Deputy General Secretary of the United Party, Richard Sumah, has called for improved remuneration for teachers in Ghana, arguing that educators are inadequately compensated despite their critical role in shaping the country’s human capital.
Speaking on Joy Prime’s on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Mr. Sumah said the concerns raised by teacher unions over salaries and conditions of service should be taken seriously.
According to him, no teacher in Ghana, including those with doctoral qualifications, earns a gross monthly salary of GH¢10,000.
“There is no teacher in Ghana, not even a PhD holder, who earns a gross salary of GH¢10,000,” he stated.
Mr. Sumah questioned why teachers who are responsible for educating and preparing the next generation of professionals and national leaders should receive what he considers inadequate remuneration.
He also compared teachers’ earnings with the remuneration of Members of Parliament, arguing that many lawmakers are beneficiaries of the education system and the work of teachers.
“Is it not an insult when a Member of Parliament, who is a product of a teacher’s hard work, is earning GH¢60,000?” he asked.
His comments come amid an ongoing strike by teacher unions over concerns relating to salaries and working conditions.
The industrial action has sparked renewed debate over public-sector remuneration, with stakeholders calling on the government and teacher unions to return to negotiations and reach an agreement.
Mr. Sumah maintained that improving teachers’ compensation would not only recognize their contribution to national development but could also help make the profession more attractive to qualified professionals.
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