In a bold move aimed at ensuring efficiency and transparency within Ghana’s educational system, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has initiated a staff validation exercise to rectify inconsistencies in its recruitment records. This directive, issued in a circular dated 5th March 2025, mandates all affected employees to validate their appointments and recruitment details before reinstatement onto the payroll.

The initiative, outlined in an official letter signed by Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, the Acting Director-General of GES, underscores the service’s commitment to accountability, professionalism, and integrity in the management of human resources within the education sector.

Why the Validation Exercise?

The validation exercise comes as part of an ongoing effort by GES to clean up its payroll database. Over the years, concerns have been raised regarding irregularities in staff recruitment and payroll management, leading to a situation where some individuals may have been appointed improperly or without full documentation. By embarking on this initiative, the GES seeks to identify legitimate employees, prevent payroll fraud, and ensure that only qualified and certified teachers remain on the payroll.

This development follows an earlier communication dated 17th February 2025, in which GES informed all regional directors of education about the need to address recruitment-related discrepancies.

Also Read: GES Cancels Recruitment of Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff Not on Payroll

The Validation Process and Requirements

To facilitate the validation process, GES has formed a three-member committee at the regional level, comprising:
✔ The Regional Human Resource Officer
✔ The Regional Internal Auditor
✔ The Regional Accountant

These officials will be responsible for overseeing and conducting the validation exercise, ensuring that all affected employees meet the necessary requirements before their reinstatement.

Required Documents for Validation

All affected staff must present the following essential documents for verification:

1. Appointment Letter – Proof of employment issued by the Ghana Education Service.
2. Academic Certificate – Evidence of the required educational qualifications.
3. Licensure Certificate – Certification from the National Teaching Council (NTC), confirming professional competency.
4. National Service Certificate – Proof of completion of the mandatory national service, as required for employment in the public sector.

Staff members have been given a deadline of 14th March 2025 to complete the validation process. Those who fail to comply risk suspension from the payroll until their recruitment is fully verified.

GES Commitment to a Transparent System

The Management of GES has reassured all stakeholders that this exercise is not a witch-hunt but rather a step towards ensuring that the educational system is built on credibility, fairness, and due process. The leadership has called on all affected employees to cooperate fully, as the validation process is designed to protect the integrity of the payroll system and enhance service delivery within the education sector.

Furthermore, the directive has been copied to key government officials, including the Minister of Education, the Deputy Minister of Education, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, and other senior officials at GES headquarters. This signals a high-level commitment to ensuring that the process is fair, transparent, and free from any administrative lapses.

Implications for the Education Sector

The validation exercise presents several benefits for Ghana’s education sector:

• Eliminating ghost names and payroll fraud, thereby ensuring that only duly recruited and qualified teachers remain on the payroll.
• Improving financial efficiency, ensuring that government resources are allocated to deserving personnel.
• Strengthening teacher accountability, ensuring that every educator in the system meets the professional and academic requirements needed to deliver quality education.

With Ghana’s educational landscape continuously evolving, the GES validation exercise serves as a crucial step toward improving the administration of teachers and ensuring that only those who meet the required standards remain in service.

Call to Action: Cooperation for a Successful Exercise

As the deadline approaches, all affected staff members are urged to gather their documents and comply with the process to avoid any disruptions in their employment status. Regional Directors of Education and school heads have also been called upon to support and guide their staff to ensure a smooth validation process.

The Ghana Education Service remains dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and integrity of the education system, and this initiative marks another milestone in its commitment to transparency and accountability.

📌 Deadline for Validation: 14th March 2025
📌 Ensure you submit all required documents to the validation committee in your region

Conclusion

This validation exercise is a significant step in streamlining recruitment processes within the Ghana Education Service. By ensuring that only qualified and duly appointed staff remain in the system, GES is laying a strong foundation for a credible and professional teaching workforce. The success of this initiative depends on the cooperation of all affected staff and stakeholders. Let us all work together to ensure the integrity and sustainability of our educational system.