The Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana has expressed strong concerns over reports that the Ministry of Education Ghana plans to recruit approximately 7,000 trained teachers from recent graduating cohorts, warning that the move could worsen unemployment in the education sector.
In a press release issued on Sunday, April 12, the association acknowledged the country’s current economic constraints but argued that the proposed recruitment figure is inadequate given the growing backlog of trained teachers from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 batches who are yet to be posted.
According to TTAG, the limited recruitment approach risks prolonging delays in the absorption of qualified teachers into the public education system, raising concerns about the pace and structure of teacher postings nationwide.
“With unresolved recruitment issues affecting trained teachers from 2022 and significant numbers from the 2023 and 2024 batches, the proposed figure falls short and risks prolonging delays in the engagement of qualified teachers,” the statement noted.
The association criticised what it described as a “limited recruitment” strategy, arguing that it would leave a substantial number of trained teachers unemployed while only a fraction are absorbed into the system.
TTAG also raised concerns about a possible shift away from the long-standing automatic posting system for newly trained teachers. It insisted that any such policy change must involve stakeholder consultation and clear communication, warning that a lack of transparency on the issue is unacceptable.
The group further rejected what it termed an uncertain and unstructured recruitment process, stressing the need for a predictable, annual posting system for teacher trainees after graduation.
To address the situation, TTAG called for the immediate publication of a comprehensive national recruitment roadmap that outlines how the existing backlog of unemployed trained teachers will be cleared and how future graduates will be systematically absorbed.
The association has appealed to the Ministry of Finance Ghana and President John Dramani Mahama to review the proposed recruitment figures upward, arguing that stronger government commitment is needed to tackle rising unemployment among trained teachers.
TTAG warned that continued delays and uncertainty could erode confidence in Ghana’s teacher education system and discourage prospective trainees.
Reaffirming its position, the association stated that it would continue to advocate for reforms in teacher recruitment, emphasising that it will not remain silent as uncertainty and selective postings threaten the future of trained teachers in the country.
“The issue is not only administrative but fundamental to ensuring fairness, stability, and trust in Ghana’s education system,” the statement concluded.