President John Dramani Mahama has announced government clearance for the employment of 20,000 teachers and nurses to reduce the growing backlog of unemployed graduates.
Speaking at the May Day celebration 2026 Ghana held at Jackson Park in Koforidua, the President said the move forms part of efforts to turn economic recovery into jobs.
“We have opened, we have given clearance for the employment of 20,000 teachers and nurses who are currently at home,” he said.
Relief for Unemployed Graduates
President Mahama said the decision will help address the backlog of graduates from senior high schools and tertiary institutions who remain unemployed.
“It will help ease the backlog of SHS and tertiary graduates who have completed school and are still at home.”
The announcement is expected to bring relief to trained teachers and nurses who have been waiting for postings.
Linked to Ongoing Teacher Recruitment
The latest announcement comes weeks after a nationwide recruitment exercise began in April to employ 7,000 teachers.
The earlier recruitment drive had already attracted tens of thousands of applicants, highlighting the scale of unemployment among trained graduates.
TTAG Raises Concerns
Following the announcement of the 7,000 recruitment slots, the Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG) expressed concern, stating that the number was far below the available pool of qualified teachers.
The association maintained that 7,000 slots were not enough to address the backlog and later announced a nationwide demonstration to press for broader recruitment.
From Stability to Jobs
President Mahama said government is now shifting focus from economic stabilisation to job creation and improved livelihoods.
“Macroeconomic stability is desirable, but it is not an end in itself. Stability is the foundation, but it is not the house. The aim is a better life for you and your family.”
He added that job creation remains a key priority under the government’s reset agenda.
“By investing in value addition and the digital economy, we will ensure that the Ghanaian worker is not just employed but empowered.”
Addressing Gaps in Key Sectors
The President linked the recruitment to the need for more workers in the education and health sectors, where staffing gaps still exist despite many trained professionals remaining unemployed.
“We do it for the young graduate just come out of school seeking her first job.”
Labour Concerns Highlighted
The issue of unemployment among teachers and nurses was also raised by organised labour during the May Day event, with calls for urgent government action.
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