New GES Scheme of Service: Everything We Know So Far
The proposed new Ghana Education Service (GES) Scheme of Service has become one of the most discussed issues among teachers in recent weeks.
Interest in the document has grown following the ongoing Job Evaluation Exercise, the request for staff personal files and recent engagements involving GES, the Public Services Commission, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and teacher unions.
Although the final Scheme of Service has not yet been released, a draft excerpt currently circulating among teachers gives some insight into the proposed grades and responsibilities under the new framework.
Draft Excerpt Shows Grades and Responsibilities
The circulating draft excerpt is titled “Grades and Responsibility.”
The page lists grades from Director-General to Principal Superintendent and assigns possible responsibilities to each grade.
1. Director-General
According to the draft excerpt, the Director-General grade is linked to the responsibility of Head of Service.
2. Deputy Director-General
The Deputy Director-General grade is linked to the responsibility of Deputy Head of Service.
3. Director I
For Director I, the draft lists the following responsibilities:
Head of a Directorate at Headquarters
Head of a Regional Directorate
4. Director II
For Director II, the draft lists the following responsibilities:
Deputy Head of a Regional Directorate
Head of a Metropolitan, Municipal or District Directorate
Frontline Officer of a Metropolitan, Municipal or District Directorate
Head of Senior High School
Teacher in Senior High School and Basic School
5. Deputy Director
For Deputy Director, the draft lists the following responsibilities:
Frontline Officer of a Metropolitan, Municipal or District Directorate
Assistant Headmaster in Senior High School
Senior Housemaster in Senior High School
Teacher in Senior High School and Basic School
School Improvement and Support Officer
Head of Basic School
6. Assistant Director I
For Assistant Director I, the draft lists the following responsibilities:
Head of Department in Senior High School
Teacher in Senior High School and Basic School
Schedule Officer
Head of Basic School
Head of Kindergarten
Assistant Head of Basic School
7. Assistant Director II
For Assistant Director II, the draft lists the following responsibilities:
Housemaster in Senior High School
Chaplain, Imam, or Guidance and Counselling Coordinator
Assistant Head of Basic School
Form Master in Senior High School
Teacher in Senior High School and Basic School
8. Principal Superintendent
For Principal Superintendent, the draft lists the following responsibilities:
Teacher in Senior High School
Form Master in Senior High School
Teacher in Basic School
What the Draft Excerpt Suggests
The draft excerpt appears to separate grade from specific responsibility.
This means a staff member may hold a particular grade but be assigned different duties depending on appointment, posting, available vacancies and the needs of the Service.
For example, the draft places classroom teaching under several grades, including Director II, Deputy Director, Assistant Director I, Assistant Director II and Principal Superintendent.
It also places basic school headship under Deputy Director and Assistant Director I.
Why the Scheme of Service Is Back in the News
The discussion around the new Scheme of Service has intensified because GES is currently undertaking a Job Evaluation Exercise.
As part of the exercise, GES has requested the submission of staff personal files across the country.
The requested documents include appointment letters, personal record forms, academic and professional certificates, promotion letters and other relevant personnel records.
GES says the exercise is meant to validate and update staff records ahead of the implementation of the new Scheme of Service.
Teacher Unions Have Been Invited to Discussions
GES, the Public Services Commission and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission have also invited teacher unions to a meeting on issues relating to the submission of staff personal files for the Job Evaluation Exercise.
The unions invited include GNAT, NAGRAT, PRETAG and TEWU.
What Has Not Yet Been Confirmed
GES has not yet officially released the final Scheme of Service.
The implementation date, transition arrangements, placement guidelines and any salary-related changes have also not been officially confirmed.
Teachers should therefore treat circulating draft excerpts as draft information until GES releases the final approved Scheme of Service.
What Teachers Should Do Now
Teachers should pay close attention to official updates from GES and recognised teacher unions.
They should also ensure that their personal records are accurate and complete.
Appointment letters, academic and professional certificates, promotion letters and other relevant documents should be available when requested by district, municipal, metropolitan or regional offices.
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