fully completed.

The unions state that this is contrary to the agreement reached with government to automatically place all affected teachers by the end of September 2026.

The latest position comes at a critical stage of the implementation timeline because September is the month previously identified for completing the salary-scale placement exercise.

For teachers who successfully passed the promotion process, the outstanding issue is not merely the recognition of the new rank. It also concerns the corresponding financial implementation and payment of salary differences arising from the promotion.

➡️ Related: GES Teacher Promotion 2026: What Teachers Should Know About Salary Placement

➡️ Related: Teacher Promotion Arrears 2026: January Effective Date Explained

September 24 Deadline Set by the Unions

The joint notice gives government until midday on Thursday, 24 September 2026 to address the outstanding matters.

The unions state:

“If by mid-day, Thursday, 24th September, 2026, all the issues are not addressed, the Teacher Unions will not be able to restrain the teachers anymore and whatever happens, the duty bearers should take full responsibility.”

The notice then adds:

“This is not a threat but a promise.”

The wording signals a significant escalation in the unions’ position.

However, the notice does not announce a specific strike date.

Instead, it states that the unions may no longer be able to restrain teachers and calls on teachers to participate in actions that will be announced by their leadership.

This distinction is important. The document establishes a deadline and warns of possible action, but it does not itself state that a nationwide strike begins on 24 September.

Renewal of Collective Agreement Listed as Outstanding

The teacher unions have also identified the renewal of the Collective Agreement as one of the outstanding matters.

The Collective Agreement is an important framework for the employment conditions and welfare of teachers.

Its renewal has featured among concerns raised by the teacher unions during their engagements with government.

The inclusion of the matter in the latest urgent notice indicates that the unions consider its resolution necessary alongside the promotion salary issue.

Deprived Area Allowance Also Raised

The second specific issue listed by the unions is the payment of the Deprived Area Allowance.

The notice identifies the allowance together with the renewal of the Collective Agreement as part of the broader concerns confronting teachers.

The unions did not provide detailed figures in the notice concerning the number of teachers currently receiving the allowance, the number expected to benefit or the exact payment schedule.

The immediate demand is that the outstanding issues be addressed before the deadline specified in the notice.

➡️ Related: Deprived Area Allowance for Teachers: What We Know So Far

➡️ Related: Teacher Welfare and Conditions of Service in Ghana

The Earlier Government-Union Agreement

The latest development must be understood against the background of the agreement reached between government and the teacher unions on 31 August 2026.

Following discussions between the government and teacher unions, government committed to the placement of teachers who had successfully completed the promotion process.

The agreed arrangement included automatic placement of affected teachers on their appropriate salary scales.

The effective date for the promotion-related salary adjustment was set at January 2026, while September was identified as the period within which the placement exercise would be completed.

The latest joint notice from the unions now says the implementation has not been fully effected.

This creates the central issue currently confronting the parties: whether the outstanding cases and arrears can be resolved within the remaining September implementation period.

What the Latest Notice Means for Teachers

The latest notice does not instruct teachers to immediately withdraw their services.

Instead, the unions specifically call on teachers to:

Remain calm and follow official directives from leadership.
Participate in all actions announced by their leadership.

This means teachers are being asked to await further official communication from their union leaders.

Teachers should therefore distinguish between the current ultimatum and an actual instruction to commence industrial action.

What Teachers Should Check

Teachers affected by the 2025 promotion exercise should continue to monitor their individual payroll records.

1. Check your payslip

Teachers should check whether their:

new rank has been reflected;
salary scale has changed;
basic salary has been adjusted; and
applicable arrears or adjustments have been processed.

2. Keep your promotion documents

Teachers should retain copies of their promotion letters and other relevant employment records.

These documents may be required if an individual payroll discrepancy has to be resolved.

3. Follow official union communication

Teachers should rely on official communication from GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG regarding any subsequent action.

4. Avoid acting on rumours

Teachers should not rely solely on WhatsApp messages, social-media posts or unofficial voice notes when determining whether industrial action has commenced.

The joint notice specifically directs teachers to follow official directives from their leadership.

What Happens at Midday on September 24?

The immediate question is whether the outstanding matters will be addressed before the deadline.

If the unions receive satisfactory responses or evidence of implementation, the situation could develop differently from the warning contained in the notice.

If the issues remain unresolved, the unions have indicated that they may no longer be able to restrain teachers from taking action.

The notice, however, leaves the precise nature and timing of any subsequent action to be announced by union leadership.

EducateGhana.com will therefore monitor official communications from the unions and government as the deadline approaches.

Why the Promotion Salary Issue Matters

The promotion exercise has financial implications for teachers who have successfully moved to higher ranks.

A promotion is not fully reflected in a teacher’s financial position until the appropriate payroll changes are implemented.

Where the effective date precedes the actual payroll placement, salary differences may also arise.

The January 2026 effective date agreed during the earlier government-union engagement is therefore particularly important to affected teachers.

The current disagreement is focused on whether the implementation has progressed sufficiently to meet the commitments previously made.

A Developing Dispute

The latest notice represents a significant escalation in the ongoing engagement between the teacher unions and government.

The three unions are speaking jointly and have set a specific deadline.

At the same time, the notice calls for calm and directs teachers to follow official instructions.

For now, the immediate focus is on the period between 22 September and midday on 24 September 2026.

The outcome of engagements during this period will determine the next stage of the dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are teachers going on strike on 24 September?

The notice does not announce a specific strike date. It gives government until midday on 24 September to address the issues and says the unions may no longer be able to restrain teachers if the matters remain unresolved.

What are the teacher unions demanding?

The notice identifies three major concerns:

Full implementation of the 2025 promotion placement and payment of arrears.
Renewal of the Collective Agreement.
Payment of the Deprived Area Allowance.

Who signed the notice?

The notice was signed by:

Thomas T. Musah, General Secretary, GNAT
Jacob Anaba, President, NAGRAT
King Ali Awudu, President, PRETAG

What is the deadline?

The deadline is midday on Thursday, 24 September 2026.

What should teachers do now?

Teachers have been directed to remain calm, follow official directives from their leadership and participate in actions announced by their union leadership.

Has the government responded to the latest ultimatum?

The joint notice itself does not contain a government response. Any subsequent official response from government should be reported separately and attributed to the relevant authority.

Does the notice mean the promotion exercise has completely failed?

No. The unions say that the placement and payment of arrears have not been fully effected. This indicates that the issue concerns incomplete implementation rather than necessarily the absence of all progress.

Conclusion

The 2026 teacher promotion salary dispute has entered a new and potentially decisive stage after GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG issued an urgent notice giving government until midday on Thursday, 24 September 2026, to address outstanding concerns.

The unions say the 2025 promotion placement and payment of arrears have not been fully implemented in accordance with the agreement reached with government.

They have also raised the renewal of the Collective Agreement and payment of the Deprived Area Allowance.

The unions have called on teachers to remain calm and follow official directives, while warning that they may no longer be able to restrain teachers if the outstanding issues are not addressed by the deadline.

For now, the focus shifts to the engagements between the teacher unions and government ahead of 24 September 2026.

EducateGhana.com will continue to track the situation and publish verified developments from the teacher unions, the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service and other relevant authorities.

About the Author

Editorial Note

Published: 22 September 2026
Status: Breaking / Developing Story

This article is based primarily on the joint “Urgent Notice to All Teachers” issued by GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG and dated Tuesday, 22 September 2026.

The statements concerning incomplete promotion placement, arrears, the Collective Agreement and Deprived Area Allowance are presented as the position of the three teacher unions as stated in their notice.

EducateGhana.com will update this story when government or the relevant education authorities issue a formal response.

BREAKING: Some Promoted Teachers Have Been Put on Salary Scale, Ellis Ferdinand Reports

Ferdinand Ellis

September 22, 2026

Some teachers who successfully passed the Ghana Education Service promotion examination have reportedly been placed on their new salary scales, according to an update by education researcher and blogger Ellis Ferdinand.

The development comes as teachers across the country await the completion of the September 2026 salary-scale placement exercise following an agreement reached between the Government of Ghana and the leadership of the pre-tertiary teacher unions.

In a statement shared on his Facebook wall, Ellis Ferdinand said he had been reliably informed that some teachers had already been placed on scale, while cautioning that he could not yet confirm when the remaining teachers would be processed.

> “I'm reliably informed, Some teachers have been put on scale. I’m not sure when the rest will be done. I will keep you updated.”

The statement provides an early indication that the salary-placement process may have begun to reflect on the payroll for at least some affected teachers.

However, the extent of the implementation, the number of teachers already captured and the specific categories or regions involved have not yet been publicly established from the information currently available.

Article Information

Field	Details
Category	Teacher Recruitment & Job Updates
Hub	Teacher Careers
Cluster	GES Teacher Promotion 2026
Article Type	Breaking Education News / Developing Story
Date Published	22 September 2026
Primary Focus Keyword	GES teacher promotion salary scale 2026
Location	Ghana
Key Institutions	GES, Ministry of Education, CAGD, GNAT, NAGRAT, PRETAG
Status	Developing
Author	Ferdinand Ellis
Source Basis	Ellis Ferdinand update and previously announced government-union agreement

Fact Check & Editorial Review

What is confirmed

The Government of Ghana and the leadership of the recognised pre-tertiary teacher unions reached an agreement on 31 August 2026 concerning the placement of teachers who successfully passed the promotion examinations.

The agreement provided for automatic placement of eligible teachers on their appropriate salary scales, with January 2026 agreed as the effective start date. Government indicated that September would be used to complete the placement exercise.

The Ghana News Agency also reported on 1 September that teacher representatives had received assurances that teachers who successfully completed the promotion examinations would be placed in their appropriate grades and ranks by the end of September 2026.

What is newly reported

Ellis Ferdinand has now reported that he has been reliably informed that some teachers have already been put on scale.

This is an important development because the government had committed to using September to complete the salary-scale placement process.

What has not yet been independently established

At the time of publication, the following details have not been established from an official nationwide payroll update:

The exact number of teachers already placed on scale.
The regions or districts in which the placement has occurred.
Whether all categories of promoted teachers have been processed.
The exact date on which the remaining teachers will be captured.
When any resulting salary differences or arrears will appear in individual payslips.

EducateGhana.com therefore treats the report as a developing implementation update, rather than as confirmation that the entire exercise has been completed.

➡️ Related: Government Agrees January 2026 Effective Date and September Placement for Promoted Teachers

➡️ Related: GES Clarifies That Promoted Teachers Do Not Need to Submit Documents for Salary Adjustment

Key Takeaways

Some promoted teachers have reportedly been placed on their new salary scales.
The update was shared by Ellis Ferdinand, who said the information was reliably received.
The report does not indicate that all affected teachers have been placed.
Government had earlier committed to completing the placement exercise during September 2026.
The agreed effective date for the promotion-related salary placement is January 2026.
The exact number of teachers already placed remains unconfirmed.
Teachers should continue checking their official payslips and relevant GES/CAGD communication.
Further updates are expected as the September implementation process continues.

In Brief

The long-awaited salary-scale placement for teachers who passed the recent GES promotion examinations appears to have begun for at least some affected teachers.

Education researcher and blogger Ellis Ferdinand says he has been reliably informed that some teachers have already been placed on scale.

He has, however, cautioned that he does not yet know when the remaining teachers will be processed.

The development comes against the background of a government commitment to complete the placement exercise in September 2026.

Some Teachers Reportedly Put on Scale

The latest update is likely to attract significant attention among teachers who have been waiting for the financial implementation of their promotions.

According to Ellis Ferdinand’s statement, some teachers have already seen progress in the placement process.

The wording is important.

The statement says “some teachers”, rather than all promoted teachers.

It also does not provide a specific number or identify the particular teachers, districts or regions involved.

For that reason, the update should not be interpreted as confirmation that the entire nationwide exercise has been completed.

The significance of the report lies in the possibility that the September implementation process is now producing actual payroll changes for some teachers.

➡️ Related: GES Teacher Promotion 2026: What the January Effective Date Means for Teachers

➡️ Related: Teacher Promotion Salary Placement: What Teachers Should Check on Their Payslips

Government Had Given September to Complete Placement

The latest report follows an agreement reached between government and the teacher unions on 31 August 2026.

The agreement came after GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG raised concerns over delays in placing successful promotion candidates on their appropriate salary scales.

The dispute had become serious enough for the teacher unions to threaten industrial action.

Following discussions with Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and other government officials, the planned industrial action was suspended.

One of the key issues addressed was the placement of successful teachers on their appropriate salary scales.

Government subsequently indicated that September would be used to complete the process.

Graphic Online reported that close to 80,000 teachers were expected to be placed on their appropriate salary scales and receive the salaries associated with their promotions.

January 2026 Effective Date Remains Important

Another major element of the agreement concerns the effective date.

According to reports following the government-union meeting, teachers who passed the promotion examinations were to have January 2026 as the effective start date for the new salary arrangement.

This is significant because the physical placement of a teacher on the payroll may occur later than the effective date.

Consequently, the appearance of a teacher’s new salary scale on a later payslip does not necessarily mean the teacher’s financial entitlement begins from that later month.

The actual treatment of salary differences and arrears will depend on the official payroll implementation.

What Teachers Should Check

Teachers who passed the promotion examination and are awaiting salary-scale placement should carefully monitor their payroll records during the September implementation period.

1. Check your payslip

Teachers should examine their official payslips for changes in:

Salary grade or scale
Basic salary
Relevant allowances
Arrears or adjustments, where applicable

2. Keep your promotion documents

Teachers should retain their promotion letters and other official employment records.

These documents may be important when resolving individual discrepancies.

3. Do not assume that one teacher’s update applies to everyone

The fact that some teachers may already have been placed does not automatically mean that every successful candidate has been processed.

Payroll implementation can involve different administrative stages.

4. Follow official communication

Teachers should continue to rely on communication from the Ghana Education Service, Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, Ministry of Education and recognised teacher unions for formal instructions.

What Remains Unknown

Despite the latest development, several questions remain open.

How many teachers have been placed?

No confirmed nationwide figure has yet been provided in the update attributed to Ellis Ferdinand.

Which teachers have been placed?

The available statement does not identify specific regions, districts, ranks or categories.

When will the remaining teachers be placed?

Ellis Ferdinand specifically stated that he was not sure when the remaining teachers would be processed.

When will arrears be paid?

The placement process and the payment of any salary differences are related but distinct administrative matters. Teachers should wait for official payroll information concerning the treatment of arrears.

Why the Update Matters

The salary-scale placement issue has been closely watched by thousands of teachers following the 2026 promotion exercise.

The earlier dispute centred on delays between the completion of the promotion process and the financial implementation of the new ranks.

The government-union agreement was intended to resolve those concerns through automatic placement and a September implementation window.

The latest report that some teachers have been placed on scale therefore represents a potentially important step in the implementation process.

However, until a comprehensive official update is issued, it would be premature to conclude that the exercise has been completed nationwide.

EducateGhana’s Editorial Position

EducateGhana.com will distinguish between reported individual or group developments and officially confirmed nationwide implementation figures.

The information attributed to Ellis Ferdinand is being reported as a developing update.

Teachers should therefore avoid relying solely on screenshots, WhatsApp messages or individual payroll reports to conclude that the entire placement exercise has been completed.

The most reliable confirmation for an individual teacher will be the teacher’s official payroll record, supported where necessary by communication from the relevant authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the government started placing promoted teachers on scale?

A new report attributed to Ellis Ferdinand indicates that some teachers have been placed on scale. The extent of the implementation has not yet been officially quantified.

How many teachers are expected to benefit?

Reports following the 31 August government-union meeting indicated that close to 80,000 teachers were expected to be placed on their appropriate salary scales.

What is the agreed effective date?

Reports from the government-union engagement indicated that the effective start date for teachers who passed the promotion examinations is January 2026.

Do teachers need to submit payslips for placement?

The government-union agreement indicated that teachers would not be required to travel to District Education Offices to submit payslips for salary-scale placement.

Does being placed on scale mean arrears have already been paid?

Not necessarily. Salary-scale placement and the payment or processing of any outstanding salary differences are separate implementation questions. Teachers should check their official payslips and await formal guidance.

Have all promoted teachers been placed?

There is currently no confirmed evidence that all affected teachers have been placed. The latest update specifically refers to some teachers.

Conclusion

The implementation of the 2026 GES teacher promotion salary placement process appears to be moving forward, with some teachers reportedly already placed on their appropriate salary scales.

The update, shared by Ellis Ferdinand, comes during the September window that government had identified for completing the placement of successful promotion candidates.

However, the development should not yet be interpreted as confirmation that the entire exercise has been completed.

The number of teachers already captured, the regions involved and the timetable for the remaining teachers are yet to be established.

EducateGhana.com will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as further information becomes available.

