Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced plans to increase teacher recruitment numbers beyond the initially proposed intake for the 2026 academic year.
The Minister indicated that the current figure of 7,000 teachers, earlier outlined as part of government planning, may be reviewed upward in response to concerns about staffing shortages across schools in the country.
Speaking on the issue, Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged the growing number of trained teachers awaiting employment and stressed the need to bridge gaps in the education sector.
“We are mindful of the concerns raised and will take the necessary steps to review the recruitment numbers,” he stated, signalling the government’s willingness to respond to stakeholder demands.
The announcement follows widespread criticism from education stakeholders and teacher unions, who argue that the planned intake is insufficient to meet the demands of Ghana’s expanding student population and to address unemployment among trained graduates.
The Minister noted that while budgetary constraints remain a key consideration, efforts are being made to strike a balance between fiscal discipline and the urgent need to strengthen the country’s education system.
The potential increase in recruitment is expected to ease pressure on existing teachers and improve teaching and learning outcomes, particularly in underserved areas.
Further details on the revised recruitment figures are expected to be announced in the coming months.
