Recent observations reveal that many private schools and their teachers in Ghana have failed to align themselves with ongoing educational reforms spearheaded by the National Teaching Council (NTC) — a situation contributing significantly to the declining performance of students in national examinations such as the WASSCE and BECE.
The National Teaching Council (NTC), established under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act 2020 (Act 1023), is mandated to regulate the teaching profession and ensure quality education delivery across both public and private schools in Ghana. Unfortunately, a large number of private schools and their teachers have disassociated themselves from NTC activities, seemingly unaware of its vital role in promoting professionalism and continuous improvement in teaching.
This disconnection has resulted in many private school teachers being uninformed about key NTC frameworks and programs, including:
- National Teacher Standards (NTS)
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- CPD Framework
- Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
- PLC Book
- Teacher Licensing Accounts for both professional and non-professional teachers
- The Four Main Teacher Development Programs
- Teacher Licensure Requirements
Because of this lack of engagement, private school teachers often teach without aligning their instruction to the National Teacher Standards, which guide effective teaching, assessment, and professional behavior. Many do not integrate these standards into lesson planning, assessment, or classroom management, which undermines the quality of education delivered to learners.
Moreover, most private schools have opted out of the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs organized by the NTC over the years. Yet, they continue to expect excellent outcomes from teachers who have not been adequately equipped or updated on best practices. Even in the area of assessment, which forms a crucial component of the NTS, many private schools fall short, resulting in poor student performance in national exams.
The Executive Director of the National Council of Private School Teachers (N-COPST) has expressed grave concern over this situation and is urging all private schools in Ghana to take immediate corrective measures. He further calls on the Minister of Education and the National Teaching Council to strictly enforce provisions of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), to ensure compliance.
According to Section 79 of Act 1023, under Employment of Teachers:
(1) “A person shall not knowingly or negligently employ a person as a teacher in an institution unless the teacher is registered under this Act.”
(2) “A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than five hundred penalty units and not more than one thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than six months and not more than one year, or both.”
In light of this, N-COPST is calling on the Minister of Education and the NTC to give private schools a three-month ultimatum to ensure all their teachers are licensed. Schools that fail to comply within the stipulated period should face the full rigors of the law.
Additionally, some private schools have been denying teachers formal appointment letters or cutting salaries arbitrarily, especially when vacations fall mid-month. Such exploitative practices must cease immediately. N-COPST has vowed to hold defaulting schools accountable and protect the welfare of teachers nationwide.
The Executive Director also urges parents to enroll their children only in private schools that employ licensed teachers, as these institutions demonstrate genuine commitment to professional teaching standards and quality education.
Finally, all private school teachers are reminded to participate in this year’s National Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Day Program, scheduled for Thursday, 7th November 2025, which has been declared a public holiday for teachers.
The program is free of charge for all teachers.
For inquiries or assistance, contact:
📞 0540569643 (N-COPST Secretariat)
Signed:
Ackon James
Executive Director, N-COPST
📞 0540569643
Francis Gabriel
Public Relations Officer, N-COPST
📞 0240818171
Credit: Mr James Ackon, Executive Director of the National Council of Private School Teachers
