Haruna Iddrisu Vows to Hike Teacher Recruitment Numbers in Ghana
Ghana’s education sector may soon see a significant boost as Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister for Education, has pledged to increase the number of teachers recruited into the system. This announcement comes amid growing pressure from teacher unions and thousands of trained graduates awaiting employment.
Background: The 7,000 Recruitment Concern
Earlier in 2026, the government approved the recruitment of 7,000 teachers across the country. However, this figure quickly sparked widespread criticism from stakeholders in the education sector.
Teacher unions, including the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), argued that the number was far too small to address the backlog of trained but unemployed teachers. Reports indicate that over 10,000 trained graduates remain on waiting lists, making the current quota insufficient to meet national demand.
Additionally, the Minister had previously explained that budget constraints limited recruitment capacity, despite the country’s urgent need for more teachers.
Government Response: A Promise to Increase Recruitment
In response to mounting pressure, Haruna Iddrisu has now assured stakeholders that the government will review the recruitment quota, with the aim of increasing the number of available slots.
According to him, the current allocation is not final, and steps are being taken to reassess the situation. His intervention signals a willingness by the government to address concerns raised by teacher unions and unemployed graduates.
This move is expected to bring relief to many trained teachers who have completed their studies at Colleges of Education and universities but are yet to secure employment.
Why More Teachers Are Needed
The demand for increased teacher recruitment is driven by several key factors:
- Growing student population across basic and secondary schools
- Teacher shortages in rural and underserved areas
- Backlog of trained but unemployed teachers
- Need to improve quality of teaching and learning outcomes
Education remains one of the largest employment sectors in Ghana, and expanding recruitment is seen as a critical step toward strengthening the system.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Teacher unions have welcomed the Minister’s pledge but insist that the government must act quickly. Many describe the initial 7,000 slots as a “drop in the ocean,” emphasizing the urgency of addressing unemployment among trained teachers.
Education experts also believe that increasing recruitment will help reduce classroom congestion and improve teacher-to-student ratios nationwide.
What This Means for Graduates
If implemented, the proposed increase in recruitment numbers could:
- Provide job opportunities for thousands of trained teachers
- Reduce frustration among unemployed education graduates
- Strengthen Ghana’s education system
- Improve learning conditions for students
However, the actual number of additional recruits will depend largely on government funding and budget adjustments.
Conclusion
Haruna Iddrisu’s commitment to reviewing and potentially increasing teacher recruitment numbers marks a positive development for Ghana’s education sector. While the initial 7,000 slots sparked concern, the government’s willingness to reconsider offers renewed hope for thousands of trained teachers awaiting employment.
The next steps will be crucial, as stakeholders look forward to concrete action that translates this promise into real job opportunities.