In a sweeping reform aimed at reshaping Ghana’s teacher qualification framework, the Ministry of Education has announced plans to discontinue the Teacher Licensure Examination by the end of August 2025.
The directive, issued by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, signals a decisive shift away from standardized testing toward a more practical and inclusive model of teacher assessment.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the newly constituted Governing Board of the National Teaching Council (NTC), where the Minister emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach to evaluating teacher readiness.
According to the directive, all remaining licensure exams must be concluded by August 30, 2025, with a final opportunity extended to candidates who previously failed to meet the required pass mark.
This move aligns with broader educational reforms that prioritize hands-on training, mentorship, and classroom experience over paper-based assessments.
The new model is expected to incorporate supervised teaching practicums and portfolio-based evaluations, ensuring that aspiring educators demonstrate both theoretical knowledge and practical competence before entering the classroom.
The decision also fulfills a campaign promise made by President John Dramani Mahama, who criticized the licensure exams for creating unnecessary barriers for teacher trainees.
Since its introduction in 2018, the exam has been a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it adds financial and emotional strain to an already rigorous teacher training process.
While the phase-out has been welcomed by many stakeholders, including teacher unions and education advocates, it also raises questions about how quality assurance will be maintained in the absence of a standardized benchmark.
The NTC has been tasked with developing a robust alternative framework that balances academic rigor with real-world teaching skills.
As Ghana prepares to implement this new system, the focus will shift toward empowering educators through mentorship, continuous professional development, and practical fieldwork, marking a new chapter in the nation’s commitment to quality education.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
