The Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG) has raised concerns over the government’s plan to recruit 7,000 teachers to serve in rural and hard-to-reach areas across the country, describing the number as inadequate.
The initiative, announced by government, is intended to improve access to quality education and strengthen teaching and learning outcomes, particularly in underserved communities.
However, TTAG argues that the scale of the recruitment does not match the number of qualified teacher trainees available.
Speaking on Starr News, TTAG President Divine Nanija said the figure falls far below the pool of trained teachers awaiting deployment.
“The 7,000 that the Honorable Minister mentioned this afternoon is, let’s say, not even half of a single year’s batch. For the 2023 batch alone, there are about 17,000 qualified teacher trainees,” he said.
He stressed that the limited recruitment could leave many qualified trainees without employment opportunities.
“If the Minister is recruiting 7,000, that means 7,000 out of 17,000, which clearly indicates that a very large number will be left behind. The 7,000 is simply not enough. This shortfall will cost us a lot, especially since there is currently no information on what will happen to those who are not part of this 7,000—whether there will be a next round of recruitment or when it might take place,” Nanija explained.
TTAG is calling on the government to provide clarity on future recruitment plans and to consider increasing the number of teachers to be absorbed.
“As an association, we strongly oppose this number. We also hope to hear more clarity from the Minister on whether this figure is fixed—perhaps due to financial constraints—and when the majority of those left out will have the opportunity to be recruited,” he added.
READ: Education Ministry secures clearance to recruit at least 7,000 teachers nationwide
The association insists that a more comprehensive approach is needed to address teacher shortages while ensuring fairness and opportunities for all qualified trainees.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh / Benjamin Sackey
