The Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) Ghana, Southern Volta Chapter, has strongly backed calls to abolish the Teacher Licensure Examination, arguing that it is both unnecessary and unfair to require teachers to pass the examination after they have completed their formal training and begun practicing in schools.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ephraim Jumpah Dodzi, the Vice Chairman of CCT Ghana Southern Volta, emphasized that the timing of the examination is the main issue. “If the examination is truly needed, it should be conducted while teachers are still in school, not after they have graduated and started teaching,” Mr. Dodzi explained.
He also criticized both the previous and current governments for introducing and maintaining such an examination, suggesting that it has contributed to the ongoing challenges faced by teachers in Ghana’s education system.
Mr. Dodzi further explained that the call for cancellation of the examination is not limited to CCT Ghana. He pointed out that several other stakeholders in the education sector, including individual teachers and education experts, have voiced their concerns about the negative impact of the licensure examination on teachers and the overall quality of education.
“Our support for the cancellation adds to the growing chorus of voices calling for change,” he said, stressing that the examination should be reconsidered and, if necessary, administered while teachers are still undergoing their professional training.
Adding weight to the argument, he highlighted a recent directive by the Education Minister, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, asking the National Teaching Council (NTC) to propose alternative measures before considering the cancellation of the exam. Mr. Dodzi viewed this as a positive step, suggesting that the government’s willingness to explore alternatives could lead to a more effective and supportive system for teachers.
The issue of teacher welfare remains a critical concern for CCT Ghana, and Mr. Dodzi reiterated the union’s ongoing efforts to advocate for teachers’ rights. He argued that addressing the licensure exam issue would be an important step in improving the overall welfare of educators, which in turn could lead to a more effective teaching and learning environment.
Meanwhile, some education professionals speaking with the Ghana News Agency expressed concern that canceling the licensure examination could impact the quality of education.
While they acknowledge the concerns raised by teachers, they caution that any changes to the licensure system must be carefully considered to ensure that the standards for teacher quality are not compromised.
Several teachers also weighed in, expressing optimism about the Education Minister’s directive. Many saw it as a step in the right direction, offering hope that the issues surrounding the licensure examination could be resolved. Some teachers suggested an alternative approach, proposing that a special examination be incorporated into teachers’ final year exams to allow them to graduate with the necessary license.
As discussions continue, it remains clear that all stakeholders in the education sector are eager to find a solution that addresses the concerns of teachers while maintaining high standards for the profession. The outcome of the NTC’s review will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for teacher training and professional development in the country.
