NPP Communicator opposes calls for decentralization of teacher recruitment

A former Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Chiana-Paga Constituency, Mohammed Abass, has disagreed with calls by some civil society organizations (CSOs) for the decentralization of teacher recruitment and deployment in Ghana.

Several CSOs, including the Northern Network for Education Development (NNED), CBE Alliance, and School for Life, have recently urged the government to decentralize the process, arguing that the current centralized system is bureaucratic, ineffective, and prone to political interference.

According to the organizations, decentralization would promote equity, accountability, and improve teacher retention in rural schools.

However, speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Friday October 10, Abass maintained that the centralized system remains the best option for ensuring fairness and transparency in teacher recruitment.

“I stand with the centralized system, thanks to Dr. Bawumia’s digitalization initiative, you can apply from the comfort of your home once you have the necessary qualifications. You just enter your details online, and if you meet the criteria, you are selected. There’s no need to see a district director or send goats and fowls to anyone.”

He argued that decentralization could reintroduce favoritism and corruption at the local level, recalling instances where local authorities allegedly recruited their own relatives and acquaintances while neglecting more qualified candidates.

“Decentralizing the system will disadvantage people without connections at the local level,” he warned.

As an alternative, Abass suggested improving the existing centralized system rather than overhauling it. He proposed the formation of a bipartisan selection committee involving civil society organizations, district and regional education directors, and the Minister of Education to enhance transparency and inclusiveness in the process.

The debate over centralization versus decentralization of teacher recruitment has become a growing policy concern, with stakeholders divided over the best approach to improve teacher distribution and retention, particularly in rural schools.

Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna