Gov't introducing 20% rural posting allowance for teachers — Education Minister
The government has announced plans to introduce a 20 per cent rural posting allowance for teachers serving in deprived and underserved communities as part of efforts to improve teacher welfare and retention.
The proposed incentive forms part of a broader package of interventions aimed at attracting and retaining teachers in rural areas, where schools often struggle to keep qualified staff.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, July 2, Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu asserted that teacher welfare remains a national priority under the John Dramani Mahama administration.
"As part of government's efforts to attract, motivate and retain teachers in deprived and underserved communities, special incentives have been put in place for teachers who accept postings to such areas... Government is committed to roll out the 20 per cent salary rural posting allowance for teachers serving in rural and deprived areas," he said.
The minister also announced that the government has reduced the number of years teachers posted to deprived communities must serve before qualifying for study leave with pay.
According to him, eligible teachers in such areas can now apply for study leave after two years of service instead of the previous three-year requirement.
"Originally it was three years. If you are in a deprived area, we have reduced it now to two years, so any person who accepts posting to a rural deprived area after two years of service can apply for study leave with pay," Mr. Iddrisu stated.
The Tamale South MP further disclosed that the government is implementing President John Dramani Mahama's teacher housing initiative to address accommodation challenges that continue to affect teacher deployment and retention in rural communities.
Under the initiative, he said, new school infrastructure projects will include accommodation for teachers, adding that the Ministry of Education has directed that contracts for new school blocks must also provide residential facilities for teachers assigned to those schools.