AFTRA Conference: Government Introducing New Incentives to Support Teachers – Dr. Apaak

Ferdinand  | EducationGhana | May 10 | AFTRA Conference: Government Introducing New Incentives to Support Teachers – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak outlines new teacher welfare reforms, STEM expansion, and social interventions at AFTRA meeting in Botswana.

Ghana Highlights Teacher Welfare Reforms at AFTRA Meeting

Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has outlined a series of government interventions aimed at strengthening the teaching profession and improving education delivery across the country.

Speaking at the Ministerial Session of the Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA) in Gaborone, the Deputy Minister said the reforms are focused on teacher welfare, infrastructure development, rural education support, and inclusive learning.

Government Introduces Incentives for Teachers

Dr. Apaak stated that government has introduced policies designed to motivate teachers and encourage postings to rural and underserved communities.

Among the measures highlighted were:

• Paid study leave opportunities
• Proposed Teacher Dabre Programme for teacher accommodation
• Welfare support initiatives for rural teachers

According to him, the proposed Teacher Dabre Programme seeks to provide housing facilities for teachers working in remote areas where accommodation remains a major challenge.

Rural Posting Challenges Remain a Concern

The Deputy Minister noted that poor infrastructure continues to discourage many teachers from accepting rural postings.

He explained that some teachers travel long distances daily, while others risk crossing water bodies and navigating unsafe roads to reach schools.

Dr. Apaak stressed that improving teacher motivation is essential to the success of educational reforms.

“We must continue to make the teacher central in the drive to educate our population,” he stated.

Expansion of STEM Education

Dr. Clement Abas Apaak also disclosed that government is intensifying efforts to expand Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education at the basic school level.

He highlighted the rollout of “STEM boxes,” practical learning kits developed by local innovators to support hands-on science and technology education in schools.

Education authorities believe the initiative will improve practical learning and increase student interest in STEM-related careers.

Government Continues Social Interventions

The Deputy Minister further outlined social protection measures introduced to support learners, particularly girls and persons with disabilities.

According to him:

• More than 12 million sanitary pad packs were distributed to schoolgirls last year
• Government has allocated GHS292 million this year to continue the programme
• Free tertiary education for persons with disabilities has already been implemented

He added that plans are underway to extend free education and provide assistive devices for learners with special needs at all levels of education.

Focus on Inclusive and Sustainable Education

The presentation at the Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities conference reflects Ghana’s broader commitment to teacher development, inclusive education, and improved learning conditions.

Stakeholders at the forum emphasized the importance of sustained investment in teachers as a foundation for national development and educational transformation across Africa.

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