President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the necessity of reviewing Ghana’s pension scheme to ensure fairness and satisfaction for all stakeholders. He acknowledged that despite previous reforms, challenges persist within the system. This discussion arose during a courtesy visit by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) to the Presidency.
In his address, President Mahama stated, “With regards to pensions, I’ll be meeting the TUC and organized labor sometime later. During the May Day celebrations, there were issues raised even with the restructured pensions; there are still all kinds of difficulties. I suggested we hold a review conference.”
He noted, “It’s been several years since we introduced the pension reform. I think it’s time for us to review it, to see what is working well and what is not, so we can make adjustments and ensure everyone is satisfied.”
Economist Kwame Pianim, a key figure in establishing the Teachers’ Fund, recalled a previous promise of 10,000 housing units for teachers, which was unfulfilled. He expressed optimism that the current administration would honor this commitment.
Mr. Pianim remarked, “One of the best jobs you can have is being a teacher. Here, we tend to underpay our teachers. But with you, as a listening president, I was happy when they said, ‘Let’s go and talk to the president.’”
He continued, “I said, with this president, if he tells you he’s going to do something, he’ll do it.” President Mahama responded by proposing the creation of a counterpart fund to the Teachers’ Fund to support the construction of low-cost housing for teachers.
He explained, “We would sit with you, design the houses together, and build them. In Ghana today, what is labeled as ‘affordable housing’ often ends up being more for the wealthy than the poor. I prefer to call it low-cost housing.”
He added, “If we can make provision in the budget for a fund that serves as counterpart support to the Teachers’ Fund, then teachers can apply to own their own homes.”
Additionally, President Mahama addressed the role of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in the education system. He expressed concern over their recent marginalization and emphasized the need for their active involvement.
He stated, “I believe PTA participation must be fully restored so that they work with teachers and the administration of the schools to make sure that the schools are run properly and that our children are getting a good outcome in terms of teaching and learning.”
Earlier in the day, President Mahama attended the 2025 Ghana Horticulture Expo, where he announced the operationalization of 24-hour services at both the Tema and Takoradi ports.
He remarked, “I’m pleased to announce that on July 1st, the 24-hour initiative policy will be ready to go into operation. This policy will provide the framework for continuous production, processing, and logistics in horticulture.”
He further noted, “It will not only be about working longer hours; it will be about building the infrastructure, the energy, the security, the transport, and the digital platforms that enable round-the-clock agro-industrial activity.”
President Mahama concluded by highlighting the importance of expanding high-value agricultural exports to stabilize the nation’s currency. He affirmed, “We are on that path boldly and deliberately, and we shall work together with our exporters to achieve this.”
