Mahama vows to scrap teacher licensure exams, review Free SHS policy

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), H.E John Dramani Mahama, has vowed to abolish the teacher licensure exams if re-elected as President.

This declaration came during his ongoing Building Ghana Tour in Accra, where he convened with teacher unions including GNAT, NAGRAT, CCT-GH, and TEWU at NAGRAT Lyceum in Accra.

Mr. Mahama criticized the teacher certification program, deeming it unnecessary and arguing that it should never have been introduced, given that teachers already undergo rigorous exams at all stages of their training.

Addressing the teachers unions in the Greater Accra Region, Mr. Mahama confidently reiterated his commitment to scrapping the licensure exams if given another mandate, reiterating a promise he had previously made.

“This is unnecessary. In our next administration, we will cancel the licensure exams,” Mahama asserted to the Teachers Unions, emphasizing that this is not the first time he has made such a pledge.

In addition to addressing the issue of teacher licensure exams, H.E John Mahama underscored the importance of reviewing the free Senior High School (SHS) policy to ensure quality education. While commending the policy, he stressed the need to tackle implementation challenges to safeguard educational standards.

He assured that the NDC, in collaboration with all stakeholders, will develop robust policies to address educational issues, with a focus on infrastructure development to decongest large class sizes and prioritize abandoned infrastructure in basic, senior high, and TVET schools.

Furthermore, Mr. Mahama proposed working with unions and the GES to create incentive packages for teachers in deprived areas, aiming to gather comprehensive data to compensate them for the challenges they face.

He also advocated for the introduction of a bursary system targeting deprived families and the inclusion of private Senior High Schools with adequate infrastructure to complement the free SHS policy, believing these measures will enhance education quality and address persistent implementation challenges.