The National Teaching Council (NTC) has revealed that over 42,000 teachers currently working in basic and senior high schools across Ghana lack professional teaching qualifications.
According to the council, findings from a nationwide survey showed that approximately 12,279 teachers in senior high schools are unqualified, while more than 30,000 teachers in basic schools are also teaching without the necessary professional certification.
Speaking to journalists in Kumasi during a matriculation ceremony for students enrolled in a Special Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme, the Director for Licensing and Registration at the NTC, Francis Addai, said the situation has compelled the council to introduce an 18-week fast-track teacher training programme.
“We carried out a nationwide assessment in senior high schools and discovered that around 12,279 teachers in classrooms do not have professional qualifications. At the basic school level, the figure is over 30,000,” he stated.
Mr. Addai explained that the programme is being implemented in collaboration with several universities, including the University of Cape Coast (UCC), University of Education, Winneba (UEW), University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), Valley View University, and the University for Development Studies (UDS).
He noted that the initiative is intended to help graduates already working in classrooms obtain professional teaching qualifications and licences in accordance with the law.
“To tackle this challenge, the NTC has partnered with five universities to introduce a fast-track Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme for graduates. The programme will enable participants to secure teaching licences from the NTC as required under existing regulations,” he added.
The first batch of the programme is already ongoing, with about 1,400 teachers currently enrolled and expected to complete their studies by August this year.
Registration for the second batch is scheduled to begin in June, while lectures are expected to start in September.
Mr. Addai further disclosed that the programme has been heavily subsidised, costing GH₵5,000 for two semesters, making it one of the most affordable and quickest pathways for teachers seeking professional certification.
He also cautioned that teachers who fail to obtain professional qualifications and licences may not be allowed to continue working within the teaching service under current regulations.
The initiative is being rolled out in partnership with the Ministry of Education Ghana as part of efforts to improve teaching quality and professional standards across the country.