The NTC has revealed that more than 42,000 educators currently employed in basic and senior high schools throughout Ghana do not hold the necessary professional teaching credentials.
As per the NTC, a comprehensive survey conducted across schools indicated that approximately 12,279 teachers in Senior High Schools are unqualified, while more than 30,000 others are teaching in basic schools without the requisite professional certification.
During a media briefing in Kumasi at a matriculation ceremony for students enrolled in a Special Postgraduate Diploma in Education, Francis Addai, the Director responsible for Licensing and Registration at the NTC, stated that this situation has led the council to implement an 18-week accelerated teacher education program.
“Our nationwide survey in Senior High Schools revealed that around 12,279 teachers currently in classrooms lack professional qualifications. In basic schools, the figure surpasses 30,000,” he noted.
Mr. Addai elaborated that the program is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Cape Coast, University of Education, Winneba, University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Valley View University, and University for Development Studies.
He mentioned that this initiative will enable graduates who are already teaching to acquire professional certification and teaching licenses as mandated by law.
“To tackle this issue, the NTC has teamed up with five universities to launch a fast-track Postgraduate Diploma in Education program for graduates. This initiative will allow participants to secure teaching licenses from the NTC in accordance with legal stipulations,” he added.
The first cohort of the program is currently in progress, with approximately 1,400 teachers enrolled and anticipated to finish their training by August of this year.
Registration for the second cohort is anticipated to commence in June, with classes set to begin in September.
Mr. Addai emphasized that the programme has received substantial subsidies, costing GH₵5,000 for two semesters, and characterized it as the most efficient and cost-effective pathway for teachers aspiring to achieve professional status.
He additionally cautioned that, according to current regulations, teachers lacking professional qualifications and licenses are not permitted to remain in the teaching service.
This initiative is being executed in partnership with the Ministry of Education as part of a broader effort to enhance teaching standards across the country.