About the Author

Ferdinand Ellis is a Ghanaian education blogger, curriculum specialist, researcher, education policy analyst and educator. He is the founder and editor of EducateGhana.com, Ghana’s Education Intelligence Platform, and writes extensively on Ghana’s education policy, teacher careers, curriculum, teacher welfare and education governance.

Editorial Note

Published: 22 September 2026
Status: Developing Story

This article will be updated when official information becomes available on the number of teachers placed on scale, the remaining implementation timeline and the treatment of salary differences arising from the January 2026 effective date.

Ghana School Feeding Programme Reaches 4.53 Million Children as 2026 Budget Rises to GH¢1.982 Billion

Ferdinand Ellis

September 19, 2026

Article Information

Field	Details
Category	Education Government & Policy News
Hub	Early & Basic Education
Cluster	Ghana School Feeding Programme
Article Type	Education Policy / Social Protection
Date Published	19 September 2026
Primary Focus Keyword	Ghana School Feeding Programme 2026
Location	Ghana
Key Institution	Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
Status	Reported Government Update
Author	Ferdinand Ellis

Fact Check & Editorial Review

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has reported a significant expansion of the Ghana School Feeding Programme in 2026.

According to Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the programme is now reaching 4,527,636 schoolchildren every school day, compared with 4,029,580 pupils in 2024. The 2026 allocation has risen to GH¢1.982 billion, while the feeding grant remains GH¢2.00 per meal.

The Minister presented the figures at a Government Accountability Series in Accra. Graphic Online also reported that the Ministry has cleared caterer arrears from 2024 and settled payments for the first and second terms of the 2025/26 academic year.

Key Takeaways

The Ghana School Feeding Programme now reaches 4,527,636 children daily.
The programme’s 2026 budget is GH¢1.982 billion.
The per-meal grant is GH¢2.00.
Beneficiary numbers have increased from 4.03 million in 2024 to more than 4.52 million in 2026.
The Ministry says caterer arrears from 2024 have been cleared.
Payments for the first and second terms of the 2025/26 academic year have also been settled.
Compliance monitoring has expanded from 4,419 schools in 2025 to 8,270 schools in 2026.
20,171 caterers and head cooks have received training in practical nutrition standards.

In Brief

The Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) has expanded to provide daily meals to more than 4.5 million schoolchildren across the country.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection says the programme is serving 4,527,636 children every school day, supported by a 2026 allocation of GH¢1.982 billion.

The expansion comes alongside increased monitoring of participating schools, training for caterers and head cooks, and the reported clearance of outstanding caterer payments.

➡️ Related: Ghana School Feeding Programme Updates
➡️ Related: Basic Education News in Ghana

School Feeding Programme Now Reaches 4.53 Million Children

The number of children benefiting from the Ghana School Feeding Programme has increased substantially since 2024.

The latest figure is 4,527,636 children, representing an increase from 4,029,580 pupils in 2024.

The programme provides meals to participating schoolchildren on every school day and is administered as part of Ghana’s wider social protection and education support framework.

The Information Services Department, reporting on the Minister’s presentation, confirmed the 2026 beneficiary figure and described the programme as reaching more than 4.5 million children daily.

The expansion means that hundreds of thousands more children are now covered compared with the 2024 level.

How the School Feeding Allocation Has Changed

The reported figures show an increase in both programme funding and coverage.

Year	Government Allocation	Beneficiary Children	Grant Per Meal
2024	GH¢1.393 billion	4,029,580	GH¢1.50
2025	GH¢1.788 billion	4,231,000+	GH¢2.00
2026	GH¢1.982 billion	4,527,636	GH¢2.00

The 2026 allocation represents a 42 per cent increase over the 2024 allocation cited by the Ministry.

The per-meal grant was increased from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2.00 in 2025 and has remained at GH¢2.00 in 2026.

➡️ Related: Education Budget and Policy Updates
➡️ Related: Education Statistics and Research

Caterer Arrears Reportedly Cleared

The Ministry has also reported progress concerning payments to caterers.

According to Dr Lartey, all caterer arrears from 2024 have been cleared, while payments for the first and second terms of the 2025/26 academic year have also been settled.

The payment position is significant because the effectiveness of a school feeding programme depends not only on the number of children covered but also on the ability of caterers to provide meals consistently.

Timely payments can affect caterers’ ability to procure food, prepare meals and maintain continuity of service.

Monitoring Expanded to 8,270 Schools

The Ministry says it has also increased compliance monitoring across schools participating in the programme.

Monitoring coverage has risen from 4,419 schools in 2025 to 8,270 schools in 2026.

The expansion is intended to strengthen oversight of the programme and provide greater attention to compliance with required standards.

The Ministry also reported that 20,171 caterers and head cooks have received training in practical nutrition standards.

This introduces a quality dimension to the programme’s expansion. Increasing the number of beneficiaries is one measure of programme coverage, while monitoring and nutrition training address how the meals are delivered.

➡️ Related: Child Nutrition and School Health
➡️ Related: Education Quality and Accountability

What the Expansion Means for Basic Education

School feeding sits at the intersection of education, nutrition and social protection.

For families whose children attend participating schools, a daily school meal can reduce some of the direct costs associated with feeding children during the school day.

From an education perspective, the programme also forms part of the wider support environment surrounding school participation.

However, the number of beneficiaries alone does not provide a complete picture of programme performance. Questions concerning meal quality, regularity, nutritional adequacy, payment sustainability, procurement and monitoring remain important to evaluating implementation.

The Ministry’s reported expansion of compliance monitoring and nutrition training therefore provides an additional part of the 2026 picture.

The Broader Social Protection Context

The School Feeding Programme was one of several areas highlighted by the Gender Ministry during its Government Accountability Series presentation.

The Ministry also reported increases in the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) grants and an expansion of the programme’s beneficiary ceiling.

According to the Minister, the LEAP ceiling has increased from 350,000 to 450,000 households, while the average grant reportedly rose from GH¢334 in 2024 to GH¢569 in 2026.

The School Feeding Programme therefore forms part of a broader social protection agenda covering vulnerable households, children and other groups.

What Parents and Schools Should Know

The latest figures concern the national programme, rather than an announcement that every school in Ghana receives the same level of support or serves the same menu.

Parents should therefore distinguish between national programme figures and the specific arrangements at an individual school.

Schools participating in the programme remain subject to the applicable operational and monitoring requirements.

The reported training of caterers and head cooks, together with expanded compliance monitoring, is intended to strengthen implementation at school level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many children benefit from the Ghana School Feeding Programme in 2026?

The Ministry reports that 4,527,636 schoolchildren receive a meal every school day under the programme.

How much is the school feeding grant per meal?

The reported grant is GH¢2.00 per meal in 2026.

What is the 2026 School Feeding Programme budget?

The 2026 allocation is reported as GH¢1.982 billion.

How many schools are being monitored?

The Ministry says compliance monitoring has expanded to 8,270 schools in 2026, compared with 4,419 in 2025.

Have caterer arrears been cleared?

The Ministry says all caterer arrears from 2024 have been cleared and payments for the first and second terms of the 2025/26 academic year have been settled.

How many caterers and head cooks have received training?

The Ministry reports that 20,171 caterers and head cooks have received training in practical nutrition standards.

Conclusion

The Ghana School Feeding Programme has expanded considerably in 2026, with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection reporting coverage of 4.53 million schoolchildren every school day.

The expansion has been accompanied by a GH¢1.982 billion allocation, a GH¢2.00 per-meal grant, wider compliance monitoring and training for thousands of caterers and head cooks. The Ministry has also reported the clearance of outstanding caterer arrears from 2024 and payments covering the first two terms of the 2025/26 academic year.

The figures demonstrate the scale of the programme in Ghana’s basic education system. Its longer-term effectiveness, however, will also depend on the quality and nutritional adequacy of meals, reliable payments, effective monitoring and consistent implementation at school level.

About the Author

Ferdinand Ellis is a Ghanaian education blogger, curriculum specialist, researcher, education policy analyst and educator. He is the founder and editor of EducateGhana.com, Ghana’s Education Intelligence Platform, and writes on education policy, curriculum, teacher education, examinations, student welfare and developments across Ghana’s education sector.

Editorial Note

EducateGhana distinguishes between reported government performance figures and independent assessment of programme outcomes. The figures in this report are attributed to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and are independently corroborated by Ghana’s Information Services Department and Ghana News Agency.

