The Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG) has intensified its calls for immediate reforms to the teacher posting system in Ghana, cautioning that Colleges of Education may face closure if the government does not accommodate the increasing number of trained teachers.
The association asserts that the growing backlog of qualified teachers awaiting placement, coupled with limited recruitment efforts, is undermining confidence in the nation’s teacher training framework and raising significant concerns regarding its sustainability.
During a press conference held at the association’s national secretariat on Wednesday, April 22, TTAG President Nanija Devine described the government’s recent recruitment of 7,000 teachers as grossly insufficient.
“The 7,000 number is too small for our workforce, and for that matter, it should be increased to absorb all the qualified, trained teachers in the system. We are also making it a firm demand that the government must honour the automatic posting of trained teachers,” he said.
He further emphasised the magnitude of the issue, pointing out that while over 45,000 trained teachers remain unposted, more than 65,000 students are presently enrolled in Colleges of Education, raising concerns about the future of those still undergoing training.
“Those currently in the Colleges of Education are over 65,000. If the 45,000 already in the system do not know when they will be posted, then what about those still in training? What is the essence of their education?” he questioned.
Mr. Devine cautioned that the situation necessitates prompt action, asserting: “If indeed the government cannot recruit the 45,000 trained teachers in the system, then the Colleges of Education should consider closing down”.
