Some Ghanaian teachers have taught more than 100 students in a single classroom. Others have held lessons under trees because there were no school buildings.
Those are some of the realities former public school teacher Akosua Saffy says many educators have faced—experiences that could shape the 300 Ghanaian teachers expected to join Bahamian classrooms this school year.
Saffy spent six years teaching in Ghana’s public education system, working as both a classroom teacher and an English Language specialist in the rural village of Oppongkrom in the country’s Eastern Region. Her experience offers a glimpse into the conditions many Ghanaian educators have endured—and why many may welcome the opportunity to teach in the Bahamas.
One of the most surprising realities she describes is the prevalence of multigrade classrooms, where a single teacher is responsible for teaching two grade levels simultaneously because there simply aren’t enough teachers.
“Some teachers are responsible for well over 100 students,” she said, making it nearly impossible to provide every child with individual attention.
The shortages go beyond staffing.
While many schools have improved over the years, Saffy said some rural communities still teach children under trees or inside temporary structures built from mud, wood, or palm materials.
Others lack textbooks, libraries, computer labs, playgrounds, desks, and basic teaching supplies.
In many cases, teachers purchase classroom materials with their own salaries so students have the resources needed to learn.
Yet despite these obstacles, Saffy says Ghanaian teachers continue to adapt.
“They improvise, adapt, and remain committed because they genuinely believe every child deserves access to quality education,” she explained.
Her account also highlights a challenge that may surprise many Bahamians. Ghana has qualified teachers waiting for appointments, while some rural schools remain critically understaffed because of an uneven distribution of educators.
According to Saffy, many teachers seek transfers away from remote communities where daily commutes can involve dangerous roads or even crossing rivers by boat.
“Sadly, there have been tragic incidents where teachers have lost their lives while travelling to work,” she noted.
She also acknowledged long-standing public concerns about corruption and unofficial payments influencing teacher postings, saying many educators feel compelled to pursue urban placements where schools are better equipped and living conditions are less demanding.
Although she stresses that bribery is wrong, Saffy believes many teachers are responding to difficult realities rather than a lack of commitment.
Low salaries, delayed payments, and limited professional support have also driven many teachers to leave the profession altogether. Saffy eventually did the same and now lives in Europe pursuing new career opportunities.
Still, she describes teaching as one of the most meaningful chapters of her life.
“I believe many Ghanaian teachers would gladly embrace the opportunity to teach in the Bahamas—not simply because of better pay, but because they want to work in an environment where they are valued, supported, and equipped to give their very best.”
As debate continues over the recruitment of foreign teachers, Saffy believes Bahamians should not underestimate what Ghanaian educators can contribute.
“They are hardworking professionals who genuinely care about the success, character, and future of every child they teach.”
Her comments come as Education Minister Chester Cooper confirmed that the incoming Ghanian teachers will undergo the same recruitment process as Bahamian educators and receive the same benefits under standard employment contracts.
“It’s going to be a standard process of recruitment and standard contracts,” Cooper said. “These foreign teachers would be aligned with the same benefit packages that Bahamian teachers would receive. They will stay as long as they’re needed.”
Cooper acknowledged that teacher shortages have affected the Bahamas for decades and said the Davis administration intends to address the issue methodically.
