The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, says government is taking steps to integrate the Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE) into final assessments at universities and colleges of education across the country.
The move forms part of a broader plan to phase out the current licensure regime, introduced by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the Accra High School exam centre on Friday, July 18, 2025, Mr Iddrisu said:
“Government is taking appropriate and necessary measures to integrate licensure into the final exams of the next cohort of students that will be passing out of our teacher and teacher-related universities and educational training colleges across the country.”
He explained that the reform will maintain high standards in teacher training while fulfilling a key campaign promise.
“We are honouring a manifesto pledge albeit we’ll accept inputs to improve it, because for us that decision should not compromise the quality of teachers that Ghana must have,” he said.
Mr Iddrisu also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing licensure exams, which saw 37,000 candidates taking part; including 5,000 resit candidates.
“Of the 32,000, they probably left school even before the new government took over… They would have an opportunity for a resit if they are unable to make it out of today’s exam that is being conducted under the able supervision and leadership of the National Teaching Council,” he stated.
He called on the Council to offer a final resit opportunity before the end of August 2025, as part of the transition process.
The Minister stressed the importance of teacher capacity building and ongoing professional development, highlighting its inclusion in teachers’ collective bargaining agreements.
“For us, when teachers guide, learners learn. So it’s important that we build the capacity of our teachers; and more importantly, their professional capacity,” he said.
While acknowledging exam-related anxiety among some candidates, Mr Iddrisu encouraged all candidates to give their best.
“Ours is to encourage them, to wish them well, so wish them the best of luck,” he added.
The GTLE reform is expected to streamline the teacher qualification process and ensure a seamless transition from training to professional practice.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
