In a bold move during his ongoing Building Ghana Tour, former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has declared his intention to abolish the teacher licensure exams if he returns to the presidency. Despite being initiated during his previous term, Mahama argues that the teacher certification program is unnecessary, expressing his disappointment with the current system during a speech in Wenchi, Bono Region.
“This is unnecessary. In our next administration, we will cancel the licensure exams,” Mahama confidently proclaimed to the crowd. Notably, this isn’t the first time he has made such a promise; during his 2020 manifesto, he pledged to eliminate the exams, claiming they hinder qualified teachers from securing government employment.
The announcement has ignited debates among educators and policymakers. Supporters assert that the exams maintain a standard of competency among teachers, while critics argue it imposes an undue burden on already extensively trained educators. The teacher licensure exams, introduced in recent years to validate the competence of newly trained teachers, have faced scrutiny regarding their fairness and effectiveness.
As the election season approaches, Mahama’s commitment to eliminating these exams could significantly impact the votes of educators and education stakeholders. The promise raises questions about the future of teacher evaluation and recruitment policies. The ultimate outcome depends on whether Mahama’s pledge resonates with the public and, if elected, whether he can successfully implement the proposed changes. The education sector remains a focal point as Ghanaians anticipate how this proposal may shape the landscape of teacher certification in the country.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com