Sources

Graphic Online, “Gender ministry increases LEAP grant, expands school feeding,” 19 September 2026.
Information Services Department (ISD), “School Feeding Programme Reaches 4.53 million Children Daily,” 16 September 2026.
Ghana News Agency (GNA), “Gender Minister hails Ghana School Feeding Programme,” 16 September 2026.

President Mahama Orders SHS Menu Review: Eggs and Chicken Among Reported Improvements

Ferdinand Ellis

September 19, 2026

Article Information

Field	Details
Category	Education Government & Policy News
Hub	Secondary Education
Cluster	Free SHS & Student Welfare
Article Type	Education Policy News
Date Published	19 September 2026
Primary Focus Keyword	SHS menu review 2026
Location	Ghana
Key Institutions	Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service
Status	Developing Policy Update
Author	Ferdinand Ellis

Fact Check & Editorial Review

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced that President John Dramani Mahama has directed a review of the Senior High School menu to improve the quality of meals served to students.

The announcement was made during the Minister’s visit to Tarkwa Senior High School on Friday, 18 September 2026, as students returned to school for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Reports about the President’s directive have specifically referred to the inclusion of eggs and chicken. However, the details of the revised national SHS menu, including the exact frequency and implementation date for particular food items, have not yet been publicly announced. The confirmed position at this stage is that the menu is being reviewed to improve the quality of meals served to students.

Key Takeaways

President Mahama has directed a review of the SHS menu.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says the objective is to improve the quality of meals served to students.
The announcement was made during a visit to Tarkwa SHS on 18 September 2026.
The reported review is associated with calls for improved meals, including eggs and chicken.
The Government says adequate provisions have been made for SHS students’ meals for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The final revised menu and implementation details are yet to be announced.

In Brief

President John Dramani Mahama has directed a review of the Senior High School feeding menu as part of efforts to improve the quality of meals provided to students under the Free SHS programme.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu disclosed the directive during a visit to Tarkwa SHS, where he also assured students that adequate provisions had been made for their meals as schools reopened.

The proposed menu improvements have been reported in connection with the inclusion of food items such as eggs and chicken, although the final revised menu has not yet been published.

➡️ Related: Free SHS Policy and Student Welfare
➡️ Related: SHS Admission and Reopening Updates

President Mahama Orders Review of SHS Menu

The Government is set to review the menu served to students in Ghana’s Senior High Schools following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu disclosed the directive during his visit to Tarkwa Senior High School on Friday, 18 September.

According to the Minister, the review is intended to make the meals provided to students better.

The announcement comes as SHS and Senior High Technical School students return to school for the 2026/2027 academic year, placing renewed attention on the quality and adequacy of meals provided under the Free SHS programme.

Eggs and Chicken Mentioned in Menu Improvement Discussions

The reported menu review has generated particular attention around the inclusion of eggs and chicken in meals served to SHS students.

These food items are significant sources of protein and are commonly incorporated into school meals and wider diets.

However, it is important to distinguish between the directive to review the menu and a formally published revised menu.

At the time of publication, the Government has not announced the complete revised menu or specified how frequently particular items such as eggs or chicken will be served across schools.

EducateGhana therefore presents the reported inclusion of eggs and chicken as part of the menu-improvement direction rather than as a confirmed nationwide serving schedule.

➡️ Related: SHS Food and Nutrition Updates
➡️ Related: Education Policy and Student Welfare

Government Assures Students of Adequate Food

The menu review comes alongside an assurance from the Education Minister that adequate provisions have been made to feed students during the new academic year.

During his interaction at Tarkwa SHS, Mr Iddrisu said he would examine the available data and work to ensure that students do not experience shortages of food.

The Minister’s comments address two related aspects of school feeding: availability of food and quality of meals.

A school feeding system therefore has to provide not only sufficient quantities but also meals that meet reasonable nutritional and dietary expectations for students.

GH¢4.2 Billion Allocated for Free SHS Feeding in 2026

According to the current report, the Government has allocated GH¢4.2 billion for feeding Free SHS students in 2026, as part of a total GH¢9.6 billion allocation for the Free SHS programme.

The funding commitment comes amid broader efforts to address challenges associated with feeding students under the programme.

The Education Minister has also announced plans to increase the feeding grant from GH¢8 to GH¢15 per student, as part of reforms being considered for the programme.

➡️ Related: Free SHS Funding and Education Budget Updates
➡️ Related: Ghana Education Statistics and Policy

Why the Menu Review Matters

Food is an essential component of student welfare, particularly in boarding schools where students depend substantially on meals provided by their institutions.

The quality and adequacy of those meals can affect students’ wellbeing during the school day and their overall experience in residential schools.

The menu review therefore extends beyond simply adding individual food items. Its broader significance will depend on the final menu, nutritional balance, procurement arrangements, consistency of supply and the resources available to schools to implement it.

The Government’s stated objective is to improve the meals provided to students, but the practical impact will become clearer when the revised menu and implementation arrangements are formally communicated.

What Has Not Yet Been Announced

Several details remain outstanding.

The Government has not yet publicly specified:

The complete revised SHS menu.
How often eggs will be served.
How often chicken will be served.
Whether the revised menu will apply uniformly to all SHS/SHTS.
The date on which the revised menu will take effect.
The detailed funding and procurement arrangements for the additional food items.

These details will be important in assessing how the menu review will operate across schools.

What Students and Parents Should Expect

For now, students and parents should distinguish between the announcement of a menu review and the final implementation of the revised menu.

The confirmed position is that President Mahama has directed the review and that the Education Minister has assured students that adequate food provisions have been made for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Further details are expected through official communication from the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has President Mahama directed a review of the SHS menu?

Yes. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu said President Mahama has directed that the SHS menu be reviewed to improve the quality of meals served to students.

Will eggs and chicken be included in the SHS menu?

Eggs and chicken have been reported in connection with the proposed menu improvements. However, the final revised menu and detailed serving arrangements have not yet been officially announced.

When was the directive announced?

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced the directive during a visit to Tarkwa Senior High School on 18 September 2026.

Has the new menu already taken effect?

The available report does not establish that the complete revised menu has already taken effect. Details of the revised menu and implementation date are yet to be announced.

How much has been allocated for Free SHS feeding in 2026?

The current report states that GH¢4.2 billion has been allocated for feeding Free SHS students in 2026.

Conclusion

The directive to review the SHS menu marks another development in the Government’s efforts to address the quality and adequacy of meals provided under the Free SHS programme.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says President Mahama wants the menu improved, while students have been assured that adequate provisions have been made for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Although eggs and chicken have been highlighted in reports about the proposed improvement, the full revised menu, serving frequency and implementation date remain to be communicated officially.

The next important step will therefore be the publication of the revised menu and the operational arrangements for implementing it across Ghana’s SHS and SHTS system.

About the Author

Ferdinand Ellis is a Ghanaian education blogger, curriculum specialist, researcher, education policy analyst and educator. He is the founder and editor of EducateGhana.com, Ghana’s Education Intelligence Platform, and writes on education policy, curriculum, teacher education, student welfare and developments across Ghana’s education sector.

Editorial Note

EducateGhana distinguishes between confirmed government announcements and details that remain subject to further official communication. This report does not treat the reported inclusion of individual food items as a final nationwide menu until the revised menu is formally published.

Source

MyJoyOnline, “Mahama orders review of SHS menu as Education Minister assures students of adequate food,” 19 September 2026.

GES Directs SHS to Stop Denying Boarding Students Accommodation Over Metal Trunks, Wooden Chop Boxes

Ferdinand Ellis

September 19, 2026

Article Information

Field	Details
Category	Education Government & Policy News
Hub	Secondary Education
Cluster	SHS Admission & Student Welfare
Article Type	Official Directive / Breaking Education News
Date Published	19 September 2026
Primary Focus Keyword	GES directive on metal trunks and wooden chop boxes
Location	Ghana
Key Institution	Ghana Education Service (GES)
Reference	GES/DD-G(MS)/S1/26/431
Status	Official Directive Supplied
Author	Ferdinand Ellis

Fact Check & Editorial Review

The directive supplied for publication is dated 18 September 2026 and is attributed to the Ghana Education Service Headquarters. It is signed by Prof. Smile Dzisi (Mrs), Deputy Director-General (MS), for the Director-General.

The directive addresses reports that some Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools have been turning away newly admitted boarding students or refusing to accommodate them because they arrived with metal trunks, wooden chop boxes or other personal storage containers instead of the types preferred or prescribed by particular schools.

