In a bold move to address Ghana’s chronic teacher accommodation crisis, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced a new voluntary housing initiative aimed at providing affordable homes for educators across the country.
The scheme, unveiled during the inauguration of the National Teaching Council (NTC) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers Council on July 15, 2025, proposes a collaborative funding model between teachers and the government.
“If teachers agree to contribute, say GH¢200 monthly, and government adds another GH¢200, we can develop two or three-bedroom homes,” the Minister stated during the event.
The initiative is designed to offer long-term housing security, particularly for teachers stationed in rural and underserved areas.
Contributions from teachers will be pooled into a Voluntary Teachers’ Housing Fund, which will be matched by government support and backed by pension schemes to serve as collateral for financing construction.
Under the proposed framework, Teachers may voluntarily contribute GH¢200 per month, Government will match contributions with an equal amount, The combined funds will be used to build 2–3 bedroom homes, Pension funds will serve as collateral, allowing flexible repayment over 5–10 years
The goal is to ensure that teachers can retire with dignity, owning a home and avoiding post-retirement housing insecurity.
Haruna Iddrisu emphasized that poor living conditions undermine teacher motivation and retention, especially in remote communities. “No teacher should retire homeless,” he declared, adding that the initiative would restore dignity to the teaching profession and improve welfare outcomes.
The Minister also announced a new policy directive: no basic school infrastructure will be constructed without attached teacher accommodation, signaling a shift toward integrated planning in education delivery.
As the Ministry prepares to roll out operational guidelines, stakeholders are optimistic that the initiative will not only solve housing challenges but also elevate the status of teachers nationwide.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
