Accra: The Campaign Against Privatization and Commercialization of Education (CAPCOE) has urged President John Dramani Mahama to address the ongoing welfare issues that are affecting teachers and students at the pre-tertiary level. Richard Kovey, the Convenor of CAPCOE, has issued a 21-working-day ultimatum for the President to intervene. Failure to do so could see more than 90,000 teachers participating in a mass picketing at Jubilee House and the President's residence.
According to Ghana News Agency, the call was made in collaboration with civil society organizations operating under Education International (EI), a global teacher union body. Kovey highlighted that the Ghana Education Service (GES) had issued a circular in late 2025, stating that the promotion portal would open by March 2026 for teachers eligible for promotion examinations. However, the results for those who took the aptitude test in December 2025 have yet to be released.
Kovey pointed out that the current situation in the education sector is adversely impacting teaching and learning. Teachers are facing delays in promotions, unpaid salaries, and outstanding arrears. He criticized the Ministry of Education and GES for not effectively addressing the growing concerns. Kovey also questioned the role of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) in releasing already approved funds for educational expenses, citing financial constraints as a reason for the delay. He claimed that the contractor responsible for conducting the aptitude test had not been paid, which led to the withholding of results.
Even if the results are eventually released, affected teachers may have to wait another six months or more before being placed on the appropriate salary scale. Kovey expressed concern over the delays in salary payments and arrears for newly recruited teachers, some of whom have not yet been placed on the government payroll. He also referenced recent issues raised by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) over funding shortages for perishable food items in senior high schools, which he said reflect deeper financial management challenges in the education sector.
Kovey warned that continued neglect of teachers' welfare could exacerbate inequality in education, deepen poverty, and increase social problems in the country. He called on President Mahama to engage relevant stakeholders within the next 21 working days to ensure the immediate release of the 2025 promotion results. He also urged the opening of the 2026 promotion portal for eligible teachers, the payment for SHS perishable goods, and the implementation of salary payment plans for newly recruited teachers.
Kovey appealed to the President to reshuffle officials who are not acting in the interest of teachers and students. He warned that if the concerns are not addressed within the stipulated timeframe, CAPCOE would formally notify the Ghana Police Service and mobilize affected teachers, including deputy directors who have remained in their ranks for four to eight years, to protest at the seat of government until their demands are met.