John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has promised that teachers who accept to be posted to rural areas in Ghana to teach will get an incentive of 20 percent of their salary, when he is elected President on December 7, 2024.
This is one of the numerous campaign messages of Mr Mahama, who is the flag bearer of the opposition NDC.Mr Mahama, who served as President from June 2012 to January 6, 2017 is seeking re-election on the ticket of the NDC.
In a Facebook post, Mr Mahama reiterated one of his campaign messages on the education sector about the welfare of teachers and incentives.“Teachers who agree to serve in a rural school will be paid 20 percent of their salary as incentives. This will encourage teachers to accept to serve in rural schools,” Mr Mahama said.
The Chronicle holds the view that quality education is a right for every child and commends Mr. Mahama for this bold and visionary proposal. We are happy with the way the various flagbearers of the political parties are serving Ghanaians with their manifesto policies and programmes. The 2024 elections must be a battle of wits and minds and not the display of electoral thuggery and violence.
Most of the rural areas are understaffed with teachers and the unfortunate thing is that the rural pupils and students write the same exams with their colleagues in the urban areas where the teacher-student ratio is higher.
The challenge of attracting qualified teachers to rural areas is a long-standing issue in the country. Many rural schools struggle with inadequate staff, leading to subpar educational outcomes for students in these regions. By offering a 20 percent salary incentive, Mr. Mahama aims to make rural postings more attractive, ensuring that every child, regardless of their geographical location, has access to quality education.
This policy is not just about financial incentives; it is about valuing the dedication and hard work of teachers who often go the extra mile under challenging conditions. It is an acknowledgment of their crucial role in shaping the future of our nation. This incentive could also inspire a new generation of teachers who are motivated by both financial reward and the opportunity to make a significant impact in rural communities.
Mr. Mahama, who served as President from June 2012 to January 2017, is no stranger to addressing educational challenges. His previous tenure saw various initiatives aimed at improving the educational infrastructure and access. This new proposal aligns with his track record and reinforces his commitment to education as a cornerstone of national development.
Beyond improving the immediate educational outcomes, this policy could have far-reaching implications. Enhanced education in rural areas can contribute to reducing poverty, promoting economic development and fostering social equity. Educated individuals are better equipped to contribute to their communities, creating a positive ripple effect that can drive sustainable development in rural Ghana.
While political campaigns often highlight the differences between candidates, certain initiatives transcend party lines and deserve broad support. This incentive for rural teachers is one such policy.
It addresses a fundamental issue that affects the nation’s future and should be supported by all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation. We urge all educators, policymakers and citizens to support initiatives that bring us closer to an equitable and thriving educational landscape in Ghana.
