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Over 50,000 teachers receive promotions

Up to 50,458 teachers out of a total of 54,227 teachers who were successful in last year’s aptitude test have been promoted, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has confirmed.

In addition, GNAT said 1,417 out of 1,579 teachers removed from the payroll have also had their salaries reactivated, with only the remaining 162 yet to be impacted.

“We can confirm that out of the 54,227 teachers who were successful in the 2024 aptitude test for promotion, 50,458 have been placed on their correct grades in April 2025.

The outstanding, together with the backlog of the 2023 batch, to be placed in May 2025,” a letter signed by the General Secretary of GNAT, Thomas Musah, to members of the association said.

It said the development followed a meeting with the Ghana Education Service (GES) on Friday, April 25, 2025.

On lower rank promotions, it said as of last Friday, the GES had informed the unions that all 16 regions had submitted the data, and the placement would be effected in May 2025.

Regarding the upgrading relative to returnees from further studies, the statement indicated that “a significant number of teachers in this category had not been upgraded, since 2023”.

Agreement
The communication said it had been agreed that all such teachers would be upgraded by the end of May 2025.

“The Director-General of Ghana Education Service (GES) has promised to write to the Regional Directors to ensure that the upgrading is done without fail,” it said.

A stakeholders meeting, it said, would be held in May 2025, to fix dates for the next aptitude test for promotion.

It said all the outstanding issues in the Collective Agreement for GES staff would be addressed next month, prominent among them being the salary disparities on the Single Spine Pay Structure.

The teacher union consequently expressed gratitude to President John Mahama for the 20 per cent allowance for teachers in deprived areas.

Gratitude
“The Teacher Unions express our gratitude to His Excellency the President of the Republic for his pronouncement on its payment, following the understanding that work on it is to be done, commencing May 2025,” the statement said.

With regard to the decoupling of Director 2 and Director 1, it said: “We again express our gratitude to His Excellency for the decoupling of Director 2 and subsequently Director 1 from being coterminous with political districts and regions, thus paving the way for the promotion of Deputy Directors to Director 2, and subsequently Director 1.

“It’s welcome news, and we hope to work with the relevant stakeholders to bring it to fruition,” it said.

The statement further commended the President for the supply of sanitary pads to female learners, and expressed the hope that it would attain the envisaged outcomes.

“We wish to assure our members that the unions, together with the relevant parties, are working tirelessly to conclude discussions on all other issues, and we shall not fail you,” the statement said.

GNAT reaction
Mr Musah later told the Daily Graphic that the development was a breakthrough between the government and teachers.

“We would like to express our profound gratitude to the President, at least, for his timely intervention,” he said.

He said since the issues came up, the GES had been very forthcoming, and expressed the hope that by next month, “we will be able to resolve the issue”.

Background
GNAT had given the government up to April 30, 2025, to address all issues affecting teachers.

The issues included the non-implementation of the Scheme of Service for GES staff and the implementation of the Human Resource Management Information System, which GNAT said had caused some challenges to teachers, including delays in their salaries and promotion.

The demands were part of the directives given by the National Labour Commission after meeting three teacher unions and their employers, represented by ministries and the GES, after the unions embarked on strike on March 20 last year.

At the time, the commission communicated that “having heard the disputes and having met the parties jointly and in separate (caucus) sessions, made some findings and thereby gave some directives, among which was that since the GES had no Scheme of Service for the GES Staff, and to ensure that future appointments do not encounter such challenges, the GES must provide its staff with a Scheme of Service”.

Publishers association launches 22nd book fair in Tamale

The Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) has launched the 22nd edition of the Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF), which is set to take place from August 7 to 10, 2025 in Accra.

Launched on the theme: “Inclusive Publishing, Celebrating Accessible Literature,” the fair aims to bring together local and international publishers, authors and stakeholders to promote reading culture and the growth of the publishing industry in Ghana.

The launch, which took place in Tamale last Wednesday, also served as the official opening ceremony for the Tamale Regional Book Fair and marked the celebration of UNESCO World Book and Copyright Day.

Organised in partnership with Twellium Industrial Company Limited, UNESCO, the Ghana Tourism Authority, and the Ghana Library Authority, the four-day event sought to foster collaboration among key players in the literary sector.

