Over 42,000 Teachers in Ghana Lack Professional Qualifications – NTC

The National Teaching Council has revealed that more than 42,000 teachers currently teaching in basic and senior high schools across Ghana do not possess the required professional teaching qualifications.

According to the council, a nationwide survey conducted in schools showed that about 12,279 teachers in Senior High Schools are unqualified, while over 30,000 others teaching in basic schools also lack professional certification.

The disclosure was made by Francis Addai, Director in charge of Licensing and Registration at the NTC, during a matriculation ceremony held in Kumasi for students pursuing a Special Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme.

To address the situation, the NTC has partnered with several universities including University of Cape Coast, University of Education, Winneba, University for Development Studies, Valley View University, and University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development to roll out an 18-week fast-track Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme.

The programme is aimed at helping graduate teachers without professional training obtain certification and teaching licences required by law. The first batch currently has about 1,400 teachers enrolled and they are expected to complete the programme in August 2026. Registration for the second batch is expected to begin in June, with classes starting in September.

Mr. Addai explained that the programme has been heavily subsidised and costs GH₵5,000 for two semesters, making it one of the shortest and most affordable routes for teachers to gain professional status and licensing.

The NTC further warned that teachers without professional qualifications and licences may not be allowed to continue working in the teaching service under existing regulations.

The initiative forms part of efforts by the Ministry of Education and the NTC to improve teaching standards and professionalism within Ghana’s education sector.