Private school teachers undergo mental health training as CPD becomes mandatory

In a recent effort to enhance teacher welfare and professional standards in Ghana, private school educators across various districts participated in a mandatory Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme focused on mental health and psychosocial well-being. The training, held on October 30, 2026, aimed to equip teachers with practical skills to manage workplace stress, build emotional resilience, and foster inclusive learning environments.

The programme, organized in pilot districts such as Accra, Tema, and Kpone-Katamanso, attracted a large number of teachers, underscoring the growing emphasis on mental health in education.

The initiative, organized by stakeholders including the Ghana Education Service (GES), National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA), National Teaching Council (NTC), and Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS), involved a National Monitoring Team that visited participating schools to assess the programme's implementation.

Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, the National Executive Director of GNACOPS, highlighted the importance of continuous professional development, emphasizing that teachers must continually acquire relevant knowledge and skills to meet the evolving demands of the education sector. He noted that mental health and psychosocial support were particularly crucial, given the emotional and psychological pressures teachers often face in their roles.

Professor Salifu Tahiru Azeko, Inspector-General of Schools at NaSIA, emphasized the CPD programme's role in promoting professionalism and quality assurance within Ghana's private school sector. He stressed that participating in the CPD training is now a mandatory requirement for operating private schools in Ghana, placing greater responsibility on private school operators to ensure teachers' engagement in approved professional development programmes.

This commitment underscores the critical link between teacher well-being and educational quality, as well-equipped teachers are better positioned to create supportive, inclusive classrooms that foster positive learning outcomes.

The collaboration among the GES, NaSIA, NTC, and GNACOPS in monitoring the programme highlights the importance of a collaborative approach in enhancing professional development and quality assurance in Ghana's private education system. By prioritizing teachers' mental health and well-being, the initiative aims to build a more resilient and professionally skilled teaching workforce, ultimately contributing to improved educational outcomes in the country.