The Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG) has raised serious concerns regarding reports that the Ministry of Education plans to recruit about 7,000 trained teachers from recent cohorts. The association believes this approach does not adequately address the current situation facing trained teachers in the country.
While recognizing the ongoing economic difficulties, TTAG emphasized that the proposed recruitment figure is insufficient when considering the backlog of unemployed teachers from 2022, along with large numbers from the 2023 and 2024 batches. According to the association, this could further delay the engagement of many qualified teachers.
TTAG clearly outlined its stance on the issue, beginning with a rejection of what it describes as limited recruitment. The association criticized any system that absorbs only a small portion of trained teachers while leaving the majority without employment.
Additionally, TTAG expressed concern over what appears to be a shift away from the established automatic posting system. The association noted that if such a policy change is being considered, it is important for stakeholders to be properly informed and engaged. It stressed that silence on such a significant matter is unacceptable.
The association also rejected any move toward an unstructured and unpredictable recruitment system. It maintained that teacher trainees deserve a clear and consistent annual recruitment process, rather than being left uncertain after completing their training.
Furthermore, TTAG called for the immediate release of a comprehensive national recruitment plan. This roadmap, according to the association, should clearly explain how the current backlog of trained teachers will be addressed and how future graduates will be absorbed into the system.
In addition, TTAG urged the Ministry of Finance and the President of Ghana to review the current recruitment numbers and consider increasing them. The association believes this step would demonstrate a commitment to tackling the growing issue of unemployment among trained teachers.
TTAG concluded by stating that it will continue to speak out against delays, uncertainty, and selective recruitment practices. The association emphasized that the issue goes beyond numbers, highlighting the importance of fairness, trust, and maintaining confidence in Ghana’s teacher education system.
The statement was jointly issued by Victor Atsu Anyidoho, General Secretary, and Nanija Divine, President of TTAG.