Unemployed Teachers reject Minister’s 6,100 recruitment plan
The Coalition of Unemployed Trained Teachers (CUTT) has registered strong dissatisfaction with the recent announcement by the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, regarding the planned recruitment of 6,100 teachers. According to the coalition, which represents more than 17,000 College of Education graduates who completed their studies in 2023 and remain unemployed, the Minister’s approach fails to address the scale of the unemployment crisis confronting trained teachers across the country.
In a press release dated November 20, 2025, CUTT expressed frustration that the government’s recruitment plan is not only insufficient but also lacking clarity and transparency. The group argued that every qualified graduate teacher deserves an opportunity to contribute to Ghana’s educational system, especially at a time when schools continue to report staffing gaps.
The coalition revealed that its members took to the streets the previous day to demonstrate peacefully. Their central demand was straightforward: the government must initiate a mass recruitment exercise that includes all deserving 2023 College of Education graduates, not just a select few. According to the group, any attempt to limit or restrict recruitment without clear justification would only deepen the anxieties and uncertainties already weighing heavily on unemployed graduates.
CUTT criticized the Minister’s announcement as one that “adds to the uncertainty and anxiety among graduates.” They called on Hon. Haruna Iddrisu to clearly outline the criteria for selection and provide a definite roadmap for employment. A major concern raised in the statement was whether the recruitment process would follow a fair, specific protocol or be subjected to what they referred to as “rough tactics” that could sideline many qualified graduates. The coalition insists that transparency is essential to establishing trust and ensuring fairness.
The statement further emphasized the unprecedented nature of the current situation. According to the coalition, Ghana has never witnessed such a large number of qualified teacher trainees completing their studies only to be left in prolonged unemployment. They warned that leaving thousands of trained teachers in limbo is unfair and detrimental to both the graduates and the educational system. Every qualified graduate, they noted, deserves the chance to serve the nation and should not be subjected to delays that could have long-term socioeconomic consequences.
CUTT also addressed remarks made by the Minister, in which he reportedly referred to the coalition’s members as “striking teachers.” The group strongly rejected that characterization, clarifying that they are not striking workers but rather unemployed trained teachers demanding the opportunity to work. They urged the Minister to understand their circumstances and engage with them constructively instead of dismissing their concerns.
The coalition appealed to the government to reconsider its approach and initiate a mass recruitment process that accommodates all eligible 2023 graduates. They stressed that fairness, clarity, and transparency should guide every stage of the recruitment exercise to ensure that no qualified teacher is unjustly left out. According to the group, such an approach is not only a matter of equity but also key to strengthening Ghana’s educational sector.
CUTT issued a stern warning that if no clear roadmap for employment is provided within two weeks, they will be compelled to return to the streets. They stated that the waiting period has become unbearable, especially when their expectation is to begin work as early as January, coinciding with the start of the next academic term. The coalition called on government officials to act swiftly and decisively to resolve the issue before tensions escalate further.
The statement concluded with an appeal to the Minister of Education to take their concerns seriously and offer the necessary clarifications. Signed by Secretary Toboase Frank Kwasi and President Dakedo Godwin Agyei, the release underscored CUTT’s determination to continue advocating until every qualified teacher secures the opportunity to serve.
