Accept rural community postings to reduce teacher deficits – Dr. Apaak to Teachers

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has urged graduates from colleges of education to accept job postings in rural areas.

According to him, when teachers accept postings to rural areas, it will mitigate the challenge of the lack of teachers in the hinterlands.

He made the appeal when he addressed the 17th Congregation of Ola College of Education on Friday, on the disturbing gaps that have often hampered education in the rural areas.

He stressed that the government’s policy interventions of a 20% allowance to teachers posted in those areas and the ‘Teacher Dabr3 Initiative’ were aimed at making teaching in the largely avoided communities more attractive.

“To encourage teachers to serve in rural areas, a 20% allowance will be provided to teachers who accept postings to underserved communities. This initiative, along with the Teacher Dabr3 Initiative, which focuses on constructing teacher accommodations in rural areas, aims to make rural teaching more appealing.

“I urge you to accept postings to rural communities to reduce the teacher deficits in rural areas to ensure equal access to education for all,” he said.

Rural postings continue to be a concerning issue in the education sector as teachers in the public sector reject job offers to the underserved communities.

This comes amidst the government’s revealed plans to recruit 50,000 teachers in the public sector to address concerns of teacher deficits.

The government hopes the interventions will encourage teachers to take up job opportunities in the hinterlands.

Dr. Apaak also urged graduands to “never underestimate the impact of your work” and to “be ethical, innovative, and compassionate.” He emphasized that teachers play a critical role in shaping Ghana’s future and encouraged them to carry the legacy of knowledge and service with pride and humility.

The Deputy Minister commended the leadership of OLA College of Education, particularly the Principal, Dr. Mrs. Regina Okyere-Dankwah, for their tireless efforts in positioning the college as a centre of excellence for female teacher education.