The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has confirmed that more than 50,000 teachers who passed the 2024 aptitude test have been promoted a major breakthrough after months of agitation.
In a letter to its members, GNAT revealed that out of the 54,227 teachers who successfully passed last year’s test, 50,458 have now been placed on their correct salary grades as of April 2025.
The remaining successful candidates, along with a backlog from the 2023 batch, are expected to be placed in May 2025.
The announcement follows a crucial meeting between GNAT and the Ghana Education Service (GES) on Friday, April 25, 2025.
GNAT also reported progress on several long-standing issues:
- Payroll reinstatement: 1,417 out of 1,579 teachers who were previously removed from the payroll have had their salaries restored. Only 162 cases remain unresolved.
- Lower rank promotions: GES confirmed that all 16 regions have submitted data for lower rank promotions, with placements to be completed next month.
- Upgrading for returnees: Teachers who completed further studies but had not been upgraded since 2023 will finally be upgraded by the end of May 2025. The GES Director-General has pledged to direct Regional Directors to fast-track the process.
GNAT said a major stakeholder meeting will be held in May to set a date for the next aptitude test for promotions.
In the letter, GNAT thanked President John Mahama for several interventions, particularly on approving a 20% allowance for teachers serving in deprived areas, decoupling promotions for Director 2 and Director 1 ranks from being tied to political districts and regions, paving the way for smoother promotions within the GES and supplying sanitary pads to female learners, a move GNAT praised for supporting girls’ education.
“We wish to assure our members that the unions, together with the relevant parties, are working tirelessly to conclude discussions on all other issues,” the letter, signed by GNAT General Secretary Thomas Musah, stated.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr. Musah described the latest developments as a “breakthrough” and praised the government and the GES for their responsiveness.
“We would like to express our profound gratitude to the President for his timely intervention,” he said, adding that GNAT is hopeful that by the end of May, outstanding issues will be fully resolved.
The progress comes after months of tension between teacher unions and the government.
In March 2024, GNAT, along with two other unions, embarked on a nationwide strike over unresolved grievances, including salary delays, promotion bottlenecks, and the lack of a proper Scheme of Service within the GES.
Following mediation by the National Labour Commission, the government committed to addressing the issues and GNAT’s latest statement suggests significant ground has now been covered.
By: J.W Quarm
