Unpaid teachers in Ghana to begin indefinite protest at Ministry of Finance
via GhanaWeb5 min read
The National Organiser of the Coalition of Unpaid Teachers, Eugene Zoranu Segbefia, announced that members will start an indefinite protest at Ghana's Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This action comes after the government failed to provide a clear payment plan for outstanding salaries. Some teachers have not received pay for between seven and 18 months, a situation Segbefia described as dire. Despite engagements with the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education, no firm timeline for arrears payment has been established. Segbefia questioned the government's decision to recruit new teachers while existing staff remain unpaid and highlighted the unequal treatment compared to other public sector workers like nurses, who are reportedly receiving their arrears. The coalition had given the government a deadline of April 12, 2026, for a payment plan but received no response. They are now demanding direct engagement with Vice President John Dramani Mahama or the Chief of Staff, with members prepared for a prolonged demonstration, including some traveling from Kumasi and Tamale to participate.
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Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party NPP, has requested the High Court in Accra to refer specific provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act to the Supreme Court for interpretation. Mr. Antwi-Boasiako was accused of allegedly leasing his mining concession in Samreboi, Western Region, in violation of the Minerals and Mining Act. His counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, argued that if the High Court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay, declines to refer the case to the Supreme Court, then his client should be acquitted and discharged. This argument was presented in a 50-page written address to the court, which is scheduled to deliver a judgment on July 20. Mr. Akyea seeks a Supreme Court determination on whether Section 141 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 Act 703, which underpins some of the charges, is legally vague, overbroad, and inconsistent with Article 1911 of the 1992 Constitution, thus rendering it unconstitutional, null, and void. Mr. Antwi-Boasiako, who is also vying for the NPP National Chairman position, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assigning mineral rights without approval and purposely facilitating an unlicensed mining operation. The Office of the Attorney General filed criminal charges against Mr. Antwi-Boasiako, a shareholder of Akonta Mining, and Kwame Antwi, a director of the company. Mr. Antwi, a co-accused facing similar charges, is currently at large. Four witnesses were called by the prosecution to testify
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Must ReadThe Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics GAND has raised concerns about growing food safety threats in Ghana, specifically citing illegal mining, known as galamsey, and the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods. These concerns were highlighted in a statement launching the 2026 National Nutrition Month, themed "Food Safety: Everyone鈥檚 Responsibility." GAND noted that galamsey activities contaminate rivers and groundwater with heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium, which can enter the food chain through farming and fishing. Studies on rivers such as the Pra, Offin, Ankobra, and Birim have shown heavy metal levels exceeding acceptable limits. Long-term exposure to these contaminants can lead to neurological damage, kidney problems, reproductive complications, and increased cancer risks, especially in children and pregnant women. Additionally, GAND expressed concern over ultra-processed foods, which often contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and may lack clear nutritional information. The Academy called for mandatory Front-of-Pack Warning Labels to help consumers make informed choices. GAND emphasized that foodborne diseases, including typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and viral hepatitis, continue to strain Ghana's healthcare system. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates 600 million people fall ill annually from contaminated food, resulting in 420,000 deaths, with children under five accounting for 125,000 deaths. Africa bea