Ghana's National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) issued a stark warning on May Day 2026. They demand immediate action to recruit 22,000 trained teachers who are currently unemployed. The union also called for significant reforms in how Ghana's education system is funded.
NAGRAT highlighted that these 22,000 teachers finished training in 2023 but cannot find jobs due to a lack of official approval, known as financial clearance. An additional 2,800 teachers from the 2022 batch are still waiting to be assigned to schools. The union described this situation as a self-made employment crisis for educated individuals. They explained that it makes no economic sense to train people for years only to leave them without work.
This call comes as Ghana pushes for economic stability. NAGRAT argues that this stability is hollow if it does not improve the lives of its workers, especially teachers. The association pointed to persistent challenges like overcrowded classrooms and delayed payments of essential school funds, known as grants. They noted that teachers often had to operate with limited resources, sometimes using their own money to keep schools running. This situation impacts the quality of education for students.
In their May Day message, NAGRAT stressed the need for immediate investment in education. They are pushing for a policy where when a teacher leaves a school, another replaces them. This is crucial because over 10,000 teachers retire or leave the service each year. The union also wants the National Teaching Council to speed up its licensing process to avoid delays in hiring new teachers. The president of NAGRAT, Anaba Jacob, and General Secretary Ayuraboya Michael, signed the statement.
The funding issues pose a significant threat to the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. While some overdue payments were settled in 2025, delays in providing regular funding have resurfaced. Some school leaders are reportedly using their personal savings to cover school expenses. NAGRAT demands that all outstanding grants be released promptly. They also want payments made to suppliers and service providers. Furthermore, they are calling for a review of the Free SHS policy to ensure its long-term success.
Beyond job creation and school funding, NAGRAT also raised concerns about teachers' overall well-being. They are asking for salaries that reflect the current high cost of living in Ghana. Improved pension contributions, better access to housing, and good healthcare are also part of their demands. Safety for teachers in the workplace is another major concern. The union stated that a job that does not allow someone to afford rent is not dignified. They believe that economic recovery must lead to higher incomes for all workers.
NAGRAT acknowledges the government's efforts to stabilise the economy, such as controlling inflation and keeping the currency steady. However, they insist that these achievements have not yet translated into better living standards for teachers. The association has pledged to continue engaging with authorities. They warned that they would take further action if their concerns are not addressed effectively. NAGRAT states they are not begging but demanding a change that benefits teachers directly.
The union emphasized the importance of these reforms by choosing the theme: "Pivoting to Growth, Jobs and Sustainable Livelihoods Beyond the Macroeconomic Stability." They believe education must be the starting point for real national progress. The situation highlights a growing tension between macroeconomic goals and the daily realities faced by essential public sector workers in Ghana.