Private school operators across Ghana are expressing concerns about a potential wave of staff departures as the government plans to recruit 7,000 teachers into the public sector.
While this move is generally welcomed as a step toward reducing unemployment among trained teachers, it is expected to greatly affect private basic schools, many of which have relied on these graduates to maintain quality teaching and learning.
Private participation in education began with the 1961 Education Act, which allowed individuals to establish schools to supplement government efforts in expanding access to education. Despite this long-standing role, stakeholders argue that policies over the years have not adequately supported the private sector.
A major concern arises from the backlog of trained teachers from Colleges of Education who completed their programs between 2022 and 2025 but were not immediately assigned by the government. Many of these graduates found employment in private schools, often under less favorable conditions.
“These teachers were not unemployed; they were only underpaid in some cases. Private schools provided them with opportunities and helped improve teaching and learning outcomes,” said Charles Mintaba, a member of the Advocacy Committee of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS).
He notes that a significant number of these teachers are now expected to move into the public sector through the new recruitment drive, potentially creating shortages in private classrooms.
The issue is worsened by the inclusion of diploma and degree holders in Basic Education, who are also eligible for recruitment. Stakeholders fear that this could increase the already high attrition rate among private school teachers.
Meanwhile, recent efforts by the National Teaching Council (NTC) to enhance the capacity of private school coordinators and training officers particularly through teacher licensing programs are seen as positive steps.
However, Mintaba warned that the licensing requirement for public sector recruitment might unintentionally speed up the departure of teachers from private institutions.
Despite these concerns, private school operators remain determined.
“If you fear divorce, you will not marry, Mintaba stated, emphasizing the importance of resilience within the sector.
“We will continue to focus on delivering results with the teachers we have, regardless of how long they stay. The name of the game is supervision. This too shall pass.”
Stakeholders are urging the government to recognize private schools as key partners in education and to adopt policies that support their sustainability amid ongoing public sector recruitment efforts.
