The proposal by former President John Dramani Mahama to cancel the Teacher Licensure Examination has sparked disagreement from the President of The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), Prince Obeng Himah. Himah argues that the examination is a valuable initiative that should not be discontinued.
Mahama recently expressed his opinion that the teacher licensure examination is redundant, questioning the need for students to undergo additional assessments before they can commence teaching, especially after completing their college education—a process he himself initiated.
The National Teaching Council (NTC), operating under the Ministry of Education, introduced the Teacher Licensure Examination in 2018. The examination aims to license teachers for public pre-tertiary schools, aligning with Section 12(4) of the Education Act, 2008 (Act 778).
In response to Mahama’s stance, Prince Obeng Himah, in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, emphasized the importance of maintaining the teacher licensure examination. He highlighted the necessity of implementing entrance exams, as agreed upon during a conference two years ago.
CETAG firmly believes that aspiring teachers should undergo these exams to ensure a high standard in the teaching profession. The ongoing debate raises questions about the future of teacher assessments in Ghana.
While Mahama openly declares his intention to abolish the licensure exam if he regains the presidency, the Ministry of Education and the NTC continue to advocate for the examination, considering it a crucial step in upholding excellence within the teaching profession.
As the discourse unfolds, the clash of opinions between CETAG and Mahama on the fate of the Teacher Licensure Examination remains unresolved, leaving the education sector awaiting a consensus on the matter.