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The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially opened the application process for teachers and education officers seeking promotion to higher ranks within the service. The announcement, contained in a circular signed by Professor Smile Dzisi, Acting Deputy Director-General (Management Services), said the exercise covers promotions to the positions of Deputy Director, Assistant Director I, Assistant Director II, and Principal Superintendent.
According to the circular, the promotion window will run from Monday, August 18, 2025, to Friday, September 5, 2025. The GES explained that the promotion exercise is strictly for teachers and officers who were promoted to their present rank on or before the year 2020 and have remained actively at post since then, except for periods when they were on officially approved leave.
GES also clarified that the scheme provides room for teachers with higher academic qualifications. Officers who hold Master’s or PhD degrees may also apply, provided that the qualifications were obtained from a recognised GES-approved programme of study and that the degrees were earned after their last promotion. For those who intend to use advanced degrees for promotions to Assistant Director I, Assistant Director II, and Deputy Director, the certificates must have been acquired on or before the year 2022.
The agency noted that the purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that applicants meet the required standards and to reduce confusion during the assessment process. The promotion process is part of GES’ broader efforts to reward teachers and officers who have served for years with dedication while also recognising those who have improved their professional capacity through further studies.
In order to apply, candidates are expected to complete their application online. The portal has been made accessible at https://bit.ly/gespromotions2025. In addition, applicants can access the application form through a QR code printed in the official circular. Teachers are required to upload several supporting documents, including a recent passport-size photograph in jpeg, jpg, or png format, as well as their last promotion or appointment/upgrading letter. They must also provide the highest academic certificate they intend to use for the promotion.
GES emphasised that all uploaded documents, apart from the passport photograph, must be in PDF format. It further cautioned that the documents must be clear and legible to avoid rejection during the vetting process.
The announcement has been received with keen interest across Ghana’s education sector. Many teachers who have served for more than five years without promotion see this as an opportunity to progress in their careers. Education stakeholders also believe the exercise will motivate teachers to perform better, knowing that career advancement is possible when they meet the required criteria.
Professor Dzisi explained in the circular that the promotion is part of GES’ mandate to ensure that deserving teachers and officers climb the professional ladder. She encouraged all qualified candidates to take advantage of the window provided.
The promotion of teachers has always been a sensitive issue in Ghana’s education system. In the past, teacher unions such as the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) have raised concerns about delays in promotion, lack of transparency, and challenges with the online application system. It is expected that this year’s process, which has been streamlined with clear guidelines, will reduce complaints and ensure fairness.
Observers note that career progression in the teaching service not only improves the morale of teachers but also strengthens the entire education sector. By encouraging teachers to pursue higher qualifications and rewarding long service, GES is also contributing to the broader national goal of improving education standards.
As the application window remains open, teachers and officers across Ghana are preparing their documents and making use of the digital platform provided. The exercise marks another milestone in GES’ drive to promote professionalism, transparency, and accountability within the education system.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the promotion process is fair, transparent, and efficient, giving every eligible teacher a chance to rise within the service. With the deadline set for September 5, 2025, the expectation is that thousands of teachers will file their applications within the given period.
