By: Kekekli K. Blamey
Dr. John Ntim Fordjour, the Deputy Minister of Education, has reiterated the government’s dedication to maintaining the teacher licensure examination as a means to ensure the development of professional educators within the education sector.
He stressed the importance of the licensure exam in recognizing teachers as professionals, upon whom other professionals depend. Dr. Ntim Fordjour rejected calls from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer to abolish the exam, arguing that such a move would not benefit the sector.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the necessity of reforms and the establishment of a framework to recognize teachers as professionals.
As the world prepares to celebrate the role of teachers on October 5th, under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Valorizing Our Teachers,” this year’s event will be held in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.
Education stakeholders, including GNAT, NAGRAT, CCT, and TEWU, have raised concerns about teacher motivation and resource allocation. GNAT’s General Secretary, Thomas Musah Tanko, has called for 20% of government expenditure to be allocated to education.
In response, the Deputy Minister assured that the government is committed to providing the necessary resources for the education sector. The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Dr. Eric Nkansah, also highlighted the need for innovative solutions to support teachers, focusing on issues like teacher upgrades, promotions, and transfers.
