“You Can’t Imagine the Kind of English Some Teachers Speak” — NTC Raises Alarm Over 12,279 Unlicensed SHS Teachers

The National Teaching Council (NTC) has raised concerns over the growing number of unlicensed teachers in Ghana’s senior high schools, revealing that 12,279 teachers are currently in classrooms without professional certification.

Director of Licensing and Registration at the NTC, Francis Addai, disclosed on Kessben Maakye program that many of the affected teachers lack the required teaching qualifications needed to obtain professional licenses, despite actively teaching students across the country.

According to him, the situation involves degree holders, diploma holders, and even some SHS graduates who are teaching without formal professional training.

“Some of these teachers include degree holders, diploma holders, and SHS graduates who are in our classrooms without professional teaching knowledge,” he stated.

Mr. Addai explained that dismissing all unlicensed teachers immediately could create a serious shortage in the education sector.

“There would be a big vacuum if we sack all of them from the system,” he cautioned.

To address the challenge, Addai affirmed that , the NTC has partnered with five universities to offer Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) programs aimed at upgrading unqualified teachers while they continue teaching.

The Council is also issuing temporary licenses to affected teachers as they undergo professional training.

As part of efforts to improve teaching standards, the NTC has introduced Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), where teachers meet weekly to share knowledge and improve classroom delivery.

Mr. Addai further revealed that teacher licensing became mandatory in May 2021 to ensure professionalism and quality education delivery nationwide.

He stated that about 70 percent of candidates pass the licensure examinations annually, while resit opportunities are organized for those who fail.

The NTC official, however, expressed concern over the communication skills of some teachers.

“You can’t believe the kind of English that some of these teachers speak and write, so they must sit up and learn,” he stressed.

The Council says it is engaging employers and school authorities to support teachers through the upgrading process while ensuring stability in the classroom system.