The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has confirmed that a new batch of recruited teachers will begin work across the country in July as government moves to strengthen staffing levels within the education sector. Haruna Iddrisu

Speaking in Parliament, the Tamale South Member of Parliament disclosed that about 7,000 teachers are expected to be recruited under the latest employment exercise.

He explained that discussions are still ongoing with the Ministry of Finance to explore the possibility of increasing the number of recruits, although any additional recruitment would have to align with budgetary provisions.

The Minister added that he remains in discussions with the Finance Minister regarding the recruitment figures. According to him, government must ensure that any increase in recruitment is financially sustainable and accommodated within the national budget framework.

Government Seeks to Address Staffing Needs

The announcement comes amid continued concerns about teacher shortages in some schools across the country, particularly in underserved communities and in specialized subject areas.

Hon. Haruna Iddrisu assured Members of Parliament that government remains committed to strengthening the education workforce to improve learning outcomes nationwide.

He noted that teacher deployment remains a critical component of efforts to improve access to quality education, especially in regions facing staffing challenges.

The Minister’s comments also reflected broader concerns about equitable teacher distribution across the country, including the need for specialized support for language instruction and inclusive education.

Attention on Inclusive Recruitment

During his address, the Minister referenced concerns raised during this year’s May Day celebrations regarding the inclusion of persons with disabilities in teacher recruitment exercises.

“Mr Speaker, my attention was drawn during the May Day celebration when one of the workers was dancing with a placard that ‘Blind teachers are also teachers’ to remind me that when you are doing recruitment, take care of blind teachers”.
Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu

The Minister’s remarks highlighted the growing calls for equal employment opportunities within the education sector, particularly for qualified persons living with disabilities.

His comments suggested that government is being encouraged to adopt a more inclusive approach in future recruitment exercises to ensure that trained teachers with disabilities are not excluded from employment opportunities.

Focus on Local Language Instruction

Hon. Haruna Iddrisu also raised concerns about the shortage of teachers for Ghanaian languages in some parts of the country.

He disclosed that appeals had been made by traditional authorities and other stakeholders for the deployment of more language teachers, especially in areas where children benefit from learning in their local languages during the early stages of education.

According to him, concerns had been expressed about the lack of Ga language teachers in parts of the Greater Accra Region. “I’ve had requests from His Royal Majesty the Ga Mantse that even in Greater Accra, they have a challenge with Ga teachers,” he said.

The Minister added that similar concerns had also emerged in the Savannah Region and other parts of the country where local language instruction remains an important aspect of foundational education.

Improving Learning Outcomes

Hon. Haruna Iddrisu stressed that the use of local languages alongside English as a medium of instruction can significantly improve educational outcomes for children.

“We should be having dedicated teachers because it is our firm belief and faith that when children learn with a local language as first language of instruction in addition to English learning outcomes improve”.
Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu

Education experts have long advocated the use of mother tongue instruction at the lower primary level, arguing that it enhances comprehension, literacy development, and classroom participation.

The Minister’s comments are expected to renew discussions about the need for increased investment in local language education and teacher training.

Balancing Recruitment with Budget Constraints

While reaffirming government’s commitment to expanding teacher recruitment, the Minister emphasized the importance of balancing employment decisions with available financial resources.

He indicated that any effort to increase the number of recruits beyond the planned 7,000 would require further engagement with the Ministry of Finance and careful consideration of the national budget.

The recruitment exercise forms part of broader efforts by government to strengthen the education sector through improved staffing, expanded access, and better learning outcomes.

Many education stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the implementation of the recruitment process and the deployment of teachers to schools across the country beginning in July.