The directive does not state that every type or size of storage container must be accepted regardless of safety considerations. Rather, it directs schools not to deny duly admitted boarding students accommodation solely because of the type of trunk or chop box they use, provided the item is reasonably sized, safe and does not pose a risk to the health, safety or welfare of other students.

Key Takeaways

GES has directed SHS/SHTS to stop turning away duly admitted boarding students solely because of the type of trunk or chop box they bring.
The directive specifically addresses metal trunks, wooden chop boxes and other personal storage containers.
Students admitted to boarding must be treated fairly without discrimination based on their family’s economic circumstances.
Storage containers should be reasonably sized, safe and not pose risks to other students.
GES says forcing parents to purchase specific types of trunks can create an unnecessary financial burden.
Regional Directors are to communicate the directive to Heads of Schools.
Reported violations are to be investigated and reported to GES Management.
Heads of SHS/SHTS who flout the directive may face action under applicable GES regulations and laws.

In Brief

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools to stop refusing accommodation to duly admitted boarding students merely because they report to school with metal trunks, wooden chop boxes or other storage containers that differ from a school’s preferred type.

The directive, dated 18 September 2026, says students should not be discriminated against because of their economic circumstances or their inability to purchase a particular brand or type of trunk.

However, the storage container must be reasonably sized, safe and must not pose a risk to the health, safety or welfare of other students.

➡️ Related: 2026/27 SHS Admission & Placement Updates
➡️ Related: 2026/27 National Harmonised SHS Prospectus

GES Issues Directive on Boarding Accommodation

The directive follows reports received by GES Headquarters concerning the treatment of newly admitted boarding students at some SHS/SHTS.

According to the directive, some schools have reportedly turned away students or refused to accommodate them because they arrived with metal trunks, wooden chop boxes or other personal storage containers, rather than plastic or suitcase-type storage prescribed or preferred by the schools.

GES has now directed Regional Directors to ensure that Heads of Schools desist from such practices.

The directive applies where the type of storage container is the sole reason for refusing to accommodate a duly admitted boarding student.

Schools Must Not Discriminate Against Students

A central principle in the directive is that boarding students must be accommodated fairly.

GES says students should not face discrimination based on their economic situation or whether their parents can afford to purchase a particular brand or type of trunk.

This means that the inability of a family to replace an existing metal trunk or wooden chop box with a more expensive alternative should not, by itself, become a basis for denying the student accommodation.

The directive therefore places emphasis on the student’s admission status and welfare rather than the family’s ability to purchase a particular storage product.

➡️ Related: Student Welfare and Inclusive Education
➡️ Related: GES Policies and Directives

What Schools Have Been Directed to Stop Doing

Regional Directors have been instructed to direct Heads of Schools to desist immediately from:

Turning away duly admitted boarding students solely because of the type of trunk they bring.
Refusing to admit or accommodate such students for that reason.
Denying a student a boarding place because the family cannot afford a particular type or brand of storage container.

The directive covers metal trunks, wooden chop boxes and other personal storage containers, provided they satisfy the required safety and size considerations.

What Are the Conditions?

The directive does not mean that schools have lost all authority to regulate items brought into boarding houses.

A storage container brought by a student must be:

Reasonably sized so that it can be accommodated within the available boarding facilities.
Safe for use within the school environment.
Free from risks that could endanger the health, safety or welfare of other students.

Therefore, the directive should not be interpreted as requiring schools to accept an item that is dangerously oversized, unsafe or otherwise poses a legitimate health or safety concern.

The key distinction is that the type or material of the trunk alone should not be used as the basis for denying accommodation where the item is otherwise acceptable.

GES Cites Financial Burden on Parents

GES also points to the financial implications of requiring parents to purchase specific types of trunks or storage containers.

For families preparing children for SHS, the cost of admission-related items can add significantly to the overall expense of starting school.

Requiring parents to replace a usable trunk solely because it is made from metal or because a student uses a wooden chop box can impose an additional financial obligation that may not be necessary.

The directive therefore seeks to prevent storage-container requirements from becoming an unnecessary barrier to a student’s access to boarding accommodation.

➡️ Related: SHS Prospectus and Required Items
➡️ Related: Education Costs and Student Support

Regional Directors and Heads of Schools Have Responsibilities

The directive places responsibility on Regional Directors to ensure that Heads of Schools are informed of and comply with the instruction.

This means the directive is not merely general advice to parents. It is an instruction directed through the GES administrative structure to schools responsible for boarding students.

Where a school receives a duly admitted boarding student whose storage container meets the stated safety and size requirements, the container’s material or type should not, by itself, be used as grounds for refusing the student’s accommodation.

Violations May Attract Sanctions

GES has also outlined an enforcement mechanism.

According to the directive:

Reported cases are to be investigated.
Findings are to be reported to GES Management.
Heads of SHS/SHTS who flout the directive may be dealt with in accordance with GES regulations and applicable laws.

Parents and guardians who encounter a situation that appears to fall within the directive can therefore seek clarification through the appropriate education authorities rather than assuming that replacing the student’s trunk is the only available solution.

What Parents Should Know

Parents preparing their children for boarding school should distinguish between a school’s legitimate requirements relating to safety, size, hygiene and boarding-house management and a blanket refusal based solely on the material or type of a storage container.

If a student’s metal trunk or wooden chop box is reasonably sized and safe, the GES directive indicates that the student should not be denied accommodation solely because of that type of container.

Parents should also retain relevant admission documentation and, where necessary, seek clarification from the school, Municipal or District Education Directorate, Regional Education Directorate or GES through the appropriate channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an SHS refuse to accommodate a boarding student because the student has a metal trunk?

According to the GES directive, a duly admitted boarding student should not be denied accommodation solely because the student has a metal trunk, provided the item is reasonably sized, safe and does not pose a risk to others.

What about wooden chop boxes?

The directive specifically refers to wooden chop boxes. A student should not be denied accommodation solely because the student uses a wooden chop box if it meets the stated size and safety conditions.

Can schools regulate the size and safety of trunks?

Yes. The directive recognises conditions relating to reasonable size and safety. Schools are not required to accept storage containers that pose legitimate health, safety or welfare risks.

Why has GES issued this directive?

GES says it has received reports of some schools turning away or refusing to accommodate newly admitted boarding students because of the type of storage container they brought.

What happens if a school ignores the directive?

Reported cases are to be investigated and reported to GES Management. Heads of Schools who flout the directive may face action under applicable GES regulations and laws.

Does this mean students can bring any type of container?

No. The directive does not create an unrestricted right to bring any container regardless of its characteristics. The item must be reasonably sized, safe and not pose a risk to the health, safety or welfare of other students.

Conclusion

The new GES directive provides an important clarification for SHS and SHTS boarding admissions.

A student’s access to boarding accommodation should not depend solely on whether the family can afford a particular brand or type of trunk. Where a duly admitted student’s storage container is reasonably sized, safe and does not pose a risk to others, the type of material used to make the container should not, by itself, be a reason to deny accommodation.

The directive also places responsibility on Regional Directors and Heads of Schools to ensure that the instruction is implemented, while providing for investigation and possible sanctions where it is violated.

For parents and guardians, the central message is clear: a safe and reasonably sized metal trunk or wooden chop box should not, by itself, prevent a duly admitted boarding student from being accommodated at an SHS/SHTS.

About the Author

Ferdinand Ellis is a Ghanaian education blogger, curriculum specialist, researcher, education policy analyst and educator. He is the founder and editor of EducateGhana.com, Ghana’s Education Intelligence Platform, and writes on Ghanaian education policy, curriculum, examinations, teacher education, student welfare and developments across the education sector.

Editorial Note

This report is based on the GES directive supplied for publication, referenced GES/DD-G(MS)/S1/26/431 and dated 18 September 2026. EducateGhana distinguishes between official directives, reported incidents and independent commentary. The directive’s conditions on size, safety and student welfare remain important when interpreting its application.

Sources

Primary source: Ghana Education Service Headquarters, Directive on Accommodation and Use of Metal Trunks and Wooden Chop Boxes in SHS, Ref. GES/DD-G(MS)/S1/26/431, dated 18 September 2026.

