The Ghana Education Service (GES) has closed its 2026 teacher recruitment portal after receiving more than 40,000 applications for only 7,000 available teaching positions across the country. The large number of submissions came just days after the portal was opened.
The online application platform became available on April 10, 2026, and was expected to remain open for one week. However, the portal was shut down earlier than planned because the number of applications quickly exceeded the available vacancies.
Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu disclosed that the original projection for the recruitment exercise was 50,000 teachers. He explained that budget limitations later reduced the approved intake to 7,000 positions.
The response to the recruitment exercise reflects the increasing pressure within Ghana’s job market, particularly in the education sector, where the number of qualified applicants continues to be far greater than the available employment opportunities.
According to GES, the recruitment targeted qualified graduates who hold valid licenses from the National Teaching Council (NTC). Eligible applicants included Bachelor of Education graduates as well as other graduates with postgraduate teaching qualifications.
Applicants were also required to have completed national service and to be prepared to accept postings to underserved and deprived communities.
The 7,000 vacancies form part of a government-approved recruitment exercise intended to reduce teacher shortages, especially in rural areas. The Ministry of Education had earlier indicated that priority would be given to applicants willing to serve in deprived districts where staffing shortages remain a concern.
Despite the limited openings, the large number of applications highlights the extent of graduate unemployment in the country, especially among trained teachers.
Some applicants also reported technical challenges during the process, including missing institution names and incomplete application categories that affected successful submission.
GES had previously stated that the recruitment process would remain open, competitive, and transparent, with teacher deployment focused on areas where they are most needed. The selection process, according to the minister, will be based on merit, qualifications, and proper screening.