It also created a platform for authors to showcase their work, for publishers to connect with readers, and for stakeholders to explore new literary content.

Inclusive publishing
At the launch, the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, emphasised the transformative power of inclusive publishing.

“Inclusive publishing will dismantle barriers and ensure no one is left out of the transformative power of literature.”

“It is not only about retrofitting existing books, but designing literature from the outset in multiple accessible formats,” he said.

He highlighted the role of innovation, including AI-driven audiobooks and adaptive e-readers, in expanding access to literature.

However, he stated that less than 10 per cent of published works globally were fully accessible and called for collective efforts from publishers and policymakers to address this gap.

Linguistic diversity
Representing the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, the Head of the Education Section of UNESCO Ghana, Prosper Kwasi Nyavor, stressed the importance of linguistic diversity in publishing.
He said many communities lacked adequate resources in their native languages, posing a threat to literacy, education and cultural continuity.

“New technologies offer opportunities to widen access, but the digital divide continues to deepen inequalities in the global creative economy,” Mr Nyavor added.

He indicated that UNESCO had over the years supported several projects under its International Fund for Cultural Diversity to boost the book sector and protect copyright.

Declining reading culture
The Treasurer of the Ghana Publishers Association, Kwabena Agyapong, lamented the declining culture of reading and the limited investment in general books outside of textbooks.

He stressed that the absence of a national book development and reading policy had stunted the industry’s growth.

“Inadequate library resources and lack of local content continue to hinder public libraries.

The last major procurement of reading materials for basic schools, dates back to the year 2000,” he stated.

He further criticised the imposition of taxes on imported books, which he said had worsened the situation.

Mr Agyapong, therefore, called on the government to ease taxes on textbooks and prioritise the development of a national book and reading policy to promote literacy and cultural preservation.

The Bawku conflict is a deep-seated issue that requires immediate attention: Neenyi Ghartey

UEW Chancellor Neenyi Ghartey VII has urged the government and other stakeholders involved in the Bawku conflict to prioritize their efforts towards achieving long-term peace.

He called upon the government and relevant agencies to intensify efforts, utilizing diplomatic, developmental, and security-based strategies, in order to achieve lasting peace in the area.

The matter at hand is not limited to Bawku. It is a responsibility that falls on the nation as a whole.

Neeyi Ghartey made a fervent plea for us not to view this as a remote conflict but rather as a wound that affects our entire nation and demands our joint efforts for healing.

During the second gathering of UEW’s 29th Congregation this past weekend, Neenyi Ghartey emphasized the need for prompt action to resolve the conflict and bring back harmony to the region while also advancing its growth.

Neeyi Ghartey’s call is prompted by the ongoing turmoil in the area, which has caused significant setbacks for education, health care and other economic factors.

The GNAT and Pre-tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana have both highlighted the impact of the volatile conditions in Bawku on education in the region.

According to GNAT’s General Secretary, Thomas Musah, there are currently 2,070 employees in the enclave.

Due to the current circumstances, a nearby GNAT conference that was scheduled to take place last month had to be suspended.

Additionally, the district conference scheduled for next month has also been postponed.

According to the President of the Pre-tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana, King Awudu Ali, Bawku has been experiencing significant disruptions to academic activities for quite some time now.

According to him, numerous teachers have requested a transfer from Bawku, and there are also no takers for new teaching positions in the area.

He emphasized that the loss of lives and property does not benefit ordinary citizens, particularly those in Bawku.

According to Neenyi Ghartey, or Daniel Kobena Bortse Ghartey, in his personal life, Bawku is renowned for its vibrant culture and resilient people who have always been known for their hardworking nature. However, the ongoing conflict has had negative impacts on the community.

“Families are being torn apart, children cannot go to school, and livelihoods are crumbling under the weight of persistent violence. We cannot educate a nation while part of it burns. We cannot and must not allow this to continue,” he stated.

Neenyi Ghartey urged the residents of Bawku to maintain peace.

