The National Teaching Council (NTC) has revealed that over 42,000 teachers in Ghana’s basic and senior high schools lack professional teaching qualifications. A nationwide survey conducted by the council identified 12,279 unqualified teachers currently employed in Senior High Schools and more than 30,000 others teaching in basic schools without the necessary certification.

In response to these findings, the NTC has introduced a specialised 18-week fast-track teacher education program designed to regularize the professional status of these educators.

Francis Addai, the NTC Director in charge of Licensing and Registration, announced the initiative during a matriculation ceremony in Kumasi for students enrolled in a Special Postgraduate Diploma in Education.

He explained that the program allows graduates already in the classroom to obtain the professional certification and teaching licenses mandated by law.

The council is implementing this initiative through a partnership with five major institutions, including the University of Cape Coast, the University of Education, Winneba, the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Valley View University, and the University for Development Studies.

The training is being offered at a subsidized rate of GH₵5,000 for two semesters, which Mr Addai described as the most affordable and efficient route for teachers to achieve professional status.

Currently, the first batch of approximately 1,400 teachers is enrolled in the program and is scheduled to complete training in August.

Registration for the second cohort is set to open in June, with academic work beginning in September.

Mr Addai cautioned that existing regulations strictly prohibit teachers without professional qualifications and licenses from remaining in the teaching service.

This intervention is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Education as part of a broader strategy to enhance teaching standards across the country.