The Municipal Education Director for Kwahu South in the Eastern Region, Williams Frimpong, has called on the government to take urgent steps to resolve the persistent shortage of teachers in rural areas, a situation he says is affecting the standard of education in those communities.

Speaking at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) delegates conference held in Kwahu Mpraeso, Mr. Frimpong described the teacher deficit in rural schools as a major barrier to quality education delivery.

He appealed to the government to implement attractive incentive packages to encourage teachers to accept and remain in rural postings.

He suggested that such incentives could include enhanced salary structures, improved infrastructure, and access to continuous professional development.

According to him, these measures would help attract qualified teachers to underserved areas and ensure they are motivated to deliver quality instruction.

“It is time we made rural postings appealing. If we want equal access to quality education across the country, then we must invest in the welfare of teachers who serve in our most deprived communities,” Frimpong stated.

Also addressing the conference, newly elected GNAT Kwahu South Chairperson, Rachel Ohemeng, advocated for the reactivation of study leave with pay for teachers pursuing advanced degrees.

She noted that allowing teachers to further their education while receiving their salaries would boost professional growth and translate into better learning outcomes for students.

“Enabling teachers to pursue master’s degrees and beyond through study leave with pay is crucial to professional development and the long-term improvement of teaching standards in our schools,” Ohemeng stressed.

The conference brought together key education stakeholders from the district to discuss strategies for strengthening the teaching profession and improving educational outcomes.