Accra: Public sector teachers have welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to the Ghana Education Service and Ministry of Education to implement long-overdue promotions for deputy directors to guarantee career advancement in the education sector. A cross-section of the teachers who were speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency argued that timely promotions enhanced motivation, improved professional development, and strengthened leadership in schools.
According to Ghana News Agency, while many commended the directive, they emphasized the need for a fair, transparent process to uphold merit-based principles and sector integrity. The directive, issued on April 24, 2025, instructed the two bodies to work together and grant legitimate promotions to all eligible Deputy Directors of Education-regardless of available office spaces or formal postings-due to long-standing delays in career advancement.
Mr. Vitus Doodzie, a Senior High School tutor, described the directive as ‘progressive and motivating’ but pointed out the need for a well-structured and unbiased process to ensure fairness. He pointed out that the erstwhile Akuffo-Addo government’s decision to limit promotion to the deputy director level was untenable and demotivating for teachers, highlighting its long-term negative impact on education outcomes. He emphasized that promotions should be based solely on merit, free from corruption, and that the process must be transparent with clearly defined guidelines.
Similarly, a Basic School teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity, argued that Deputy Directors who have held their ranks for four to eight years or over deserve promotion for job satisfaction and to prevent demoralisation among young teachers. ‘The President’s directive is a positive move that will enhance the living standards of teachers who have endured stagnation in their careers,’ the teacher added. Another, however, advocated for interviews to be conducted instead of promotion exams for promotions, contending that an interactive assessment would better evaluate candidates’ experience and leadership abilities.
Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah, Pro-Vic Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, supported the idea of promotions but cautioned against implementing them without proper strategic planning. ‘Promotions play a crucial role in boosting morale, recognising service, and maintaining the integrity of the education sector,’ he stated. Professor Debrah recommended the adoption of a structured succession plan and a talent pipeline strategy to maintain professional standards and operational continuity within the sector.
As the Ghana Education Service and Ministry prepare to implement the directive, concerns remain over the most effective and fair approach to the mass promotions. While the teachers acknowledged the potential benefits of career advancement, they urged that promotion process should align with merit-based principles to uphold professionalism and efficiency in Ghana’s education system.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, in response to the directive, has set up a committee tasked with developing strategies to promote qualified deputy directors of education and to implement the Government’s Professional Teacher Licensing Examinations. The formation of the committee is crucial for addressing concerns related to the promotion of eligible deputy directors to director positions, as well as issues surrounding teacher licensing and other related matters.