Enquiries: GES Deputy Director-General (Management Services) Secretariat, ddgmssecretariat@ges.gov.gh

University of Ghana Releases 2026/2027 Undergraduate Admissions

Ferdinand Ellis

September 18, 2026

Article Information

Field	Details
Category	Admissions & Academic Updates
Hub	Higher Education
Cluster	University of Ghana Admissions 2026/2027
Article Type	Admissions News
Date Published	17 September 2026
Primary Focus Keyword	University of Ghana admissions 2026/2027
Location	Legon, Accra, Ghana
Key Institution	University of Ghana
Status	Admissions Released
Author	Ferdinand Ellis

Fact Check & Editorial Review

The University of Ghana has released its undergraduate admissions for the 2026/2027 academic year, according to a statement issued by the University on Thursday, 17 September 2026. Current reports also confirm the release and the University’s warning to applicants about admission-related scams.

Applicants are advised to verify their admission status through the University’s official admissions portal rather than relying on intermediaries or unofficial admission-checking platforms.

Key Takeaways

The University of Ghana has released its 2026/2027 undergraduate admissions.
Applicants can check their admission status through the University’s official admissions portal.
An Admissions Assistance Desk opened on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
The desk will operate until Friday, 2 October 2026.
Applicants are warned against individuals who claim they can influence or secure admission for them.
The University says applicants should not make payments or offer gifts or favours to anyone claiming to have the power to secure admission.

In Brief

The University of Ghana (UG) has released its undergraduate admissions for the 2026/2027 academic year, giving applicants the opportunity to check whether they have been offered admission.

The University has also established an Admissions Assistance Desk to provide support to applicants with admission-related enquiries during the post-admission period.

University of Ghana Releases 2026/2027 Admissions

The University of Ghana has officially released its undergraduate admissions for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Applicants who applied for undergraduate programmes are encouraged to check their admission status through the University’s official admissions platform.

Official UG Admission Status Checker:
Check University of Ghana Admission Status

Applicants should use the official University platform when checking their admission status and should exercise caution with links circulated through unofficial sources.

➡️ Related: How to Check University Admissions in Ghana
➡️ Related: 2026/2027 Tertiary Admissions

Admissions Assistance Desk Opens

To assist applicants with admission-related concerns, the University has opened an Admissions Assistance Desk at the Sports and Wellness Directorate.

The assistance desk began operations on Thursday, 17 September 2026, and will remain available until Friday, 2 October 2026.

The published operating hours are:

Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The initiative provides applicants with an avenue to seek clarification and assistance with issues relating to their admissions.

➡️ Related: University Admission Support and Application Guidance
➡️ Related: Higher Education News in Ghana

University Warns Applicants Against Admission Scammers

The University of Ghana has also issued a strong warning to applicants to beware of admission scammers.

Applicants have been cautioned against individuals or intermediaries who claim that they can influence the University’s admissions process or secure admission on behalf of an applicant.

The University says its admission process cannot be influenced by any individual or intermediary.

Applicants have therefore been advised not to make payments or offer gifts, favours or other benefits to anyone claiming to have the ability to secure admission.

The warning is particularly important at a time when successful applicants may be seeking assistance with their admission procedures.

Applicants should rely on official University communication and verified admission channels when seeking information about their admission status and subsequent steps.

➡️ Related: How to Avoid University Admission Scams
➡️ Related: Official Education Notices and Updates

What Applicants Should Do Now

Applicants who submitted applications for undergraduate admission should take the following steps:

1. Check the official admission portal

Applicants should first verify their admission status through the University’s official portal.

2. Confirm the details of any admission offer

Successful applicants should carefully review the admission information provided to them and follow the University’s official instructions.

3. Seek clarification where necessary

Applicants experiencing difficulties can make use of the Admissions Assistance Desk during its stated operating period.

4. Avoid unofficial intermediaries

Applicants should not rely on individuals who claim to have special access to the University’s admissions process.

5. Do not pay for an admission offer

Any person demanding money, gifts or favours in exchange for securing or influencing admission should be treated with caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the University of Ghana released the 2026/2027 undergraduate admissions?

Yes. The University of Ghana has released its undergraduate admissions for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Where can I check my UG admission status?

Applicants can check their status through the University’s official admissions portal:

University of Ghana Admission Status Checker

When will the Admissions Assistance Desk operate?

The desk opened on 17 September 2026 and is scheduled to operate until 2 October 2026.

Where is the Admissions Assistance Desk located?

The University has located the desk at the Sports and Wellness Directorate.

What are the operating hours?

The desk operates from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Can someone pay money to secure admission at UG?

Applicants have been specifically warned against anyone who claims to have the ability to influence the University’s admissions process. The University advises applicants not to make payments or offer gifts or favours to such persons.

Conclusion

The release of the University of Ghana’s 2026/2027 undergraduate admissions marks an important stage for applicants seeking to begin their university education at UG.

Applicants should check their admission status through the official University portal and use the Admissions Assistance Desk where they require clarification or support.

Most importantly, applicants and their families should remain vigilant against admission fraud. The University’s warning is clear: admission cannot be secured through individuals who claim to have the power to influence the official process.

The safest approach is to rely on official University communication, the official admission portal and designated University support channels.

About the Author

Ferdinand Ellis is a Ghanaian education blogger, curriculum specialist, researcher, education policy analyst and educator. He is the founder and editor of EducateGhana.com, Ghana’s Education Intelligence Platform, and writes on education policy, tertiary education, curriculum, examinations, teacher education and developments across Ghana’s education sector.

Editorial Note

EducateGhana encourages applicants to verify admission information through official institutional channels. Applicants should avoid making payments to third parties who claim to have special access to university admissions.

Sources

University of Ghana admission release, 17 September 2026.
Citi Newsroom, UG releases 2026/2027 undergraduate admissions, 17 September 2026.
MyJoyOnline, University of Ghana warns 2026/27 applicants against admission scammers, 17 September 2026.

Nkwanta SHS Teachers Donate 50 Chop Boxes and 50 Mattresses to Support SHS Freshers

Ferdinand Ellis

September 17, 2026

Article Information

Field	Details
Category	Education News
Hub	Basic & Secondary Education
Cluster	Student Welfare & Educational Support
Article Type	Human-Interest / Community Education Story
Location	Nkwanta South Municipality, Oti Region
Date Published	17 September 2026
Primary Focus Keyword	Nkwanta SHS teachers support SHS freshers
Key Institutions	Nkwanta SHS; Nkwanta South Municipal Education Directorate
Status	Reported
Author	Ferdinand Ellis

Fact Check & Editorial Review

The information in this report is based on the account supplied for publication. The reported donation consists of 50 brand-new chop boxes and 50 student mattresses, presented by teachers of Nkwanta SHS to the Nkwanta South Municipal Education Directorate for distribution to 50 students transitioning to senior high school.

The report does not independently establish the financial value of the donated items or identify the individual beneficiaries. Those details have therefore not been added.

Key Takeaways

Teachers of Nkwanta SHS have donated 50 chop boxes and 50 mattresses to support SHS freshers.
The items were presented to the Nkwanta South Municipal Education Directorate.
Fifty students transitioning to senior high schools across the municipality are expected to benefit.
The initiative is intended to reduce some of the financial pressure associated with starting senior high school.
The donation highlights the potential role of teachers and schools in supporting learners beyond classroom instruction.

In Brief

Teachers of Nkwanta SHS have extended financial and material support to 50 students preparing to begin senior high school by donating 50 chop boxes and 50 mattresses to the Nkwanta South Municipal Education Directorate.

The gesture is aimed at helping families meet some of the essential requirements associated with the transition to secondary education.

➡️ Related: SHS Admission & Placement Updates
➡️ Related: Student Welfare & Education Support

Introduction

For many families, the transition from basic school to senior high school comes with a range of financial demands, from accommodation and feeding arrangements to personal effects and other essential items.

Against this background, teachers of Nkwanta SHS have taken a practical step to support students entering senior high school in the Nkwanta South Municipality.

The teachers have donated 50 brand-new chop boxes and 50 student mattresses to the Nkwanta South Municipal Education Directorate for the benefit of 50 SHS freshers.

Nkwanta SHS Teachers Extend Support to 50 Freshers

The donation was made as part of an effort to assist students transitioning to senior high schools across the municipality.

According to the information accompanying the donation, each of the 50 beneficiaries is expected to receive support through the items provided by the teachers.

The chop boxes are among the practical personal effects commonly required by students entering boarding school, while mattresses provide an essential item for students who will be accommodated in residential facilities.

By providing these items, the teachers are helping to address some of the immediate material needs that can accompany the beginning of a student’s senior high school journey.

➡️ Related: Senior High School Admission Updates
➡️ Related: Education Opportunities in Ghana

Donation Presented to Municipal Education Directorate

The items were presented to officials of the Nkwanta South Municipal Education Directorate.

