The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has clarified that the directive issued by President John Dramani Mahama to suspend post-retirement contracts does not apply to individuals in academia or the broader education sector.

He explained that individuals, specifically retirees in the education sector, are exempt from the directive, describing them as "rare breeds" who, in his view, must be protected and allowed to contribute their expertise and knowledge toward national development and capacity building.

He further underscored the education sector’s vital role in contributing to national development, noting that the constitutional provision, which caps the retirement age at 60 years, makes some exemptions to individuals within the academic community.

Inaugurating an 18-member governing board council of the University of Ghana on Friday, April 25, 2025, the minister said; “About a month ago, the president issued a post contract renewals. My understanding was that it created some fear of panic. Let me assure you that it does not affect persons in academia and you are entitled to that exemption that we recognise that you are a rare breed in our country and we protect those rare species.”

The Governing Council of the University of Ghana, chaired by Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, is expected to contribute significantly to advancing educational and infrastructural development for the university’s future.

On April 2, 2025, the government suspended the extension of tenures of work for retired public servants across the country.

In a statement signed by Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, the government said, “The grant of post-retirement contract appointments to retired public service staff has been suspended with immediate effect.”

A portion of the statement from the Office of the President emphasised that “all requests for such appointments will no longer be considered.”

It further urged public institutions to comply with the new policy.

“Kindly take note of this directive and ensure strict compliance,” the statement concluded.

MAG/AE

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