NTC Warns Over 42,000 Unqualified Teachers to Get Licensed or Face Sanctions
The National Teaching Council has issued a strong warning to more than 42,000 teachers across Ghana who are currently teaching without professional qualifications and licences. According to the Council, all affected teachers must regularize their status before the end of 2026 or risk facing sanctions from the Ghana Education Service.
The warning follows a nationwide survey conducted by the NTC, which revealed that thousands of teachers in both basic and senior high schools are still in classrooms without the required professional certification. The report indicated that about 12,279 unqualified teachers are teaching in senior high schools, while more than 30,000 are in basic schools across the country.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom, the Director in charge of Licensing and Registration at the NTC, Francis Addai, explained that the Council is determined to ensure every teacher becomes professionally certified before the end of the year. He urged all affected teachers to take advantage of the ongoing fast-track teacher education programme introduced to help them obtain the required teaching licence.
According to him, the first batch of participants in the programme is expected to complete their training in August 2026, while the second cohort will begin in September and finish in December. He stressed that teachers who fail to obtain the required licence may not be allowed to continue working under the Ghana Education Service.
The NTC also disclosed that the Ashanti Region recorded the highest number of unqualified teachers, followed by the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions.
To address the situation, the Council has partnered with the Ministry of Education and five universities to roll out an 18-week fast-track Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme. The universities involved include University of Cape Coast, University of Education, Winneba, University for Development Studies, Valley View University, and the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development.
The programme is aimed at helping graduate teachers without professional training obtain certification and teaching licences as required by law. The NTC noted that the programme has been heavily subsidized and will cost GH¢5,000 for two semesters to make it affordable for teachers nationwide.
Education stakeholders believe this move will help improve the quality and professionalism of teaching in Ghana’s education sector. However, many are also calling for more support and flexible opportunities for affected teachers to upgrade their qualifications without losing their jobs.
The latest development highlights the government’s renewed effort to professionalize teaching and ensure that every learner in Ghana is taught by a qualified and licensed teacher.