Officials at the Directorate commended the teachers for the gesture, particularly for extending their contribution beyond their regular classroom responsibilities to support the welfare of learners.

The presentation therefore represents more than the provision of physical items. It also demonstrates a form of partnership between educators and the wider education community in addressing practical challenges faced by students and their families.

Why Such Support Matters

The transition to senior high school can be an important turning point in a student’s educational journey.

For families with limited financial resources, however, meeting the various requirements for a new school can create additional pressure. Assistance with basic student necessities can therefore help families manage some of those immediate demands.

The Nkwanta SHS initiative demonstrates how teachers and educational institutions can contribute to student welfare through community-minded interventions.

Such support does not replace the responsibilities of government, schools or parents. Rather, it complements broader efforts to ensure that students can begin their education with the basic resources they need.

➡️ Related: Teacher Support and Professional Practice
➡️ Related: Basic and Secondary Education

Beyond the Classroom

Teaching is primarily concerned with learning, instruction and the development of students. However, the welfare circumstances surrounding learners can also influence their ability to participate fully in education.

The donation by the Nkwanta SHS teachers illustrates this broader dimension of educational work.

By contributing items that students may need as they enter senior high school, the teachers have demonstrated a willingness to support learners at a significant stage of their educational transition.

The gesture also sends a message to the wider community about the importance of collective responsibility for education.

A Message of Community and Solidarity

The significance of the donation extends beyond the 100 items presented.

It represents an act of solidarity with students and families at the beginning of a new educational chapter.

The initiative also provides an example of how educators can contribute to community building through practical acts of service.

For the beneficiaries, the chop boxes and mattresses may be simple necessities, but the support behind them carries a wider message: that their educational journey matters and that members of their educational community are willing to support them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many students are expected to benefit?

Fifty students transitioning to senior high schools across the Nkwanta South Municipality are expected to benefit.

What items were donated?

The teachers donated 50 brand-new chop boxes and 50 student mattresses.

Who received the donated items?

The items were presented to the Nkwanta South Municipal Education Directorate.

Why were the items donated?

The donation was intended to support students beginning senior high school and help ease some of the financial pressure on their families.

Conclusion

The donation by teachers of Nkwanta SHS provides a meaningful example of community support for education.

By providing 50 chop boxes and 50 mattresses for 50 SHS freshers, the teachers have contributed directly to the welfare of students preparing to begin a new stage of their education.

The gesture is a reminder that supporting education is not limited to what happens inside the classroom. When schools, teachers, families and communities work together, practical interventions can help create a more supportive environment for learners.

For the 50 beneficiaries, the donated items may mark the beginning of their SHS journey with a little less financial pressure and a stronger sense of community support.

About the Author

Ferdinand Ellis is a Ghanaian education blogger, curriculum specialist, researcher, education policy analyst and educator. He is the founder and editor of EducateGhana.com, Ghana’s Education Intelligence Platform, and writes on education policy, curriculum, teaching, teacher education and developments across Ghana’s education sector.

Editorial Note

EducateGhana reports education-related developments with emphasis on accuracy, context and responsible attribution. Where information is based on an institutional statement, supplied report or announcement, claims are presented according to the available source and are not expanded beyond the evidence provided.

NaCCA Denies Organising or Partnering Confucius Institute to Train Teachers in Chinese

Ferdinand Ellis

September 17, 2026

Article Information

Item	Details
Institution issuing clarification	National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA)
Subject	Teacher training on Chinese language curriculum
Institution named	Confucius Institute, University of Cape Coast
Statement date	16 September 2026
Key clarification	NaCCA says it did not organise, commission, sponsor or authorise the programme as an institutional activity
Status of participating officers	NaCCA says they participated in their individual capacities
Policy clarification	NaCCA says the programme does not constitute a new national policy or rollout of Chinese language instruction
Signatory	Prof. Samuel Ofori Bekoe, Director-General, NaCCA

Fact Check & Editorial Review

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has issued a formal clarification denying that it organised, commissioned, sponsored or authorised a teacher-training programme conducted at the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) as an official NaCCA institutional programme.

The statement, issued on 16 September 2026, follows media reports describing the programme as a collaboration between NaCCA and the Confucius Institute to train teachers to implement a new Chinese language curriculum.

NaCCA says that characterisation is inaccurate.

According to the Council, NaCCA officers who attended the programme did so in their individual capacities as participants or resource persons, rather than as a delegation formally constituted or mandated by NaCCA.

NaCCA has therefore asked media organisations to correct reports that attribute the programme to an official NaCCA-Confucius Institute partnership.

The clarification is particularly significant because an earlier publication by UCC described the training as a programme initiated by the Confucius Institute and stated that a NaCCA Deputy Director spoke about a partnership between NaCCA and the Confucius Institute.

Key Takeaways

NaCCA has formally denied organising or partnering with the Confucius Institute at UCC to conduct the reported teacher-training programme as an official institutional activity.
The Council says its officers who attended participated in their individual capacities.
NaCCA says the officers were not acting under an institutional mandate or authorisation.
The Council says the programme should therefore not be presented as an official NaCCA-Confucius Institute partnership.
NaCCA also says the programme does not constitute the introduction or rollout of a new national policy on Chinese language instruction.
Earlier reports and a UCC publication had described the training in terms that suggested institutional collaboration between NaCCA and the Confucius Institute.
NaCCA is asking media organisations to correct the institutional attribution.

In Brief

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has distanced itself institutionally from a reported teacher-training programme on Chinese language education held at the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast.

In a statement dated 16 September 2026, NaCCA said it did not organise, commission, sponsor or authorise the programme as an institutional teacher-training activity.

The Council explained that NaCCA officers who attended did so in their individual capacities and that their participation should not be interpreted as evidence of an official partnership, endorsement or policy decision.

The statement also clarifies that the programme does not amount to a new national policy introducing Chinese language instruction across Ghanaian schools.

Introduction

The clarification from NaCCA adds an important institutional dimension to the recent public discussion surrounding Chinese language education in Ghana.

Earlier reports described a training programme at the Confucius Institute at UCC as involving NaCCA and basic school teachers preparing to implement a new Chinese language curriculum. UCC’s own report stated that the Confucius Institute initiated the training and quoted a NaCCA Deputy Director as describing a partnership between the two institutions.

NaCCA has now issued a categorical clarification that its institutional involvement has been inaccurately portrayed.

The distinction matters because participation by individual public officers in an external professional or academic programme is not necessarily equivalent to formal institutional approval or partnership.

What NaCCA Is Clarifying

NaCCA says it did not organise, commission, sponsor or authorise the programme at the Confucius Institute as an institutional teacher-training programme.

The Council further says it did not constitute or mandate a delegation to participate in the programme on its behalf.

Its position is that the officers who attended participated as individuals serving as participants or resource persons.

NaCCA therefore wants the public and media to distinguish between:

Individual professional participation
and
Institutional authorisation

The Council says the former should not automatically be interpreted as the latter.

➡️ Related: Ghana’s National Curriculum and Assessment Framework
➡️ Related: Teacher Professional Development in Ghana

Why the Clarification Matters

Institutional attribution carries consequences beyond the attendance of individual officers.

When a programme is reported as an official NaCCA activity, readers may reasonably understand that the Council has formally approved, sponsored, endorsed or entered into an institutional partnership concerning the programme.

NaCCA’s latest statement says that inference would be incorrect in this case.

The Council is therefore asking media organisations that used such descriptions to correct the record.

The clarification also establishes an important distinction between technical engagement and policy approval.

An officer may participate in an academic, technical or professional programme without that participation automatically creating a new institutional policy or binding the institution to the programme.

Earlier Reports Described NaCCA Involvement Differently

The clarification follows reports published earlier in September describing NaCCA’s involvement in the Chinese curriculum training.

A UCC publication dated September 4 reported that NaCCA had held a national training workshop to equip basic school teachers with knowledge and skills to implement the new Chinese language curriculum. The same report said the Confucius Institute at UCC initiated the training and quoted NaCCA Deputy Director Dr Eric Amoah as referring to a partnership between NaCCA and the Confucius Institute.

The report also identified NaCCA’s Head of Curriculum, Mr Reginald Quartey, as a facilitator of a session on the 2026 Kindergarten and Primary Curriculum Review.

Several subsequent media reports repeated substantially the same institutional framing.

NaCCA’s September 16 statement now expressly rejects that interpretation of institutional involvement.

