By Michael Foli Jackidy
Peki (V/R), July 17, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Government will recruit 16,000 trained teachers this year as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s education sector and improve teaching and learning across the country.
The President made the announcement during an inspection of the newly completed 1,500-seat multipurpose assembly hall at the Peki College of Education as part of his two-day “Resetting Ghana Tour” of the Volta Region.
He said the recruitment process would commence immediately after the necessary financial clearance had been secured, adding that the remaining trained teachers awaiting employment would be recruited gradually as resources became available.
President Mahama reaffirmed his government’s commitment to reducing graduate unemployment while ensuring that schools across the country had the required number of qualified teachers to improve educational outcomes.
He said investing in teacher education remained one of the most effective ways of building a skilled and productive workforce capable of driving national development.
The President commended the management of Peki College of Education for its contribution to teacher training over the years and assured the institution of continued government support to improve infrastructure and the quality of education.
Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education, also announced that Government would construct about 50,000 teachers’ bungalows nationwide to address the accommodation challenges confronting teachers, particularly those posted to rural and underserved communities.
He said the initiative formed part of government’s broader strategy to improve the welfare and motivation of teachers, enhance staff retention and create a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning.
The Minister explained that inadequate accommodation remained one of the major factors affecting teacher deployment and retention, especially in deprived areas, stressing that the nationwide housing programme would significantly improve living conditions for teachers.
He noted that government remained committed to investing in educational infrastructure, teacher welfare and human capital development to ensure equitable access to quality education throughout the country.
The inspection formed part of President Mahama’s working visit to the Volta Region, during which he is inspecting and commissioning development projects as well as engaging citizens on government’s flagship programmes under the Resetting Ghana Agenda.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba