President Mahama Assures Teachers of Freedom to Speak Without Intimidation
President John Dramani Mahama has assured teachers and school administrators across the country that under his leadership, they will be free to express concerns about the education sector without fear of victimisation or intimidation.
Speaking at the 54th National Delegates Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in Accra on Monday 5th January, 2026, President Mahama said Ghana’s education system can only progress through openness, accountability and dialogue — not silence and repression.
He noted that in recent years, some heads of schools had been sanctioned or transferred for publicly highlighting challenges faced in their institutions, a development he described as unhealthy for national education growth.
“We have emerged from a dark period of oppression in our educational sector,” Mahama said.
“Many school heads were sacked or transferred for speaking up when things were not going well.”
He stressed that critical feedback from professionals on the ground is essential, and government must listen rather than silence those entrusted with the responsibility of shaping young minds.
“The best way to grow our education sector is through transparency, freedom of speech and even criticism where necessary,” he stated.
President Mahama assured GNAT delegates that teachers will not be punished for honesty under his administration.
“As President, I can assure you that I will protect your right to speak up and to point out when things are not going well,”
he pledged.
He said the partnership between government and teachers must be built on trust, mutual respect and open engagement, adding that teachers are key stakeholders in national development.
GNAT delegates welcomed the assurance, describing it as an important commitment toward promoting professionalism and restoring confidence within the education workforce.
President Mahama’s message formed part of a broader call for renewed collaboration between government, teachers and labour unions to strengthen Ghana’s education system.
