Teacher Licensure Exams to Be Abolished by August 30, 2025 – Education Ministry Announces Major Shift

Kumasi, Ghana – In a significant policy reversal, the Ministry of Education has instructed the National Teaching Council (NTC) to abolish the Teacher Licensure Examinations by August 30, 2025. This directive signals a fundamental shift in how Ghana will assess the qualifications of its educators, moving away from standardized tests towards a more holistic evaluation.

The announcement was made by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu during the inauguration of the new governing board of the NTC on Tuesday, July 15. The Minister stated that this decision is part of broader reforms aimed at introducing a new framework for assessing teacher qualifications. This new framework will place greater emphasis on academic training and practical fieldwork, ensuring that future teachers are not only theoretically sound but also possess strong practical classroom skills.

The last of the Teacher Licensure Exams must be concluded not later than August 30," Minister Iddrisu emphasized. He also announced a final opportunity for candidates who have previously failed the licensure exams to re-sit them before the phase-out takes full effect. "If there is a final opportunity for those who sat and couldn’t make it, that process should not go beyond August 30," he reiterated.

The Teacher Licensure Examinations were introduced with the aim of professionalizing the teaching service and ensuring a consistent standard among educators. However, they have faced criticism regarding their relevance and accessibility, with some stakeholders arguing that they did not fully capture the breadth of skills and knowledge required for effective teaching.

This new directive suggests a move towards a competency-based assessment system that integrates rigorous academic coursework with practical teaching experience. While specific details of the new qualification framework are yet to be fully outlined by the NTC, the Ministry's announcement marks a pivotal moment for teacher education and professional development in Ghana. Educators and aspiring teachers will now look to the NTC for guidance on the new pathways to certification and licensure.