Govt to decentralise teacher recruitment, posting, sanctioning to district assemblies – Education Minister
Government Plans to Hand Over Teacher Recruitment to District Assemblies
The Government of Ghana is planning to change how teachers are recruited, posted, and approved across the country. This new plan will move these responsibilities from the central government to District and Municipal Assemblies.
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, made this known during the 14th Congregation and 96th Anniversary of St. John Bosco’s College of Education in Navrongo.
According to him, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered a review of the current system to make education delivery faster and more effective at the local level.
President Mahama Wants a Change
Speaking on the President’s position, the Education Minister said the current system does not support decentralisation.
Quoting the President, he said: “The President has asked how it is that a Municipal Assembly such as Kassena-Nankana cannot recruit and sanction a teacher but must wait for the Ghana Education Service. He wants a reversal of that policy.”
This means the President believes local assemblies should be able to recruit teachers directly without unnecessary delays.
District Assemblies to Lead Teacher Recruitment
Mr. Iddrisu explained that under the proposed policy, district assemblies will become responsible for recruiting teachers in their areas. This will help schools, especially those in rural and hard-to-reach communities, get teachers on time.
He said the move is meant to give local authorities the power to solve staffing problems quickly.
Plans to Increase District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF)
To support this new responsibility, the government is also considering an increase in the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
According to the Minister: “It is the thinking of President Mahama that the District Assemblies Common Fund, under Article 252 of the Constitution, be adjusted upwards from five per cent to 7.5 per cent.”
He further explained that part of the increase will be dedicated to education and health. “Beginning with one per cent dedicated to decentralised education under the Ministry supervised by the Local Government, and another one per cent dedicated to health and decentralised health services,” he added.
Accountability Will Be Ensured
The Education Minister stressed that any additional funds given to the districts will come with strict accountability measures.
He noted that: “Any additional resources allocated to the sector will be tied to decentralised operations to ensure improved efficiency, transparency and accountability at the local level.”
Final Decisions Yet to Be Announced
Mr. Iddrisu clarified that the policy has not yet been finalised. He said official announcements will be made after Cabinet and other policy approvals.
However, he assured the public that government remains committed to reforming the education sector to improve service delivery across the country.
Curriculum Review Also in Progress
The Minister also revealed that government is currently reviewing the school curriculum from kindergarten to junior high school. He said the review places strong emphasis on digital literacy, digital education, and skills development for today’s world.
Conclusion
If approved, this policy could change how teachers are recruited and posted in Ghana. By giving more power to district assemblies, the government hopes to reduce delays, improve accountability, and ensure schools—especially in underserved areas—get the teachers they need.
