By I just came across a piece of news that really caught my attention, and I can’t help but share my thoughts on it. On April 25, 2025, Ghana’s Education Minister, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, dropped a bombshell during an interview with GHOne TV: the teacher licensure exam in Ghana is officially on its way out. Yes, you read that right—the exam that’s been a rite of passage for aspiring teachers since 2018 is about to be history. As someone who’s always been fascinated by how education shapes a nation, I’ve got a lot to say about this!
For those who might not know, the Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE) was introduced by the National Teaching Council under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act 2020 to ensure that teachers in Ghana meet a certain professional standard. It was a mandatory step for anyone who completed a teacher education program to get licensed and recognized as a teacher in the country.
I remember reading about how the exam was meant to elevate the teaching profession, but over the years, I’ve also heard plenty of grumbling from teachers about its fairness and relevance. Some felt it was an unnecessary hurdle, especially for those who had already gone through rigorous training in colleges. So, when I saw Haruna Iddrisu’s announcement, I couldn’t help but wonder—what does this mean for Ghana’s education system?
Haruna Iddrisu isn’t new to shaking things up. I did a bit of digging and found out that he’s been a big player in Ghanaian politics for years. Back when he was Communications Minister from 2009 to 2013, he introduced mobile number portability, which was a game-changer for telecom users in Ghana. Now, as Education Minister since January 2025, he’s clearly set on making waves again.
From what I read on modernghana.com, he’s been focused on transforming education by securing stable funding for the Free SHS program, improving teacher welfare, and ensuring equitable access to tertiary education. Ending the licensure exam seems like another step in that direction, but I’m curious to see how it plays out.
I can imagine this decision is going to spark a lot of debates. On one hand, I think it’s a win for teachers who’ve felt burdened by the exam. I mean, if you’ve already gone through years of training at one of Ghana’s many teacher training colleges—like the ones listed on yen.com.gh—why should you have to jump through another hoop to prove yourself? Plus, Haruna Iddrisu has been vocal about improving teacher welfare, addressing issues like delayed promotions and inadequate incentives. Scrapping the exam might just be the morale boost that teachers need right now.
On the other hand, I wonder if this move might raise questions about maintaining professional standards. The whole point of the licensure exam was to ensure that only qualified teachers step into the classroom. Without it, how will Ghana make sure that the quality of education doesn’t take a hit?
I’m really hoping Haruna Iddrisu has a solid plan in place to balance accessibility with professionalism. Maybe there’s a new system in the works that we don’t know about yet—I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on GHOne News for updates!
What I find really interesting is how this fits into the bigger picture of education reform in Ghana. The Free SHS program, for example, has been a massive step toward making education accessible, but it’s had its challenges, like funding and infrastructure.
Haruna Iddrisu seems determined to tackle those issues head-on, and I’m rooting for him to succeed. Teachers are the backbone of any education system—without them, as yen.com.gh rightly pointed out, there wouldn’t even be a formal education system to speak of. If scrapping the licensure exam helps retain skilled educators and encourages more people to join the profession, I’m all for it.
I’d love to hear what others think about this. Are you a teacher who’s been through the licensure exam? Do you think this decision will make a positive difference, or are you worried about the impact on teaching standards? Let’s get the conversation going—I’m genuinely curious to hear different perspectives!
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