NTC Issues Strong Warning to Over 42,000 Unqualified Teachers: Get Licensed or Face Sanctions

The National Teaching Council (NTC) has issued a firm ultimatum to thousands of teachers across Ghana: obtain professional teaching qualifications and licences by the end of 2026 or risk sanctions from the Ghana Education Service (GES).

This comes after a nationwide survey revealed that more than 42,000 teachers currently in classrooms lack the required professional certification.

The Numbers Behind the Warning

According to the NTC’s comprehensive survey:

• 12,279 unqualified teachers are in Senior High Schools (SHS).
• Over 30,000 unqualified teachers are in basic schools (Kindergarten to Junior High School).

The Ashanti Region recorded the highest number, with nearly 4,000 unqualified teachers, followed by Greater Accra, Eastern, and other regions.

Fast-Track Programme to the Rescue

To help regularise the status of these teachers, the NTC has launched a special 18-week fast-track Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) programme.

Programme Highlights:

• Duration: 18 weeks (two semesters)
• Cost: Heavily subsidised at GH¢5,000 for the entire programme
• Target: Graduate teachers already in service without professional training
• Outcome: Full professional certification + NTC teaching licence

Partner Universities:

• University of Cape Coast (UCC)
• University of Education, Winneba (UEW)
• University for Development Studies (UDS)
• Valley View University
• University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED)

Timeline for Completion

• First Cohort: 1,400 teachers already enrolled: expected to graduate in August 2026
• Second Cohort: Registration opens in June 2026, with classes starting in September 2026
• Target: Complete training for all enrolled teachers by December 2026

Francis Addai, Director in charge of Licensing and Registration at the NTC, made these announcements during a matriculation ceremony in Kumasi and while speaking on Channel One Newsroom.

“We want to run this programme by the end of this year… We entreat all of them to join and become professional teachers.” Francis Addai

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Mr. Addai was clear on the consequences:

“Else we will write to the employer, that is GES, and a decision will be taken on them… They cannot remain as non-professional teachers and remain in the GES.”

This means unqualified teachers who fail to enrol and complete the programme risk:

• Being barred from teaching
• Possible redeployment or removal from the GES payroll
• Other administrative sanctions

Why Professional Licensing Matters

The NTC emphasises that teaching is a regulated profession. Professional licensing ensures teachers possess the necessary pedagogical skills, subject knowledge, and ethical standards to deliver quality education to Ghanaian children.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to raise teaching standards, improve learning outcomes, and professionalise the education sector.

What Unqualified Teachers Should Do Now

1. Enrol immediately in the fast-track PGDE programme.
2. Visit the partner universities or check the NTC official website (ntc.gov.gh) for registration details.
3. Prepare for the second cohort opening in June 2026.
4. Take advantage of the subsidised fee before enforcement begins.