Newly posted teachers cry foul over salary delays, threaten September protest

Months of unpaid salaries have pushed a group of newly posted teachers in Ghana to the brink, with members threatening a mass demonstration in Accra on September 23 if their grievances remain unresolved.

The teachers, drawn from both Colleges of Education and universities, say they feel abandoned by the very system they serve. Some have reportedly gone an entire year without receiving a single salary, while others have been waiting for more than eight months.

According to their Lead Convener, Simon Kofi Nartey, the situation has left many of his colleagues struggling to meet basic needs such as food and rent. “We are appealing to His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, to intervene urgently. We need the Ministry of Finance to release funds so that our salaries and arrears are paid without further delay,” he said at a press briefing in Accra.

He warned that if by the end of September teachers are not validated and paid, the group will occupy the principal streets of Accra in protest.

Several teachers shared painful testimonies. “It’s very bad. We have no money to eat and sometimes survive by borrowing from friends,” one lamented. Another added, “Our salary is not even much—just GH₵3,000 to GH₵4,000—yet we are left unpaid, while some people’s labourers earn over GH₵5,000 every month.” Many say eviction is looming, as landlords are demanding rent arrears they cannot settle.

The group expressed disappointment over what they see as repeated unfulfilled commitments from government. “The Minister of Education told Parliament that we would be paid by the end of last month. Nothing has happened,” Mr. Nartey said.

Teachers further stressed that the prolonged delays are undermining classroom performance. “You cannot expect us to teach with focus and energy when we have gone 12 months without salaries,” one remarked.

For now, they remain hopeful for intervention—but insist their planned protest will proceed if immediate action is not taken.