Ghana Introduces 20% Allowance for Schools in Deprived Areas: What to Know

Deprived Areas (Schools) in Ghana to Receive 20% Allowance: What You Need to Know.

In a bid to encourage teachers to accept postings in less-developed regions, the Ghanaian government has announced the introduction of a 20% Deprived Area Allowance. 

This policy seeks to improve education in rural communities by offering financial incentives to educators. Discussions are ongoing about how these areas will be classified and the method used to calculate the allowance.

This article outlines the districts expected to benefit, compares Ghana’s approach to similar programs in other countries, and highlights the financial challenges faced by urban teachers.

How Other Countries like 'Zambia' Calculates Rural and Remote Hardship Teacher Allowances: 

The Case of Zambia system✔️

Zambia offers a clear model for supporting teachers in rural and remote areas through structured allowances. Their system considers the distance between the school and the nearest district center when calculating payments.

 1.) Rural and Remote Hardship Allowance

Teachers working in rural schools receive allowances based on how far their schools are from the nearest district center. This allowance ranges from 20% to 25% of their monthly basic salary. However, a teacher cannot receive both the rural and remote hardship allowances at the same time.

•Category A: 30 to 70 km from the district center

•Category B: 25 to 70 km from the district center

•Category C: 20 to 70 km from the district center

•Category D: 0 to 15 km from the district center

Teachers working more than 70 km (for Categories A, B, and C) or over 15 km (for Category D) receive the Remote Allowance at a 25% rate of monthly basic salary.

2.) Accommodation Allowance

Teachers without official housing are entitled to additional payments based on their salary grade. This helps to offset the cost of securing private accommodation.

3.) Responsibility Allowance

Teachers handling advanced-level classes or those with additional duties are eligible for a 20% responsibility allowance. This recognizes the extra work of teachers in leadership roles or specialized teaching areas.

Ghana’s new policy mirrors parts of Zambia’s system and aims to make rural postings more attractive while improving education quality in underserved areas.

Deprived Areas in Ghana: Where Will the 20% Allowance Apply?

Regions in Ghana Eligible for the 20% Allowance

NOTE: The Ghana Education Service (GES) is yet to release the official classification of deprived areas, but preliminary data suggests several districts will qualify for the allowance. These include:

Ashanti Region: Sekyere Afram Plains, Sekyere Central, Ejura Sekyedumasi, Amansie West, Amansie South

Bono Region: Banda, Tain, Jaman North, Jaman South, Dormaa West, Sene West, Sene East

Bono East Region: Pru West, Pru East, Atebubu Amantin

Eastern Region: Kwahu Afram Plains North and South, Upper Manya Krobo, Ayensuano, Fanteakwa North

Greater Accra Region: Ada East, Ada West, Ningo Prampram

Volta Region: Agortime Ziope, South Dayi, North Tongu, Akatsi North, Anloga

Western Region: Wassa East, Wassa Amenfi West, Wassa Amenfi East, Jomoro, Ellembelle

Central Region: Assin North, Assin South, Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira

Ahafo Region: Asunafo South

NB: In the Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, Oti, and Western North regions, all districts are classified as deprived, except major towns like Tamale, Sagnarigu, Bolgatanga, Wa, Bibiani, Anhwiaso Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso

Urban Teachers' Challenges: Rent and Transport Allowances.

While the introduction of a 20% allowance for teachers serving in deprived areas is a commendable gesture, teachers based in urban centers are also advocating for the provision of rent and transportation allowances. The reality is that teachers in cities face significant financial strain due to the high costs of living, particularly with regards to housing and transportation expenses, which can consume a substantial portion of their salaries. It is essential that policymakers acknowledge these challenges and explore feasible solutions to support teachers across all regions.

In recognition of the challenges faced by teachers in securing suitable accommodations, former President John Dramani Mahama has made a commitment to address this issue. As he emphatically stated, "No new school will be built without teacher accommodations." This initiative aims to address the longstanding accommodation challenges faced by teachers across the country.

Teachers in urban areas are advocating for:

1. Rent Allowance: To assist with the high cost of housing in cities.

2. Transport Allowance: To ease the financial burden of commuting in urban areas.

These proposals aim to create a fairer system where both rural and urban teachers receive adequate support.

Moving Toward Fair Compensation

The introduction of the Deprived Area Allowance represents a positive step in promoting equitable education and rewarding teachers who serve in difficult environments. Learning from international examples, like Zambia, Ghana’s policymakers aim to create a system that balances fairness with practical implementation.

At the same time, ongoing discussions suggest a growing awareness of the financial struggles faced by urban teachers. A comprehensive policy that supports both rural and urban educators will be essential for long-term success.

As the government finalizes the list of eligible districts, further updates are expected to provide more clarity on the policy’s rollout and its impact on the education sector.

JOIN OUR  WHATSAPP CHANNEL FOR MORE NEWS 📰🗞️ UPDATES