Over 42,000 teachers are currently educating students in Ghana’s basic and senior high schools without the legally mandated professional teaching qualifications, according to a recent disclosure by the National Teaching Council (NTC). This revelation follows a nationwide survey conducted by the Council, highlighting a significant gap in professional standards within the teaching force.
The Scale of the Problem
The NTC’s findings indicate that 12,279 unqualified individuals are teaching at the senior high school level. An even larger number, exceeding 30,000, are reportedly working in basic schools without the necessary credentials.
Francis Addai, the Director in charge of Licensing and Registration at the NTC, shared these figures in an interview with JoyNews. He described the situation as a “major concern for the education sector,” underscoring the potential impact on the quality of education delivered to students.
NTC’s Solution: Fast-Track Certification Program
To address this widespread issue, the NTC has partnered with five universities to introduce an accelerated Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) program. This initiative aims to equip graduate teachers who currently lack professional qualifications with the necessary certification and licensing to teach legally.
The participating universities include the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (MUSTED), Valley View University, and the University for Development Studies (UDS).
Mr. Addai explained that the program is designed to be intensive, with completion expected within 18 weeks. This fast-track approach is intended to allow unqualified teachers to regularize their status in the shortest possible time.
Program Details and Appeal
The subsidized fee for the 18-week program, spanning two semesters, has been set at GH¢5,000. This cost is significantly lower than standard postgraduate programs, making it more accessible for a larger number of educators.
The NTC is actively appealing to all teachers in both public and private basic and senior high schools who do not hold professional teaching qualifications to enroll in this program. The goal is to ensure compliance with the legal requirements for teaching in Ghana.
Progress and Future Outlook
The first cohort of 1,400 students has already matriculated into the PGDE program at the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (MUSTED). This group is projected to complete their training by August 2026.
The NTC’s initiative represents a significant effort to professionalize the teaching workforce. The success of this program will be crucial in improving educational standards and ensuring that Ghanaian students receive instruction from qualified and licensed educators. The council will continue to monitor the implementation and enrollment rates, with further efforts expected to address any remaining gaps in teacher qualification across the nation.
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