A recently established National Teaching Council (NTC) Committee has been tasked by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu with creating a new framework for evaluating teacher qualifications that prioritises classroom instruction and real-world experience over standardised licensing exams.
The order is consistent with President John Mahama's 2024 campaign promise, should he be elected, to do away with the teacher licensing tests.
"Yes, it is true that the NDC ran on a platform of eliminating licensing tests. We did, and we will continue to trust the people. However, I require expert counsel on this issue. For this reason, I am forming this group to provide the best possible advice on how to handle the transition. "a shift from a system of licensing exams to one that does not require them," Mr. Iddrisu said.
He clarified that the committee's responsibility is to direct the process of switching from the existing system of license exams to a new method of evaluating teacher qualifications.
Before the tests are formally phased out, Mr. Iddrisu recommended that the NTC take into account giving applicants who have already failed the exams one more chance to retake them.
"As an additional piece of advise, I would like to state that your suggestions should provide a last chance for those who were unable to take the licensing examinations to retake them. How do we proceed? "Do we give them a chance to retake it?" he asked.
He reaffirmed that a fundamental component of the teacher education curriculum should include both academic instruction and hands-on fieldwork in every new strategy.
"We reaffirmed in our manifesto our commitment to include it in teacher training institutions' curricula... that it becomes a part of their curriculum," the Minister said.
Mr. Iddrisu expressed worry about the quality of graduates from postsecondary institutions in addition to reforming teacher qualifications. He said these things during the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission's (GTEC) new board's inauguration.
He reminded the board of their vital responsibility to control and improve the standard of higher education nationwide.
The Minister said, "Pay close attention to the Commission's regulatory mandate, especially since, as you are aware, higher education continues to be the entry point for many young people entering the workforce."
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