Accra, Ghana – President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has announced plans to introduce a 20% allowance for teachers who accept postings to rural schools.
According to the President, this initiative aims to address the growing challenge of teachers refusing to serve in remote areas.
Speaking during his State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday, February 27, President Mahama emphasized the need to retain and motivate teachers across all schools, particularly in rural communities.
“Mr. Speaker, it is important to continue to retain and motivate our teachers in all schools, especially in the rural areas,” he stated.
He further revealed that the government would soon begin preparations for the implementation of this policy.
“Government will begin plans for the implementation of the 20 percent allowance for teachers who agree to serve in rural schools,” he affirmed.
To ensure the effective rollout of the scheme, President Mahama disclosed that district assemblies would play a crucial role in its implementation.
“District Assemblies are going to be involved in this scheme to ensure that the teachers are present and teaching in the schools that are selected,” he noted.
He explained that the initiative is designed to reward teachers for their dedication, while similar measures will be introduced for urban schools to collectively enhance education quality nationwide.
“This scheme will reward such teachers for their sacrifices and ensure quality education nationwide, not only in urban centres,” he added.
Additionally, the President reaffirmed his commitment to improving teacher welfare through the ‘Teacher Dabre’ initiative, which focuses on the construction of accommodation facilities for teachers, particularly in rural areas.
“Mr. Speaker, as part of our ‘Teacher Dabre’ initiative, the construction of teacher accommodation units to improve welfare and attract teachers to rural areas will commence this year,” he announced.
He further emphasized that every new school built in Ghana would include dedicated teacher accommodation to support educators.
“Mr. Speaker, no new school will be built in this country without teacher accommodation,” he declared.
In his concluding remarks, President Mahama also reassured the nation that his administration has no intention of canceling the Free SHS programme but rather aims to improve it.
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, once again, for emphasis and for the record, I, John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will not cancel the Free SHS programme,” he stated.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites
) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 