NaCCA’s Position on Chinese Language Policy

NaCCA has also clarified that the reported programme does not constitute the introduction or rollout of a new national policy on Chinese language instruction.

The Council says national curriculum policy and implementation are undertaken through established statutory, policy and stakeholder consultation processes and communicated through appropriate official channels.

This means that the existence of a teacher-training programme, even if teachers are being prepared to teach Chinese, should not by itself be treated as proof that Chinese has become a compulsory subject for every Ghanaian learner.

The status, scope and implementation of any national curriculum provision should instead be determined from formal curriculum and policy documents.

➡️ Related: Ghana Education Policy and Curriculum Reform
➡️ Related: Foreign Language Education in Ghana

What the Programme Was Reported to Cover

The programme itself was widely reported as covering several components of Chinese language curriculum implementation.

According to UCC’s earlier account, the sessions covered the philosophy and structure of the curriculum, curriculum content, expected learner proficiency, teaching approaches, assessment rubrics, practical teaching activities and the role of Chinese language coordinators.

The earlier report also stated that participants undertook practical teaching exercises based on the curriculum.

These details describe the content of the programme. They should now, however, be distinguished from the question of whether the programme was an officially authorised NaCCA institutional programme, which NaCCA has expressly denied.

The Institutional Attribution Issue

The emerging record contains two different descriptions that need to be distinguished carefully.

Earlier institutional description

UCC’s published account described the training as involving NaCCA and the Confucius Institute and quoted a NaCCA official referring to a partnership between the two institutions.

NaCCA’s subsequent clarification

NaCCA now says that it did not organise, sponsor, commission or authorise the programme as an institutional activity and that its officers attended in their individual capacities.

The latest NaCCA statement therefore supersedes the earlier interpretation for purposes of describing NaCCA’s institutional position.

EducateGhana will not characterise the programme as an official NaCCA-Confucius Institute partnership without documentary evidence establishing such institutional authorisation.

What This Does Not Necessarily Mean

NaCCA’s clarification does not, by itself, establish that Chinese language education has no place within Ghana’s education system.

There is separate evidence that Chinese language education has been developing in Ghana.

For example, UCC reported in December 2025 that a new Chinese curriculum had been launched and described Chinese as an elective subject at the secondary level.

The present clarification concerns the institutional status of the particular teacher-training programme and whether it should be attributed to NaCCA as an authorised institutional activity.

Those are separate questions.

What Remains to Be Clarified

The latest statement leaves several issues that may require further official clarification.

These include:

The precise institutional status of the Chinese language curriculum referred to in the training.
The schools or institutions in which the curriculum is intended to operate.
Whether the programme forms part of a formally approved pilot or elective arrangement.
The respective roles of NaCCA, UCC, the Confucius Institute and the Ghana Education Service.
The capacity in which individual NaCCA officers participated.
The formal documentation governing any curriculum development or implementation activities involving Chinese language education.

Until these matters are formally clarified, media reports should avoid converting individual participation into an institutional partnership or treating a curriculum-related workshop as proof of a nationwide compulsory-language policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did NaCCA train teachers in Chinese?

NaCCA’s latest statement says the Council did not organise or authorise the programme as an institutional teacher-training programme. It says individual NaCCA officers participated in their individual capacities.

Did NaCCA partner with the Confucius Institute at UCC?

NaCCA says it did not establish or authorise the reported programme as an official NaCCA-Confucius Institute partnership.

Why did earlier reports describe a partnership?

An earlier UCC publication quoted a NaCCA Deputy Director as referring to a partnership between NaCCA and the Confucius Institute. NaCCA has now issued a formal clarification disputing the institutional characterisation.

Does the programme mean Chinese is now compulsory in Ghanaian schools?

No such conclusion should be drawn from the training programme alone. NaCCA expressly says the programme does not constitute a new national policy introducing or rolling out Chinese language instruction. Formal curriculum and policy documents should be relied upon for the definitive position.

Were NaCCA officers present at the programme?

NaCCA’s statement acknowledges that its officers attended, but says they did so in their individual capacities as participants or resource persons.

What is NaCCA asking the media to do?

The Council is asking media organisations that portrayed the programme as an official NaCCA-Confucius Institute teacher-training initiative to correct the institutional attribution.

Conclusion

NaCCA’s latest statement introduces an important correction to the public narrative surrounding the reported Chinese language teacher-training programme at the University of Cape Coast.

The Council does not deny that its officers participated in the programme. Rather, it draws a clear distinction between individual participation and institutional authorisation.

That distinction is central to understanding the issue.

Earlier reports, including an account published by UCC, presented the programme in terms that suggested institutional collaboration between NaCCA and the Confucius Institute. NaCCA has now formally rejected that characterisation and requested that the media correct the attribution.

The development also reinforces the need to distinguish between curriculum-related professional engagement, curriculum development, curriculum implementation and formal national policy approval.

For the public, the safest interpretation at this stage is that the reported training programme should not be presented as an officially authorised NaCCA-Confucius Institute partnership unless and until NaCCA provides documentation establishing such institutional authorisation.

About the Author

Ferdinand Ellis is a Ghanaian education blogger, curriculum specialist, researcher, education policy analyst and educator. He is the founder and editor of EducateGhana.com, Ghana’s Education Intelligence Platform, and writes on curriculum development, teacher education, education policy and developments in Ghana’s education system.

Editorial Note

This article incorporates NaCCA’s 16 September 2026 press statement as the authoritative source for the Council’s current institutional position.

EducateGhana has deliberately distinguished between the earlier reports about the training programme and NaCCA’s subsequent clarification. The earlier reports are relevant to explaining how the institutional attribution arose, but they do not override NaCCA’s current stated position.

The question of the formal status and implementation scope of Chinese language education should be determined from official curriculum and policy documents rather than inferred from the participation of individual officers in a training programme.

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EducationGhana

BREAKING: GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG Declare Nationwide Strike Over Teacher Salaries and Allowances

Article Information

Fact Check & Editorial Review

Key Takeaways

In Brief

Introduction

Why the Teacher Unions Have Declared the Strike

1. Delayed Collective Agreement

2. Promotion Salary Placement and Arrears

3. Deprived Area Allowance

From September 24 Deadline to September 25 Strike

What Was Agreed on Teacher Promotion in August?

Government’s Response

What Happens to Schools During the Strike?

Why the September 2026 Promotion Dispute Matters

Frequently Asked Questions

Which teacher unions are on strike?

When does the strike begin?

Why are the teachers on strike?

What was agreed on promoted teachers in August?

Has government responded?

Is the strike indefinite?

Conclusion

About the Author

Editorial Note

Sources

Teacher Promotion Dispute: Why the August Agreement’s Supplementary Payroll Matters

OP-ED | By Ellis Ferdinand

The August Agreement Already Anticipated Incomplete Placement

The Real Question Is Whether We Should Allow the Agreed Process to Run

September Has Not Yet Ended

The Issue Is Implementation, Not Another Agreement

What About the Teachers Already Placed?

The January 2026 Effective Date Must Be Protected

The Unions Still Have a Strong Role to Play

The 24 September Deadline and the End-of-September Agreement

What Should Happen Now?

My Position: Respect the Agreement

Teachers Deserve Certainty

Conclusion

About the Author

Editorial Note

Sources

BREAKING: Teacher Unions Give Government Until September 24 Over Promotion Salaries and Arrears

Article Information

Fact Check & Editorial Review

Key Takeaways

In Brief

Teacher Unions Say Promotion Placement Has Not Been Fully Implemented

September 24 Deadline Set by the Unions

Renewal of Collective Agreement Listed as Outstanding

Deprived Area Allowance Also Raised

The Earlier Government-Union Agreement

What the Latest Notice Means for Teachers

What Teachers Should Check

1. Check your payslip

2. Keep your promotion documents

3. Follow official union communication

4. Avoid acting on rumours

What Happens at Midday on September 24?

Why the Promotion Salary Issue Matters

A Developing Dispute

Frequently Asked Questions

Are teachers going on strike on 24 September?

What are the teacher unions demanding?

Who signed the notice?

What is the deadline?

What should teachers do now?

Has the government responded to the latest ultimatum?

Does the notice mean the promotion exercise has completely failed?

Conclusion

About the Author

Editorial Note

BREAKING: Some Promoted Teachers Have Been Put on Salary Scale, Ellis Ferdinand Reports

Article Information

Fact Check & Editorial Review

What is confirmed

What is newly reported

What has not yet been independently established

$Ghana\'s Education Intelligence Platform$ EducationGhana