High Teacher Attrition in Bawku, Pusiga: GES Implements Special Recruitment Measures [Details]

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has taken decisive action to address the alarming rate of teacher attrition in the Bawku and Pusiga areas of the Upper East Region. Due to ongoing security concerns stemming from the enduring Bawku conflict, teachers have been leaving their posts at an accelerated pace, severely impacting the delivery of education in the region.

In response to this critical issue, the GES has approved a special arrangement to recruit qualified teachers who are indigenous to the area. This initiative aims to ensure a stable teaching force by tapping into the local community’s talent pool. Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper East Regional Minister, emphasized the importance of retaining teachers who are already familiar with the region’s challenges, expressing confidence that they would remain committed despite the security situation.

The magnitude of the problem is evident in the staggering statistics provided by the GES. Since 2022, a total of 495 basic school teachers have left their positions in the Bawku Municipality and Pusiga District. The exodus has resulted in significant disruptions, with school administrations struggling to maintain staffing levels.

Bright Lawoe, the Regional Director of the GES, shed light on the modalities of the new recruitment strategy. Only qualified teachers who have completed their training, passed licensure examinations, and fulfilled national service requirements are eligible for consideration. Once selected, these teachers will undergo expedited financial clearance procedures to facilitate their employment.

Efforts are underway to expedite the recruitment process to ensure that the newly appointed teachers can commence their duties at the start of the 2024/2025 academic year in September. The GES remains committed to addressing the teacher shortage in the Bawku enclave to uphold the quality of education and support the development of the region.

Despite the challenges posed by the persistent conflict, stakeholders are reassured that the GES is actively working to mitigate the impact on education provision. By leveraging local expertise and implementing targeted recruitment measures, the GES aims to safeguard the future of students in Bawku and Pusiga.