A member of the Upper East Regional Communications Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), *Dr. Samuel Akonga, has sharply criticised the government over what he describes as the *unacceptable delay in the payment of the Professional Development Allowance (PDA) and the Digital Allowance due to teachers across the country.
In a strongly worded statement, Dr. Akonga said he was “profoundly despondent” over the government’s failure to honour what he considers legitimate entitlements of teachers, arguing that the prolonged delay reflects a worrying lack of appreciation for the critical role educators play in national development.
Allowances Introduced to Boost Teaching Quality
According to him, the allowances—initiated under the previous NPP administration—were specifically designed to equip teachers with modern tools, digital resources and relevant training materials to improve learning outcomes and enhance classroom delivery.
He accused the current government of allowing arrears to pile up “without any valid justification,” noting that the situation is undermining teacher motivation and professional growth.
“It is increasingly clear that the government is short-changing teachers in an attempt to artificially control inflation, a move that is both unfortunate and unfair,”
— Dr. Samuel Akonga
Dr. Akonga argued that teachers should not be made to “pay the price for the government’s economic management challenges,” especially at a time when they are already overburdened by limited resources, increasing student numbers and mounting expectations for digital literacy.
‘A Deep Lack of Respect’
He described the delays as demoralising and disrespectful to educators who remain central to shaping Ghana’s future.
“This behaviour reflects a deep lack of respect for the hardworking men and women who shape the nation’s future. Withholding their rightful allowances is unacceptable,”
— Dr. Samuel Akonga
NPP Pledges Improved Teacher Welfare
Dr. Akonga further assured teacher unions and the wider education community that a future NPP government would prioritise teacher welfare by fully settling all outstanding arrears and strengthening existing incentives to boost morale and teaching quality.
He maintained that the NPP has the strongest record in improving teacher remuneration and professional development.
“Teachers deserve dignity, timely allowances and a government that respects their service—not one that sidelines them for economic convenience,” he stated.
Growing Concerns Across the Education Sector
His remarks come at a time when teacher unions and education stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns over delayed payments of key allowances, warning that such patterns could negatively affect classroom effectiveness and long-term educational outcomes.
Source: BlueWaves Radio |Maurice Duncan
