Accept rural postings to address teacher deficit in such areas – Deputy Education Minister urges new teachers.

Accept Rural Postings to Help Tackle Teacher Shortage in Underserved Areas – Deputy Education Minister Appeals to Newly Trained Teachers.

The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has issued a strong appeal to newly trained teachers to consider accepting postings to rural and underserved areas across the country. 

According to him, such a move is crucial to addressing the persistent teacher deficit that continues to affect quality education delivery in many parts of the country.

Dr. Apaak made this call while delivering an address at the 17th Congregation ceremony of OLA College of Education in Cape Coast. He emphasized that many communities, particularly in remote areas, are grappling with a lack of qualified teachers, a challenge that has long compromised efforts to achieve inclusive and equitable education for all learners.

“I urge all newly trained teachers to willingly accept postings to rural and deprived areas. Your presence there is not just to teach, but to transform lives and open doors of opportunity for children who would otherwise be left behind,” he said.

Government Interventions to Support Teachers in Rural Areas

The Deputy Minister also outlined measures put in place by the government to make rural teaching more attractive and rewarding for teachers who accept the challenge. He highlighted two major interventions:

•20% Rural Incentive Allowance: Teachers posted to underserved communities will receive a 20% salary top-up to compensate for the challenges that come with teaching in those areas.

•Teacher Dabrɛ Initiative: This initiative is focused on providing decent and affordable housing for teachers in rural communities, in a bid to ease accommodation challenges and promote teacher retention in those locations.

“These initiatives are part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance the welfare of teachers and create enabling environments for effective teaching and learning in rural areas,” Dr. Apaak added.

He stressed that these interventions are not just about incentives, but about giving every Ghanaian child, regardless of their location, a fair chance at quality education.

Part of National Teacher Recruitment Strategy

Dr. Apaak’s remarks come against the backdrop of the government’s ongoing plans to recruit 50,000 new teachers into the public education system. A significant number of these teachers are expected to be deployed to rural and hard-to-reach communities, where the teacher deficit remains highest.

He noted that the success of this recruitment drive will depend heavily on the willingness of teachers to accept postings to underserved areas, reiterating that their sacrifices will play a central role in transforming education outcomes across the country.

Call to Leadership and Service

Beyond the technical aspects of the profession, the Deputy Minister used the opportunity to remind the graduates of their broader responsibility as teachers. He urged them to approach their new roles with a strong sense of purpose, ethical commitment, and leadership.

 “As you step into the classroom, remember that teaching is more than a job. It is a calling. Be ethical, compassionate, and creative in your methods. You are not just imparting knowledge, you are shaping Ghana’s future,” he emphasized.

Acknowledging the College’s Role

Dr. Apaak also commended the management and staff of OLA College of Education for their unwavering commitment to academic excellence and the development of professional female teachers. He singled out the college’s Principal, Dr. Mrs. Regina Okyere-Dankwah, for her visionary leadership in advancing teacher education, especially for women.

He applauded the college's continued efforts to produce well-trained, competent, and values-driven teachers capable of meeting the demands of the 21st-century classroom.