Josiah
Peter Ani Partey, the Executive Director of the Institute for Education Studies, has expressed his concerns regarding the potential departure of teachers from Ghana to the UK due to the UK government’s new recruitment policy. This policy, which welcomes teachers from African countries, could result in a significant exodus of educators from Ghana.
The UK government’s policy specifically targets teachers with qualifications equivalent to their British counterparts and a minimum of one year of teaching experience. According to the National Teaching Council (NTC) of Ghana, approximately 10,000 teachers in Ghana meet these criteria and are certified to work abroad.
The possible mass departure of such a large number of teachers raises serious concerns about the impact on Ghana’s educational system. It could lead to a substantial shortage of qualified teaching personnel within the country, ultimately affecting the quality of education.
Peter Ani Partey highlighted the significance of this issue, emphasizing that these departing teachers possess valuable experience and skills needed in Ghana’s educational system. He also pointed out that the government’s investments in their training, including training allowances and resources, might not yield the expected returns if these teachers leave the country.
In response to the concerns raised, the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, mentioned that the government is considering offering transfer grants to teachers who are willing to work in underserved communities. This move aims to address the teacher-student ratio in the country and ensure that educational needs are met.
Dr. Adutwum also emphasized that Ghana does not lack teachers and that they are ready to deploy them where needed. He suggested that the perception of a teacher shortage may be an illusion, and the government is committed to providing the necessary resources to support education in the country.
Source: Omanghana.com
