NTC Sets Deadline for Non-Professional Teachers to Obtain Licenses by December 2024

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | July 26 |NTC Sets Deadline for Non-Professional Teachers to Obtain Licenses by December 2024

The NTC has set a December 2024 deadline for 30,000 non-professional teachers to obtain appropriate teaching registration and licensing. Degree holders must complete a PGDE program, while non-degree holders must attend a Boot Camp. Compliance is essential to avoid future licensure examinations.

The National Teaching Council (NTC) has announced that approximately 30,000 non-professional teachers at the pre-tertiary level must obtain the appropriate teaching registration and licensing by the end of December 2024. This announcement targets teachers who were recruited before the licensure regime was introduced in 2018.

Requirements for Degree Holders

Degree holders must enrol in a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) program at an accredited teacher education university. Upon completing the 16-week fast-track program, they will be issued a teacher’s registration and license. This program is exclusive to those teaching before September 30, 2018.

Requirements for Non-Degree Holders

Non-degree holders are required to attend a one-week Boot Camp training at designated institutions. Successful completion of the training will also lead to the issuance of a permanent registration and license. This requirement is also exclusive to those who were teachers before September 30, 2018.

Engagement with Universities

The NTC has started engaging with four universities for these programs:

• University of Cape Coast (UCC)
• University of Education, Winneba (UEW)
• University for Development Studies (UDS)
• Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED)

Special Dispensations

In July 2022, the NTC granted a special dispensation to in-service non-professional teachers employed before September 2018, allowing them to undergo an exemption exercise to secure a full license after upgrading to professional status within two years. Participants in these programs will not be required to write the licensure examination as part of the transitional arrangements.

Data on Unqualified Teachers

Data reveals that 7,100 teachers in senior high schools across six regions do not possess the proper credentials to teach. The NTC Registrar, Dr. Christian Addai Poku, emphasized the importance of supporting these teachers to obtain the necessary credentials for permanent registration and licensing.

Legal Implications

According to section 67(1) of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act (2020), Act 1023, “A person shall not practise as a teacher unless the person is registered as a teacher in accordance with this Act.” Therefore, it is imperative that teachers comply with these requirements. Teachers who fail to take advantage of this opportunity before the end of December 2024 will be required to write the licensure examination even if they upgrade their qualifications later.

Conclusion

The NTC urges all affected teachers to comply with the new requirements and take advantage of the programs offered to secure their teaching licenses by December 2024. This initiative aims to ensure that all teachers possess the necessary credentials to maintain the standards of education in Ghana.