Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, Registrar of the National Teaching Council (NTC), warns that the significant departure of Ghanaian teachers for opportunities abroad jeopardises the nation’s educational future.
In just the first half of this year, over 16,000 teachers from Ghana applied for roles in the UK’s Department of Education. By June 13, the UK had certified 10,000 of these licenced Ghanaian educators for positions, bypassing any further qualification tests.
Speaking at a symposium in Takoradi, which precedes the annual Ghana Teacher Prize, Dr. Addai-Poku urged governmental and educational stakeholders to address this rising concern. The symposium, a confluence of educators, policymakers, and academic professionals, showcases innovative school projects and provides an arena for award finalists to display their unique achievements.
The symposium aligns with this year’s World Teachers Day theme and serves as a prelude to the Ghana Teacher Prize, held in the Western regional capital.
Despite Ghana producing a plethora of qualified teachers annually, the mounting emigration creates a yearly domestic shortage. Recognising the dedication of stakeholders to quality education, Dr. Addai-Poku expressed his commitment to collaborating with agencies, both local and global, to enhance the training and expertise of Ghana’s teachers.
Deputy Minister of Education Gifty Twum Ampofo, highlighted the timeliness of this year’s Teacher Prize theme, emphasizing the need to address the ongoing teacher deficit. She extolled the pivotal role teachers play, not just as knowledge transmitters but as society’s bedrock, moulding future generations.
In closing, Professor Andy Ofori-Birikorang, former Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, stressed the indispensable role teachers have in shaping society. “Teachers lay the foundation for the vibrant society we desire,” he remarked.
