Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 presidential election, John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated his commitment to abolishing the teacher licensure exams if they come into power.
He emphasized that the NDC had opposed the policy since its introduction and clarified that their stance remains unchanged.
Responding to questions during his #buildingGhana tour in Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo Region on Friday, Mahama expressed his dissatisfaction with the system.
Some teacher trainees lamented that the licensure exams have turned into a means of extracting money from teacher trainees under the pretense of exam failure.
They questioned the former President about what he would do if voted for as President in the 2024 election.
Mr. Mahama criticized the necessity of such exams, especially considering the comprehensive training teacher trainees undergo in the Training Colleges.
“Why do teacher trainees, after going through four years of training and writing three examinations every year for four years, and writing a final exam need to write licensure exams to qualify as teachers to teach,” Mahama questioned.
Highlighting the NDC’s opposition to the exams in 2020, Mahama argued that the focus should be on enhancing the quality of training in the schools and providing necessary logistics rather than subjecting teachers to additional licensure exams.
“When the NDC returns to power, we will abolish the licensure exams,” he declared.
Mahama further pledged to equip Training Colleges with the required resources, ensuring that every student admitted receives thorough training, ultimately producing truly professional teachers.