The Ghana Education Service (GES) has warned that the Atwima Mponua District in the Ashanti Region requires at least 632 additional teachers to tackle a severe staffing shortfall across its schools.
District Public Relations Officer Eric Aboagye highlighted the issue during a ceremony honoring Mpasatia D/A Basic School Headmistress Bridgette Evelyn Prempeh, who placed second in Channel One TV’s 2025/2026 Community Legend competition.
Aboagye explained that 34 basic schools in the district have no more than three teachers each, including the headteacher, a situation he described as “very worrisome.” He added that the district needs 632 teachers to fill various classrooms.
The staffing challenge is exacerbated by the annual departure of teachers, particularly those posted to deprived communities. An average of 150 teachers leave the district every year after completing the required service period, seeking transfers elsewhere.
Teachers posted to deprived areas may request release after roughly three years, making it difficult for the district to retain experienced educators.
The GES is seeking urgent recruitment and retention strategies to address the gap and ensure quality education for students across Atwima Mponua.