“Let peace reign. Let the guns go silent. Let peace be loud in Bawku. Let us silence the guns and raise the voices of reason, unity, and brotherhood. Let us remember that conflict only brings suffering, loss, and destruction, not only to lives and property but to the future dreams of our young ones,” he emphasized.

He specifically urged the young people in Bawku and its surroundings to refrain from being manipulated into causing harm but instead to emerge as advocates for peace and progress. Additionally, he appealed to the older generation and influential members of the community to utilize their influence in promoting unity rather than division.

Although the congregation ceremony was filled with joy, it would be remiss to ignore the pain and uncertainty that currently plague the people of Bawku due to its volatile state.

Neenyi Ghartey, who serves as both the Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area and an advocate for peace, emphasized that Bawku and Ghana must prioritize peace in order to promote national unity and progress. He urged all members of society, including intellectuals and decision-makers, to actively promote peace throughout the country, emphasizing that peace is not a sign of weakness but rather a display of strength, integrity, and foresight.

According to him, a peaceful Ghana serves as the cornerstone for a thriving Ghana.

The traditional leader emphasized the importance of every Ghanaian child growing up in a peaceful environment, regardless of their location. They expressed hope for peace to be restored in Bawku and for healing to reach every household, ultimately leading to a strong and united Ghana that provides opportunities for all children.

During the commencement ceremony, a total of 6,969 students were awarded degrees and diplomas. This included 2,969 male graduates and 4,000 female graduates.

The group consisted of 503 individuals pursuing postgraduate studies, 38 individuals working towards a doctoral degree, 5,958 individuals with a first degree, and 308 diplomates.

In total, 220 graduates achieved a first-class degree, with 1,427 earning a second-class upper division and 2,188 receiving a second-class lower division. Within this group, 3,620 females obtained their first degree.

Regarding educational progress, Neenyi Ghartey praised President John Mahama for his commitment to fostering inclusive education and his aspiration for lasting and fair education, stating that it aligned with the university’s mission of unlocking the capabilities of each student.

He encouraged the graduating class to strive for excellence and put in diligent effort, emphasizing their potential to make a positive impact in any field they enter. The university has faith in their ability to excel based on the knowledge and skills they have gained.

The Vice-Chancellor of UEW, Professor Stephen Jobson Mitchual, expressed gratitude to the government for its policies promoting access and equity, digital transformation, and capacity-building. He acknowledged that these efforts have been beneficial in equipping institutions like UEW to produce competent graduates.

According to Prof. Mitchual, the university’s investment in digital accessibility and internet connectivity has resulted in improved efficiency for teaching, learning, and examinations.

Today marks the return of Otumfuo’s mediation efforts in resolving the Bawku conflict.

Today, on Monday, April 28, 2025, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will continue his mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing Bawku conflict between the two opposing factions.

According to a press release dated April 15, 2025, the Asantehene has officially declared that mediation talks will be held at his palace in Kumasi from April 28 to May 1 in order to address the Bawku conflicts.

President John Mahama has assured that the Asantehene will lead the ongoing peace process as part of broader national efforts to restore calm in the troubled region.

Many Ghanaians, particularly the vulnerable residents of Bawku and its neighboring areas, are placing their hopes on the Asantehene’s mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict. Women and children, who this turmoil has significantly impacted, are especially hopeful that a lasting solution will be achieved through this process.

The Energy Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor has refuted claims of accusing Tamale residents of being power thieves.

On this day, the 28th of April, Minister John Abdulai Jinapor of Energy and Green Transition rejected claims spreading on social media about his supposed statement labeling 70% of Tamale residents as electricity thieves.

Mr Jinapor has released a press statement this morning, denouncing the reports as “entirely false, contrived and baseless,” He has appealed to the public to pay no attention to these allegations.

He underscored that the audio-visual recordings would prove that he never called the people of Tamale power thieves during his visit.

Mr Jinapor further elaborated on his remarks, stating that he had raised apprehension over the significant ATC&C losses in the NEDCo operational area.

The losses were pointed out as the highest in the area, and they have played a significant role in causing frequent power outages.

“For the avoidance of doubt, technical and collection losses have nothing to do with power theft but rather signify the inefficiencies of the utility company,” he stated.

