In recent years, Ghana has witnessed a concerning surge in the exodus of professional teachers to countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Although , precise teacher migration figures are limited, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) estimates that over 16,000 trained teachers have exited the classroom between 2021 and 2024, either leaving the profession or migrating abroad.
CAUSES OF THE EXODUS
1. Low Remuneration: Teachers in Ghana earn significantly lower wages compared to their counterparts abroad. Many are unable to meet basic living standards.
2. Poor Working Conditions: Overcrowded classrooms, inadequate teaching resources, and limited career advancement opportunities push teachers to seek better conditions.
3. Aggressive Recruitment by Foreign Agencies: Countries like the UK have introduced fast-track visa policies targeting skilled teachers from Ghana.
4. Lack of Respect and Motivation: Many teachers report low societal regard for the profession and limited government support, leading to frustration.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Review and Increase Salaries: Government must prioritize competitive salary adjustments to retain talent.
2. Improve Working Conditions: Investing in infrastructure, teaching materials, and manageable class sizes will enhance job satisfaction.
3. Proper Retention Incentives: Introducing rural allowances, housing schemes, long term car loan and other incentives can reduce the motivation to migrate.
4. Professional Development Opportunities: Providing scholarships, career progression pathways, and in-service training can encourage teachers to stay.
5. Policy Intervention: The Ministry of Education must collaborate with international recruiters to regulate recruitment and protect Ghana’s educational workforce.
If urgent steps are not taken, the teacher migration crisis risks deepening the already troubling educational challenges in Ghana.
Written by : KWADWO ESSEL - Educationist | Curriculum & Assessment Specialist
