In the span of two weekends, Ghana’s political landscape witnessed the launch of two significant election manifestos, marking a crucial milestone in the country’s democratic journey. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) kicked off the series on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) in Takoradi, unveiling their vision for the country’s future.
Barely a week later, on Saturday, August 24, 2024, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) followed suit, launching their manifesto at the University of Winneba in Winneba.
As an educator with a keen interest in teacher development and a deep understanding of the complexities of Ghana’s education system, I carefully examined the proposals outlined by both parties, particularly those affecting pre-tertiary education.
Teacher quality is widely recognized as the most significant factor influencing student achievement, making it essential to scrutinize the plans presented.
One policy that caught my attention was the approach to teacher licensure examinations. The NPP has pledged to enhance the current system, acknowledging its importance in ensuring teacher competence and professionalism.
On the other hand, the NDC has expressed a determination to abolish the examinations altogether, a move that raises concerns about the potential de-professionalization of teachers and the impact on the quality of education in Ghana.
Former President John Mahama has consistently advocated for the cancellation of the teacher licensure examinations over the past five years, reiterating his stance on multiple occasions. In 2019, the Daily Graphic online reported Mahama’s position, stating that his government would abolish the licensure examination for teachers if elected president in the 2020 polls.
He reaffirmed this commitment during his Building Ghana Tour in the Bono Region, as reported on November 17, 2023.
This stance has sparked intense debate among education stakeholders, with some arguing that the examinations are unnecessary and others seeing them as a crucial measure of teacher competence.
As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, it is essential to carefully consider the implications of such policies on the future of Ghana’s education system.
