Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has disclosed that the Ghana Education Service has officially closed its teacher recruitment application portal, just days after it was opened on April 10, 2026.
According to Haruna Iddrisu, the portal was closed after the GES received an overwhelming response from applicants.
The Education Minister disclosed that the Ghana Education Service(GES) received over 40,000 applications, far exceeding the 7,000 teaching positions available.
Haruna Iddrisu, however, defended the government’s decision to recruit only 7,000 teachers.
Haruna Iddrisu detailed that the 7000 teachers being recruited are due to budget constraints, adding that 50,000 teachers could have been recruited across the country if there were resources.
Speaking during the launch and communications briefing of the 19th edition of the eLearning Africa Conference on Tuesday, April 14, Haruna Iddrisu stated, “If resources were available, we should be employing and recruiting up to 50,000 teachers across the country, but due to budgetary constraints, we are unable to do that.
The Ministry of Education sought clearance from the Ministry of Finance to recruit up to 7,000 teachers with degrees and diplomas. Accordingly, the process has been advertised in an open, transparent manner,” he said.
Earlier, Haruna Iddrisu announced that his ministry has received clearance and approval from the Ministry of Finance for the recruitment of teachers across the country.
Haruna Iddrisu disclosed that the government plans to recruit 7,000 teachers across Ghana.
According to the Education Minister, the move forms part of government efforts to strengthen the education sector and address staffing gaps in schools.
Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, April 1, Haruna Iddrisu stated, “I am happy to note and announce that the Ministry of Education has received clearance and approval from the Ministry of Finance for the recruitment of teachers across the country. We will be recruiting at least 7,000 teachers. We want the process to be open, transparent, and competitive.
“Therefore, graduates from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 cohorts may apply for placement as teachers across the country. Priority will be given to those who are ready and willing to serve in those deprived and safe areas.”
Meanwhile, some Ghanaians reacting to the news stated, “These numbers show a clear mismatch…
While the government continues to subsidise teacher training with old incentives meant to address past shortages, the dynamic has changed. Today, Ghana’s economy urgently needs more builders, artisans, bricklayers, plumbers, electricians and other skilled technical workers.
Unfortunately, polytechnics and technical universities, created for TVET, are now charging high fees and shifting towards grammar courses instead of their core hands-on mandate.
It’s time to shift incentives strongly in favour of technical and vocational skills training to better align education with the real needs of our economy”.
One X user added, “Over 50,000 vacancies, but then the Financial Minister says only 7,000 can be picked out of the 40,000 applicants. Wow”.
A netizen stated, “Hmmm, something must be done quickly to bring down the unemployment problem in Ghana immediately.
Very sad for our mother, Ghana. I believe and know that the NDC government will change the narrative with all the resources at their disposal”.
“Many people are running private schools that are barely regulated. Some make huge profits while paying teachers peanuts. There should be requirements for these private schools to employ a certain number of trained and licensed teachers who are paid like public school teachers”, a netzine added.
Watch the video below:
The Ghana Education Service has officially closed its teacher recruitment application portal, just days after it was opened on April 10, 2026, due to an overwhelming response from applicants.
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) April 14, 2026
According to the Service, more than 40,000 applications were received, far exceeding… pic.twitter.com/zY8u7xqtwb