The Coalition of Unemployed Trained Teachers in Ghana has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu’s recent announcement to recruit 6,100 teachers.

The Minister announced that Cabinet had approved the recruitment of 6,100 additional teachers to help close staffing gaps in the education sector.

Addressing journalists in Accra on Wednesday, November 19, the Minister reaffirmed that education remains Ghana’s largest employer and stressed the government’s commitment to strengthening the workforce.

The group of unemployed teachers, representing over 17,000 College of Education graduates who completed their studies in 2023, has called the Minister’s plan both insufficient and unfair, demanding immediate action and a clearer pathway to employment for all qualified graduates.

In response to the minister's announcement, members of the group took to the streets Wednesday in a peaceful demonstration, protesting the selective recruitment approach and demanding that all deserving graduates be given an opportunity to serve in the educational sector.

The group asserts that the recruitment should not favour only a small number of teachers but should be inclusive of all who have completed their training.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 20, the coalition expressed its frustration at the Haruna Iddrisu’s announcement, which they say has added to the anxiety and uncertainty felt by the large number of unemployed teachers.

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“We, the 17,000 trained teachers, have worked hard to earn our place in the education system, yet we are being left out in favour of just 6,100 recruits,” the statement read. “This approach is not only insufficient, but it also shows a lack of understanding of the dire situation we are facing. Every single one of us deserves the opportunity to serve, and we will not stand idly by while some are left behind.”

The coalition is seeking clarification from the Education Minister on the criteria for selection of the 6,100 teachers.

The protestors are concerned that the recruitment process could be arbitrary or influenced by political factors, resulting in many deserving graduates being excluded.

“We need transparency,” the statement read. “Will the recruitment be based on a specific protocol, or will it be done through rough tactics, leaving out those of us who have completed our training?”

This year marks an unprecedented moment for Ghana’s education sector, as such a large number of qualified graduates remain without employment.

Historically, College of Education graduates have had a clearer path to teaching jobs upon completion, but this year, the 2023 cohort is facing an uncertain future.

The coalition has called on Haruna Iddrisu to prioritise the full recruitment of all eligible 2023 graduates, arguing that this is a matter of fairness and transparency.

They pointed out that never before have so many qualified educators been left in limbo, with no clear timeline or plan for their employment.

“It is unfair, and it undermines the education system when a large number of trained teachers are left without jobs,” the coalition noted. “We want to contribute to the future of this nation. We have all completed the necessary training, and we deserve to be given the chance to serve.”

The coalition also addressed remarks made by the Education Minister, who referred to the protesting graduates as “striking teachers” and suggested they should undergo further verification.

The coalition has strongly rejected this characterisation, clarifying that they are not on strike but are simply unemployed trained teachers seeking employment.

“We are not striking,” the group emphasised. “We are not seeking to disrupt the system. We are simply asking for the opportunity to contribute to Ghana’s educational development. We urge the Minister to listen to our concerns and stop referring to us in misleading terms.”

The coalition has given the Minister a two-week deadline to provide a clear roadmap for the full employment of all 2023 College of Education graduates. If their demands are not met by then, they have vowed to escalate their protests.

“We cannot afford to wait any longer,” the group declared. “We expect to begin work in January, at the start of the second term. If we do not receive any clarity or communication from the Ministry, we will be forced to take to the streets again.”

The group hopes that Haruna Iddrisu will take their concerns seriously and act swiftly to provide the necessary clarification and support for the 17,000 graduates who are currently without work.

“We need urgent attention,” the statement read. “This is not just about jobs for us. This is about the future of Ghana’s children and the quality of our education. We all want to play our part.”