GES Announces Fast-Track Licensing Program for Non-Professional Teachers by the NTC

The Ghana Education Service (GES), in collaboration with the National Teaching Council (NTC), has announced a major initiative to upgrade non-professional teachers to professional status, ensuring they meet the legal requirements to practice in Ghanaian classrooms.

In a directive dated November 20, 2025, Management of the GES highlighted that under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act 2020 (Act 1023), it is illegal to practice as a teacher without being registered and licensed.

While professional teachers have been receiving licenses since 2021, the current licensing exercise has previously excluded those without professional teaching qualifications.

To bridge this gap, the NTC has partnered with four major universities: the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), AAMUSTED, and the University for Development Studies (UDS).

Together, they have designed a fast-track Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) specifically for non-professional teachers in both public and private schools. The program is scheduled to run between 16 and 20 weeks and will commence during the next school vacation.

Recognising the financial burden on educators, the program is being offered at a subsidised fee of GH¢5,000.00.

Additionally, the GES announced that Transforming Teacher Education and Learning (T-TEL) has agreed to provide financial support for applicants under the age of 35.

The GES has set a strict deadline for registration: November 30, 2025. Teachers requiring this upgrade must register immediately via the official link provided in the directive.

Register Here (Click)

The GES emphasised that this upgrade is essential to enable these teachers to register with the NTC and receive the appropriate license to continue their employment.