The Minister emphasized the necessity for immediate changes in the power sector in Tamale, stressing the importance of both substantial investments and operational efficiency to address the current difficulties.

According to him, it is imperative to make enhancements in revenue collection and technical operations in order to ensure a dependable, steady and uninterrupted electricity supply for the residents of Tamale.

Mr Jinapor’s proposed actions demonstrate a larger mission to improve energy distribution throughout the Northern regions.

As he wrapped up his statement, Mr Jinapor reiterated his profound admiration and dedication to the people of Tamale, referring to them as his fellow community members.

“Let me finally assure the chiefs, elders and people of Tamale of my utmost respect and reverence to them and will never use derogatory words to describe my kinsmen,” he said.

His forceful response seems to prioritize maintaining the trust of the community while tackling the technical obstacles in the local energy distribution system.

The song ‘Man Speedy’ by Kweku Melody is known as the Hustler’s Anthem.

Hailing from Ghana’s Upper East Region, the talented rising star Kweku Melody has once again impressed with his latest release ‘Man Speedy.’ This bold and energetic anthem is a powerful tribute to all the hustlers striving for success.

After dropping his touching love ballad ‘Monica’ in February, Kweku Melody changes things up with this poignant and inspirational new single. ‘Man Speedy’ serves as an anthem for hard work and determination, a salute to unwavering ambition, and a heartfelt acknowledgement of the significance of a mother’s prayers.

The song’s lyrics focus on the pursuit of wealth, overcoming obstacles, and maintaining a driven lifestyle, delivering an impassioned message for both dreamers and ambitious individuals.

Already being called “motivation in motion” by fans, this is a must-play for those who refuse to slow down. Kweku Melody consistently displays adaptability, expanding his range of music to cater to a diverse audience. From matters of the heart to perseverance and aspirations, he offers something for all.

Experience the blaze, streaming and sharing, thanks to Mama’s prayers that keep your momentum unstoppable.

IsRahim readies “Back in White” album with Track list and concert

Israhim’s Back In White Album

Northern Ghana’s music sensation, IsRahim, has unveiled the tracklist for his second studio album, Back In White. The announcement has sparked a wave of excitement as fans eagerly await the release of this highly anticipated album.

The album features 16 powerful tracks. A blend of Afrobeat, Highlife, and contemporary sounds. Complemented by IsRahim’s signature soulful voice. It also boasts a star-studded lineup, including collaborations with Fancy Gadam, Maccasio, Strongman, Nanky, Ceekay, Ayra Orb, and more. Each track brings something unique, creating a vibrant and diverse listening experience.

From “Packaging” featuring David AJ to the fun “Body No Be Firewood” with Ceekay and the heartfelt “Mama” featuring Fancy Gadam, Back In White is packed with songs that showcase IsRahim’s growth and versatility as an artist. Tracks like “Million Dollar” with Ayra Orb, “Leader,” “Photocopy,” “Pain,” and “Beauty” dive deep into relatable and emotional storytelling.

The Concert

To celebrate the release, IsRahim will host an epic album launch concert on May 24, 2025, at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium. The event is expected to be one of the biggest of the year, bringing fans, fellow artists, and music lovers together. With IsRahim’s electrifying stage presence, this concert promises to be an unforgettable night filled with high energy and fantastic music.

Kweku Melody has once again captured the hearts of his listeners with his latest love anthem titled “Monica.”

Hailing from Navrongo in the Upper East Region, the Kweku Melody is on an awe-inspiring musical journey. He has once again stolen the hearts of music enthusiasts with his “Monica.” This heartfelt song declares his enduring love and devotion to his significant other.

In the song, “Monica,” Kweku Melody bares his soul, revealing his deep admiration and devotion to his partner. He assures her of his faithfulness and pleads for her trust. Each verse embodies his steadfastness and truthfulness, inviting listeners into a realm where loyalty and trust reign supreme in his musical expression.

“Monica” combines soulful melodies with raw emotion, giving fans an authentic glimpse into the artist’s journey and unwavering dedication. This heartfelt anthem is now available on all streaming platforms, poised to touch audiences across the globe deeply.

Witness the enchanting cadences and profound sentiment of “Monica”—listen to it via streaming and spread the affection!

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