The Ministry of Education has directed the National Teaching Council (NTC) to completely abolish the Teacher Licensure Examinations by August 30, 2025, marking a major shift in Ghana’s teacher qualification process.
The directive was issued by Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, during the official inauguration of the newly constituted governing board of the NTC on Tuesday. The minister said the decision forms part of comprehensive education sector reforms aimed at rethinking how teachers are assessed and licensed in the country.
According to Hon. Iddrisu, the government intends to transition from a system heavily reliant on standardized testing to a more holistic framework that prioritizes academic training, hands-on teaching experience, and practical fieldwork.
“The last of the Teacher Licensure Exams must be concluded not later than August 30. If there is a final opportunity for those who sat and couldn’t make it, that process should not go beyond August 30,” the Minister emphasized.
He added that all teacher trainees who previously failed the exam will be granted one final chance to re-sit it before the phase-out comes into full effect.
The Teacher Licensure Examination, introduced in 2018, was designed to ensure professional standards among teaching staff. However, it has faced increasing criticism from various stakeholders—including teacher unions and education experts—who have argued that it places unnecessary barriers on otherwise competent teachers.
The decision to scrap the exam is already generating a mix of reactions. While some view it as a progressive move that could improve access to the teaching profession and reduce stress for new graduates, others caution that the new framework must be robust enough to maintain quality teaching standards.
As Ghana prepares to transition to this new teacher qualification model, the Ministry of Education has pledged to work closely with the NTC and other stakeholders to ensure the changes are implemented smoothly and effectively.
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