More than 42,000 teachers in Ghana currently lack the necessary professional qualifications to teach in public schools. This critical finding comes from the National Teaching Council (NTC), which conducted a nationwide assessment. The NTC revealed that 12,279 teachers in senior high schools and over 30,000 in basic schools are without professional certification.
This situation poses a direct threat to the quality of education provided to Ghanaian students. Teachers without professional training may not possess the latest pedagogical skills or the understanding of modern teaching methodologies. The NTC believes this gap in qualifications can hinder student learning outcomes and overall educational development across the country.
Ghana's education sector policy prioritizes qualified and licensed educators. Reports from the Ministry of Education have previously highlighted efforts to professionalize teaching. The Ghana Education Service (GES) has been working to ensure all teachers meet international standards. This revelation indicates a significant backlog in achieving those goals. The cost of education and teacher training remains a key discussion point in public finance debates.
Francis Addai, Director in charge of Licensing and Registration at the NTC, stated the council's commitment to addressing this issue. “We conducted a nationwide survey in Senior High Schools and discovered that about 12,279 teachers currently in classrooms do not possess professional qualifications. In basic schools, the number exceeds 30,000,” Mr. Addai told reporters. The NTC is partnering with universities to offer a solution.
The NTC has launched an 18-week fast-track Postgraduate Diploma in Education program. This initiative aims to provide the necessary certification for graduates already working as teachers. The program is a collaboration with the University of Cape Coast, the University of Education, Winneba, and other institutions. It offers the shortest and most affordable route to professional teaching status, costing GHS 5,000 for two semesters. The first batch of 1,400 teachers is already in training. The NTC warns that teachers without qualifications will not be allowed to continue teaching by law.