MoE clarifies requirements for teaching in SHSs; disqualifies degrees in Basic and Early Childhood education

The body responsible for management of education related matters and policies in Ghana, the Ministry of Education under the supervision of the sector Minister Hon. Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh has come out to clarify the misconception in the media space and public domain on the requirements to be met by a teacher to qualify him/her to teach in any of the government’s public Senior high schools, more importantly with regards to academic qualification/certification

The Ministry of Education – Ghana in a press statement issued in July 2019 reminds the general public that, such degrees from regular or sandwich/distance education.

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The presser stated clearly that, the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service do no disqualify holders of certificates from accredited universities through distance/sandwich education but rather degrees in Early Childhood Education and Basic Education which are meant purposely for the country’s basic education level.

It also stated that aside meeting the degree qualification, a person who wants to teach in the senior high school must also meet the set standards by the National Teaching Council (NTC) which includes the licensure examination certificates.

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Press statement below:

PRESS RELEASE
APPARENT CONFUSION IN THE MEDIA REGARDING QUALIFICATION FOR TEACHING AT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

The Ministry has followed discussions in the media over the past few days regarding
qualifications required of individuals who are teaching or would like to teach at the Senior High School level.

The Ministry wishes to clarify that there is no policy from either the Ministry of Education or Ghana Education Service which disqualifies teachers who earned their certificates through Distance Learning, popularly referred to as Sandwich Programs from teaching in public schools in the country.

The official position is that a degree in Early Childhood Education or Basic Education whether through Sandwich or Campus programs, does not constitute
eligibility to teach at a Senior High School.
Over the years the impression has been created that any degree qualifies one to teach at the Senior High school even if the degree (such as Early Childhood or Basic Education) is tailored for teaching at the Kindergarten or primary levels. That is not accurate.

For the avoidance of doubt, a degree in a subject area whether through Distance or campus program, qualifies one to teach in a Senior High School, in addition to meeting other requirements set by National Teaching Council and Ghana Education Service.

The Ministry appreciates the continuous efforts and contributions by teachers across the
country.

Ekow Vincent Assafuah
Public Relations Officer