GNAT Calls on Education Minister to Prioritize the Implementation of 20% Deprived Area Allowance

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has called on the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, to prioritize the implementation of the 20 percent Deprived Area Allowance that was announced by former President John Mahama. This allowance, which has been part of teachers’ Conditions of Service for the past 15 years, has yet to be fully implemented despite multiple rounds of discussions and negotiations between the government and the pre-tertiary teacher unions.

In an exclusive interview on February 7 with 3news’ Labour Affairs correspondent, Daniel Opoku, GNAT’s General Secretary, Thomas Musah Tanko, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the allowance is included in the national budget to be presented next month. He called for the immediate inclusion of the allowance in the 2025 budget, pointing out that since the President had already announced it, it should now be reflected as a budget item. Tanko expressed appreciation for President Mahama’s commitment and made a direct appeal to the Minister of Education to take swift action and ensure the allowance’s prompt implementation.

The Deprived Area Allowance has long been a key issue for teachers, especially those working in underserved and rural areas. Despite being incorporated into teachers’ Conditions of Service for over 15 years, its implementation had been delayed due to repeated failures to resolve the issue during discussions between the government and various teacher unions. On February 6, 2025, President Mahama assured teachers that the allowance would finally be implemented, a promise that has been widely welcomed by GNAT and other teacher organizations. Tanko applauded this commitment and urged the Education Minister to take the necessary steps to include the allowance in the upcoming national budget.

Tanko emphasized the urgency of this matter, highlighting that the budget is an opportunity to formalize the allowance. “In next month’s budget, it must be captured. Once the President has spoken, it should be an item in the budget. This is the right directive given by His Excellency, and we are grateful to him for it. We are hopeful that the Minister for Education will act swiftly and ensure that this allowance is implemented as soon as possible,” he said.

In addition to the Deprived Area Allowance, Tanko raised another important issue— the advancement of teachers on the Single Spine Salary Structure. He urged the government to address the issue of teachers’ career progression, especially those moving from Deputy Director to Director. Tanko highlighted that these advancements are crucial for the continued professional growth and motivation of teachers in the country. “Aside from the Deprived Area Allowance, there are other issues, such as the movement of teachers on the Single Spine Salary Structure. Those who are on Deputy Director to Director should also see their progress addressed,” he said.

GNAT’s appeal for the swift implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance and the resolution of career progression issues aligns with its ongoing efforts to advocate for better working conditions for teachers. Teachers in Ghana, particularly those in deprived areas, have long been calling for improvements to their working conditions, including better pay and allowances that reflect the challenges they face. This latest call for the Deprived Area Allowance to be included in the 2025 budget comes as part of GNAT’s continuous push to ensure that the government fulfills its promises to the education sector.

The implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance is seen as a step in the right direction, but it is clear that there are additional issues that need to be addressed to ensure the overall well-being of teachers across the country. The focus on career progression within the Single Spine Salary Structure is another critical matter that needs urgent attention. For many teachers, this will be an important signal that the government values their contribution and is committed to improving their working conditions.

As the conversation about the future of teachers’ conditions continues, GNAT remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for fair and just treatment for all teachers, particularly those working in Ghana’s underserved and rural areas. With the upcoming budget in mind, the hope is that the government will act quickly to fulfill the promises made and address these critical issues that affect the nation’s educators.