The government plans to build 50,000 houses for teachers nationwide as part of efforts to address accommodation challenges facing educators, Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Apaak has announced.
Dr. Apaak disclosed the plan while speaking on behalf of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu at the 5th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the Conference of Heads of Basic Schools (COHBS) in Koforidua on Wednesday.
He said the housing programme is intended to address difficulties that have forced some teachers and headteachers to live far from the schools where they work or in inadequate accommodation.
“On this last point, I am glad to report that the Honourable Minister has announced Government’s plans to build 50,000 houses for teachers nationwide — a direct response to the accommodation difficulties that have for too long forced teachers and headteachers to live far from the schools they serve, or in conditions unworthy of their service,” he said.
Dr. Apaak described the proposed housing programme as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving teacher welfare.
“This is a bold undertaking, and as it rolls out, it should stand as concrete proof that Government hears you,” he added.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged that teachers and school heads continue to work under difficult conditions, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure and poor accommodation.
“We are not blind to the conditions under which many of you serve — overcrowded classrooms; schools without adequate furniture, ICT, water, electricity or safe access roads; and housing challenges that follow you home at the end of a long day,” he noted.
He commended teachers and headteachers for continuing to work despite the challenges.
“Despite all these challenges, you continue to show up, with professionalism, resilience and patriotism intact. That is not a small thing. That is national service of the highest order,” he said.
Dr. Apaak said the government is also working to address infrastructure deficits, teacher shortages, funding constraints and other challenges affecting basic schools as part of broader efforts to improve education delivery nationwide.
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