Over 42,000 Teachers Reported to Lack Professional Qualifications – NTC
The National Teaching Council (NTC) has revealed that more than 42,000 teachers currently working in both basic and senior high schools do not possess the required professional teaching qualifications.
The disclosure was reported by Citinewsroom, following a nationwide survey conducted by the Council. The findings show that 12,279 teachers in senior high schools are unqualified, while the number in basic schools exceeds 30,000.
The Director for Licensing and Registration at the NTC, Francis Addai, made this known during a matriculation ceremony in Kumasi for students pursuing a Special Postgraduate Diploma in Education. He explained that the situation has led the Council to introduce a structured 18-week fast-track training programme.
According to him, the survey confirmed the presence of thousands of teachers in classrooms without professional certification, prompting urgent intervention measures.
To address the gap, the NTC has partnered with five universities to implement the programme. These include the University of Cape Coast, University of Education, Winneba, University for Development Studies, Valley View University, and the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development.
The programme is designed to help teachers who already hold degrees but lack formal pedagogical training to acquire professional certification and obtain the required teaching licence under existing regulations.
The first cohort is currently ongoing, with about 1,400 teachers enrolled and expected to complete the training by August this year. Registration for the second cohort is expected to open in June, with classes scheduled to begin in September.
Mr. Addai noted that the programme has been subsidised, costing GH₵5,000 for two semesters, and described it as the shortest and most cost-effective route to professional qualification.
He further emphasised that, in line with regulatory requirements, teachers without both certification and a valid licence will not be permitted to remain in the teaching service.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education as part of ongoing efforts to improve teaching quality and standards nationwide.