Educationist Stephen Nyanney Otsie has called on education authorities to look beyond academic qualifications when recruiting teachers, insisting that their character, mindset and professional track records must also be scrutinised before they are entrusted with students.
Speaking to Arafat Musah on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Mr Stephen Nyanney Otsie argued that possessing the required certificates does not automatically make an individual suitable to take responsibility for the education and welfare of children.
His comments come amid discussions surrounding alleged misconduct involving a school authority in Obuasi SHTS, with the educationist stressing the need for stronger safeguards to protect students within the school environment.
According to him, authorities must move beyond verifying professional qualifications and pay closer attention to the personal conduct and suitability of individuals selected to teach and supervise students.
“I think we should go beyond the certificates and look at the person’s frame of mind,” Mr Bortise said.
He maintained that the responsibility entrusted to teachers requires a more comprehensive assessment of their suitability, given their influence over students and their duty to provide a safe learning environment.
Mr Otsie also called for greater scrutiny of teachers who are transferred from one school to another, arguing that their professional histories should be examined before they are assigned new responsibilities.
“What is the person’s track record, especially for those who have been transferred from one place to the other?” he asked.
He highlight the need for education authorities to consider professional conduct alongside academic credentials when making recruitment and placement decisions.
He stressed that ensuring the safety of students requires careful consideration of the individuals placed in positions of authority over them, particularly in school environments where children depend on teachers and management for their protection and welfare.
Story By Pamela Quayson
