The Government of Ghana has officially begun a nationwide drive to professionalize teaching by removing untrained teachers from classrooms and enrolling them in a new Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) programme. The move, led by the National Teaching Council (NTC) in collaboration with selected public universities, is expected to affect thousands of teachers in both public and private schools across Ghana.
This major education reform follows a nationwide teacher compliance audit conducted by the NTC, which uncovered widespread gaps in professional teacher qualification, especially at the senior high school (SHS) level.
Over 12,000 Untrained Teachers Identified Nationwide
Speaking on The Pulse programme on Joy News, the Director of Registration and Licensing at the National Teaching Council, Mr. Francis Kwasi Addai, revealed that the audit identified 12,279 untrained teachers currently teaching in senior high schools alone.
According to him, although many of these teachers have strong subject knowledge, they lack professional teacher training, making them ineligible under Ghana’s teacher licensing laws.
“This is not about pushing people out of the system. It is about giving those who qualify an opportunity to become professionals and remain in the classroom,” Mr. Addai explained.
New Fast-Track PGDE Programme Introduced
To address the situation, the NTC has partnered with five accredited public universities in Ghana to roll out a fast-track PGDE programme aimed at upgrading untrained teachers and regularizing their professional status.
Accredited Universities Running the PGDE Programme
The programme will be run by:
- University of Cape Coast (UCC)
- University of Education, Winneba (UEW)
- University for Development Studies (UDS)
- Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development
- Koforidua Technical University
The Director of the Centre for Teacher Professional Development at UCC, Dr Bernard Yaw Sakyi Acquah, confirmed the readiness of the universities to admit all qualified applicants.
“We have the structures, faculty, and systems already in place. Once applicants meet the requirements, we are ready to enroll them,” he stated.
PGDE Fees Reduced – See New Cost
Ordinarily, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education in Ghana costs about GH¢9,000. However, under a special arrangement with the NTC, the fee has been reduced to GH¢5,000, making it more affordable for teachers nationwide.
- Duration: 20 weeks
- Mode: Intensive fast-track programme
- Focus: Pedagogy, classroom management, learner assessment, and instructional methods
Who Qualifies for the PGDE Programme?
According to the NTC, eligibility is strictly defined.
Minimum Requirements
- Must hold a first degree from an accredited tertiary institution
- Degree must be in a subject relevant to pre-tertiary education
Who Does NOT Qualify
- HND holders
- Teachers without a recognized first degree
- Non-degree certificate holders
The Council stressed that the minimum entry requirement is a recognized bachelor’s degree, and no exemptions will be granted.
Untrained Teachers Who Refuse to Enroll Risk Losing Their Jobs
The National Teaching Council has issued a strong warning to untrained teachers who qualify but refuse to enroll in the PGDE programme.
Under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023) and other teacher professional laws:
- No person is allowed to teach in Ghana without NTC registration and licensing
- Teachers who fail to comply will be removed from classrooms
“If you are not professionally certified and licensed, you cannot remain in the classroom. This programme is the window of opportunity,” Mr Addai stated.
Why the Government Is Enforcing Teacher Licensing
Beyond compliance, the initiative aims to significantly improve the quality of teaching and learning in Ghanaian schools.
According to the NTC:
- Many untrained teachers lack pedagogical skills
- Key gaps include classroom management, student assessment, and effective teaching strategies
- The PGDE programme will equip teachers with professional competencies to improve learning outcomes
Possible Financial Support for Applicants
There are ongoing discussions to provide targeted financial support for some teachers enrolling in the PGDE programme.
Potential Beneficiaries
- Female teachers
- Aged 35 years and below
The NTC disclosed that development partners may provide sponsorships, aligning with broader efforts to promote female participation in the education sector in Ghana.
NTC Warns: Enforcement Will Be Strict
The National Teaching Council emphasized that teacher licensing has been mandatory since 2021, and some of the first-issued licenses have already expired.
Going forward:
- Enforcement will be strict
- Unlicensed teachers will not be allowed to practice
- Teaching is officially recognized as a regulated profession in Ghana
“The law is clear. Teaching is a regulated profession. If you are not licensed, you cannot practice,” the Council stressed.
Final Thoughts
This landmark decision marks a major turning point in education reform in Ghana. With thousands of untrained teachers expected to enroll in the PGDE programme, the government and the National Teaching Council aim to build a fully professional, licensed, and competent teaching workforce across the country.
Teachers are therefore strongly advised to check their eligibility, enroll promptly, and regularize their professional status to avoid losing their jobs.
Stay updated for application timelines, admission details, and sponsorship announcements.
Source: GESHub.org
