President Akufo-Addo has said the teacher licensing examination is not meant to put impediment in the ways of teachers, instead, to enhance their qualities.
The examination, which began on September 10 is for all teachers who hold Diploma in Basic Education (DBE), Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) or a post-graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) aiming to be employed by the Ghana Education Service (GES).
The National Teaching Council (NTC) warned that new teachers who refuse to sit the examination cannot work in any school in Ghana.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) called on the NTC to suspend the implementation of the licensing examination for teachers.
In a statement, GNAT expressed its dissatisfaction at the NTC over what it describes as a “breach of trust and a violation of good labour relations”.
But speaking Tuesday at the investiture and induction of the vice chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, President Akufo-Addo said the purpose of the licensing examination is to enable qualified teachers to acquire a professional license to ply their trade.
“This policy is not intended to put any impediment in the way of our teachers from the colleges of education and other tertiary institutions. On the contrary, it is meant to enhance professionalism in teaching and guarantee that our teachers meet minimum standards of qualifications through an independent examination so as to be able to teach in our classrooms.
“If education is important to us, then it requires that we maintain the best standards,” he said.
Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM
