Volta Regional Minister James Gunu directs GES to engage NSS and retired teachers to help address teacher shortages in schools across the region.
By Ferdinand Ellis | EducateGhana.com
The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to explore immediate measures to address the shortage of teachers in schools across the region.
The directive follows concerns over vacant classrooms and the potential impact of the teacher shortage on teaching and learning while the government works towards the recruitment and employment of new teachers.
The Regional Minister made the directive after the Education Ministry presented the teacher shortage situation in the Volta Region during a meeting of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC).
Volta Region faces teacher shortage
The presentation to the Regional Coordinating Council highlighted gaps in teacher availability across schools in the region.
The shortage has raised concerns about the ability of schools to maintain effective teaching and learning, particularly in schools where existing teachers are required to handle additional classes or subjects because of vacant teaching positions.
The situation has prompted the Regional Minister to seek interim measures while the national process for recruiting new teachers continues.
The immediate objective is to ensure that classrooms do not remain without teachers because of vacancies.
➡ Related: [GES Teacher Recruitment 2026: Application Guide and Requirements]
➡ Related: [Teacher Shortage in Ghana: Causes, Effects and Possible Solutions]
James Gunu directs GES to explore temporary solutions
Following the presentation, Hon. James Gunu tasked the GES to liaise with other institutions and groups that could provide temporary teaching support.
The Regional Minister specifically mentioned the National Service Scheme (NSS) and groups of retired teachers as potential sources of additional support for schools affected by teacher shortages.
The proposal is intended to provide temporary relief rather than replace the government’s planned recruitment of permanent teachers.
GES will therefore be expected to explore how available personnel can be deployed to areas where teacher vacancies are creating immediate challenges.
➡ Related: [National Service Scheme in Ghana: Complete Guide]
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Retired teachers could support affected schools
The Regional Minister also called for engagement with groups of retired teachers.
Retired teachers possess classroom experience and professional knowledge that could potentially help schools facing temporary staffing difficulties.
Their involvement could provide schools with experienced personnel while the government completes the processes required to recruit and employ new teachers.
Any such arrangement would, however, require appropriate coordination between the relevant authorities and clear terms governing the engagement of retired teachers.
➡ Related: [Teacher Education and Training in Ghana: Complete Guide]
➡ Related: [National Teachers’ Standards in Ghana: Complete Guide]
NSS personnel could provide interim support
The proposed engagement with the National Service Scheme could also provide an avenue for addressing some immediate staffing gaps.
National service personnel are deployed to institutions across Ghana as part of the national service programme. The Regional Minister’s directive suggests that the GES should explore whether available personnel can be appropriately deployed to schools experiencing teacher shortages.
The arrangement would serve as an interim measure while the government pursues the employment of new teachers.
It would also require careful consideration of the qualifications, placement and supervision of personnel assigned to teaching-related duties.
➡ Related: [NSS Posting and Placement in Ghana: Complete Guide]
➡ Related: [Teaching Practice and Professional Support for Teachers in Ghana]
Government recruitment remains important
The proposed intervention does not remove the need for the recruitment of qualified teachers.
The Regional Minister’s directive is aimed at managing the immediate consequences of teacher shortages while the government works through the recruitment and employment process.
Permanent teacher recruitment remains essential because schools require qualified and appropriately deployed teachers to provide sustained instruction and support learners’ academic development.
The temporary measures could therefore serve as a bridge until newly recruited teachers are available for deployment.
➡ Related: [GES Recruitment 2026: Application Status and Next Steps]
➡ Related: [Professional Teacher Licensing in Ghana: Requirements and Process]
Why the teacher shortage matters
Teacher availability has a direct bearing on the quality of classroom instruction.
When schools have fewer teachers than required, existing teachers may have to teach larger classes, handle additional subjects or take on responsibilities beyond their normal workload.
Persistent shortages can also affect lesson preparation, assessment, individual learner support and other aspects of school management.
For this reason, the Volta Regional Minister’s directive places emphasis on finding immediate solutions while longer-term recruitment measures are pursued.
➡ Related: [Classroom Management Strategies for Teachers in Ghana]
➡ Related: [Teaching and Learning Resources for Ghanaian Teachers]
What happens next
The GES is expected to engage the National Service Scheme and relevant retired teacher groups to determine how temporary support can be provided to schools with staffing gaps.
The effectiveness of the intervention will depend on identifying the schools most affected, determining the number and type of teachers required and ensuring that any personnel deployed have the appropriate skills and supervision.
The broader issue of teacher recruitment and equitable distribution will remain important to resolving the shortage on a sustainable basis.
For now, the directive by Hon. James Gunu signals an effort by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council to prevent teacher vacancies from leaving classrooms without adequate instructional support.
About the Author
Ferdinand Ellis is an education researcher, curriculum specialist, education policy analyst and education journalist. He is the founder of EducateGhana.com, Ghana’s Education Intelligence Platform, where he writes on education policy, teacher education, curriculum, schools, examinations and developments within Ghana’s education sector.
