Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has expressed optimism that ongoing engagements between government and teachers’ unions will soon resolve the concerns that have led to the disruption of academic activities.

Speaking at the 2026 Teacher Prize ceremony in Accra, the Vice President said she was encouraged by the progress made in discussions between government and the unions and expressed hope that the engagements would lead to an early resolution.

She made the appeal as she commended teachers across the country for their contribution to national development.

“I am, however, encouraged by the progress made so far in the talks between government and the unions, and I am hopeful that the constructive engagements we have seen will lead us to resolution very soon.”

Professor Opoku-Agyemang said while discussions continue, the occasion should also serve as an opportunity to recognise the contribution of teachers to the development of Ghana.

She described teaching as one of the country’s most important professions, stressing that teachers have a significant influence on the lives and futures of children.

The Vice President, however, emphasised that the influence teachers wield comes with responsibilities, including integrity, professionalism and sound ethical conduct.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang said government has taken steps to address long-standing challenges within the education sector.

She disclosed that more than GH¢33 billion has been allocated to education in the 2026 Budget.

According to her, the investment will support school infrastructure, including the completion of 30 E-block projects, construction of new kindergarten, primary and junior high school facilities, and the provision of textbooks and other teaching and learning materials.

Government is also pursuing measures to improve accommodation for teachers, including initiatives to provide additional housing.

The Vice President further disclosed that 99 double-track schools have already been converted to single-track, with government committed to eliminating the double-track system.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang also highlighted reforms in the promotion of teachers.

She said government has removed the long-standing link between teachers’ promotion and the availability of administrative vacancies.

Under the new arrangement, eligible teachers can progress through their professional ranks without waiting for an administrative position to become available.

She acknowledged that the reform has increased the number of cases requiring validation, processing and placement on the payroll, contributing to delays in the payment of some entitlements.

The Vice President said steps are being taken to address the delays and ensure affected teachers receive their outstanding entitlements.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang said improving teachers’ conditions must go beyond resolving administrative and conditions-of-service challenges.

She said government would continue investing in teacher education, in-service training and digital resources to equip teachers for the changing demands of the classroom.

She noted that artificial intelligence, digital technologies and changes in labour markets are transforming the world of work, making it necessary for Ghana’s education system to remain adaptive.

The Vice President congratulated the award recipients at the Teacher Prize ceremony and thanked teachers nationwide for their dedication, particularly those working under difficult circumstances.

She called for teaching to continue to receive the seriousness, support and respect it deserves.

The 2026 Teacher Prize ceremony was held in Accra to celebrate teachers who have demonstrated excellence, professionalism, dedication and commitment to the teaching profession.