Education-News Consult

The wait and stressful moments for teachers who applied for postings are finally over, following the release of postings for graduate teachers by the Ghana Education Service (GES). All teachers who met the requirements and applied have been directed to visit the GES teacher recruitment portal at www.gespromotions.gov.gh from Friday, November 22, 2024, to check their posting status.

The postings are expected to be those of graduate teachers who applied as well as 2022 graduates from colleges of education who applied for posting using the self-placement or self-posting module introduced by the GES this year.

According to the GES, the service shortlisted applicants after a rigorous selection process. In a Facebook post sighted by Education News Consult, the GES stated: “The Ghana Education Service (GES) is pleased to announce the release of postings for successful applicants who applied for teaching in the service.”

The GES further announced: “Successful applicants can access their appointment letters on the GES website, www.gespromotions.gov.gh, from November 22, 2024.”

Teachers who have been anxious about the delayed postings are expressing their excitement and hope that they will be among those selected when they check their status.

While the release has generally been met with excitement, some teachers have criticized the government for delaying the postings, only to release them barely two weeks before the 2024 general elections. The GES did not disclose how many teachers were posted and how many applied for posting.

In an earlier publication by this portal, we published “Release appointment letters for university graduates as soon as possible, which was the sentiments of teachers who were frustrated by the deafening silence of the MoE and GES on the release of appointment letters for teachers.

GES releases graduate teacher postings for checking on www.gespromotions.gov.gh –  Reactions and More

Teachers’ Reactions to the GES Posting Announcement

The release of the Ghana Education Service (GES) postings, just two weeks before the general elections, has sparked mixed reactions among teachers. While the long-anticipated announcement brought relief to many, it also exposed frustrations, anxieties, and hopes tied to the process.

Expressions of Gratitude and Hope

Many teachers expressed gratitude and hope, attributing their chances of selection to divine intervention. Comments like “God help me through” (Paa Akwasi) and “Lord, let Your face shine on me this time” (Geradel Nyamekye) reflect the reliance on faith amidst uncertainty. Others prayed to be included, with phrases like “May we all be among the selected ones” (Baako Wemoye) and “God has already answered your prayers” (Counsellor Mayiwuba Dibabe).

Frustration with Delays and Processes

Despite the relief, some teachers were critical of the timing and perceived inefficiencies. For instance, Yaw Odogwu referred to the release as “another heart attack,” highlighting the stress of waiting and subsequent steps. The comment from Alex Acheampong, “Toa yɛ ka ooo abeg,” reflects frustrations specific to teacher training college graduates who feel their batch has been overlooked.

Others, like Gambo De Bashious, pointed out lingering issues, such as pending study leave lists for the 2024/25 academic year. Additionally, many raised concerns about promotions and allowances. Gifty Ebume lamented, “Please we are still waiting for our promotion results,” signaling dissatisfaction with the pace of other GES administrative processes.

Politically Motivated Timing?

Several teachers viewed the timing of the postings as strategic, given the upcoming elections. Comments like “Barely two weeks to elections…the timing is on point” (Kwaku Obeng) suggest skepticism about the motivations behind the release. Such sentiments indicate that some teachers see the move as politically driven rather than purely administrative.

Doubts About Transparency

Concerns about fairness in the selection process were evident. Suleman Banu alleged corruption, claiming, “All slots are sold ones,” suggesting that favoritism and bribery might influence postings. This perception underscores a lack of trust in the integrity of the process.

Calls for Improvements

Some used the moment to advocate for systemic changes. John Takyi Awortwe highlighted the need for prioritizing teacher upgrades and promotions, while Philip Sekyi emphasized the importance of placing teachers where their services are most needed.

The release of the GES postings evoked a range of emotions among teachers, from joy and hope to frustration and skepticism. While many remain optimistic and prayerful, the reactions also highlight broader issues of transparency, equity, and the timing of such announcements. As GES moves forward, addressing these concerns could help restore confidence in its processes and reduce the anxiety that often accompanies such releases.