The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, on Thursday reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of teachers, including the introduction of a dedicated housing scheme.

The move is to elevate the teaching profession and enhance quality education delivery.

Mr Iddrisu, who launched the 2025 Ghana Teacher Prize in Accra, stressed that no country could succeed without education and that teachers were central to national development and deserved continuous recognition for their sacrifices.

“We appreciate you today, we appreciate you tomorrow, and we will appreciate you forever for your tremendous sacrifices,” he said.

This year’s Prize, which will be held in October, is on the theme: “Elevating the Status of the Teacher for Quality Education.”

The Government, he said, was exploring the use of pension funds in partnership with financial institutions and teacher unions to provide affordable two and three-bedroom houses for teachers after years of service.

The plan would assure teachers of decent accommodation and dignity during and after their service, he explained.

Mr Iddrisu added that improving conditions of service, welfare, and professional recognition of teachers remained at the heart of President John Mahama’s research and development agenda, noting that quality education was directly linked to the quality of teachers.

He commended the Ghana Education Service (GES) for its transparent approach to promotions and urged fairness in the placement of deserving teachers.

He called on corporate Ghana to increase sponsorship for the Teacher Prize as part of their corporate social responsibility to help build human capital for national growth.

Dr Christian Addai-Poku, the Registrar, National Teaching Council, said the annual Teacher Prize, celebrated since 1995, had become a benchmark for teacher recognition in Africa.

He said Ghanaian teachers were highly sought after globally and consistently excelled in international teacher awards.

Beyond the recognition, the Council was committed to supporting teachers in their professional journey, Dr Addai-Poku said, noting that “the quality of education of any nation cannot exceed the quality of its teachers.”

The event brought together teacher unions, corporate sponsors, and education stakeholders to celebrate the dedication and sacrifices of teachers and mobilise resources towards rewarding excellence in the profession.

Professor Kofi Davis, the Director-General of Ghana Education Service (GES), underscored the indispensable role of teachers in shaping learners and driving educational reforms.

He noted that motivated, respected, and empowered teachers directly influenced learning outcomes.

Prof. Davis said the GES, working with the National Teaching Council and teacher unions, would continue to prioritise the welfare of teachers and uphold discipline in schools.

He expressed concern over the rising indiscipline and violence in some schools and pledged stricter enforcement of the student code of conduct to ensure excellence in character.

The Ghana Teacher Prize, organised annually, recognises and rewards outstanding teachers for their contribution to education and national development.