Over 42,000 Teachers Lack Professional Qualifications – NTC
The National Teaching Council (NTC) has disclosed that more than 42,000 teachers currently teaching in basic and senior high schools across Ghana do not possess professional teaching qualifications.
According to the Council, a nationwide survey revealed that about 12,279 teachers in senior high schools are unqualified, while over 30,000 others are teaching in basic schools without the required professional certification.
Speaking in Kumasi during a matriculation ceremony for a Special Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme, the Director in charge of Licensing and Registration at the NTC, Francis Addai, said the situation has led to the introduction of an 18-week fast-track teacher training programme.
He explained that the programme is being run in collaboration with several universities, including the University of Cape Coast, University of Education, Winneba, University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Valley View University, and the University for Development Studies.
Mr Addai said the initiative will allow teachers who already hold degrees but lack professional certification to obtain teaching licences as required by law.
He noted that the first batch of the programme is already underway, with about 1,400 teachers enrolled and expected to complete training in August this year.
Registration for the second cohort is expected to open in June, with classes scheduled to begin in September.
Mr Addai added that the programme has been heavily subsidised at GH₵5,000 for two semesters, describing it as the fastest and most affordable route to professional teacher status.
He warned that under current regulations, teachers without professional qualifications and licences will not be allowed to remain in the teaching service.
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education as part of efforts to improve teaching standards across the country.
