Haruna Iddrisu Hints at Increase in Teacher Employment Opportunities

Pressure Mounts as Government Considers Raising Teacher Recruitment Slots.

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has indicated that the government is reconsidering the earlier decision to recruit 7,000 teachers. 

According to him, discussions are ongoing to possibly raise the number in response to pressure from stakeholders in the education sector.

This development follows strong objections from teacher associations, especially the Ghana National Association of Teachers, who argue that the figure is not enough to absorb the large number of trained teachers currently waiting for posting. They believe the situation is creating frustration among graduates who have completed their training but are yet to be employed.

Addressing workers during the May Day event in Kumasi, the Minister admitted that the initial recruitment plan does not fully reflect the actual staffing needs in schools. He explained that many educational institutions continue to face shortages, even as qualified teachers remain without appointments.

He also compared recruitment across sectors, pointing out that other areas have received higher intake figures despite education covering a wider network of institutions across the country. This, he suggested, makes it necessary to reassess how recruitment slots are distributed to ensure fairness and effectiveness.

He assured that government will continue engaging relevant stakeholders to arrive at a more suitable recruitment figure. The aim, he said, is to strengthen teaching and learning in schools while also addressing the growing number of trained teachers who are still waiting for opportunities.