AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA

 

Dear Mr. President,

I write to you as a teacher who is deeply concerned about the welfare and future of the teaching profession in Ghana.

During the 2024 election campaign, teachers listened attentively to the promises made by your party regarding improvements in our conditions of service. Among these were commitments to introduce a deprived area allowance, ensure automatic posting for newly trained teachers, and provide housing support for educators. These promises generated hope among many teachers, especially those serving in rural and underserved communities.

Today, many of us are still waiting to see these commitments translated into concrete policies and tangible benefits. The deprived area allowance, which was expected to provide relief to teachers working under difficult conditions, has yet to be implemented. The promise of automatic posting remains unrealized, leaving many graduates uncertain about their future. The proposed housing initiatives for teachers also appear to be far from implementation.

Mr. President, teachers are not asking for special treatment. We are simply asking for the fulfillment of commitments that were made to us and for policies that recognize the critical role we play in national development.

It is worth noting that despite the criticisms often directed at previous administrations, some interventions such as the Professional Development Allowance (PDA) and data allowance provided direct benefits to teachers. As a result, many educators are asking what major teacher-centered policies have been implemented under your administration so far.

We have also heard discussions about creating opportunities for teachers to rise beyond the rank of Deputy Director. While this is a welcome proposal, many teachers are yet to see its practical implementation. Similarly, engagements between teacher unions and the government on reforms to the public sector pay structure generated optimism, but little has been communicated regarding the outcome of those discussions.

Mr. President, the welfare of teachers should not become a matter of political debate. Whether one belongs to the NDC, NPP, or any other political tradition, the challenges confronting teachers remain the same. Teachers across the country continue to grapple with rising living costs, inadequate accommodation, transportation challenges, and concerns about career progression.

As a teacher, I respectfully appeal to your government to prioritize teacher welfare, accelerate the implementation of policies that directly improve our livelihoods, and engage openly with stakeholders on matters affecting the profession.

I also wish to encourage teacher-based political groups and associations to place the collective interests of teachers above personal or political ambitions. Teachers need strong advocates who will consistently champion their welfare regardless of which party is in power.

Mr. President, the future of Ghana depends largely on the quality and motivation of its teachers. Investing in teachers is an investment in the nation's future. We therefore look forward to seeing practical actions that will reassure teachers that their welfare remains a national priority.

Thank you for your attention.

Yours faithfully,

A Concerned Ghanaian Teacher