Final Exams Held as New Skills-Based System Looms
On July 18, 2025, 37,000 candidates, including 5,000 re-sitters, began the two-hour Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination across multiple centers, with 600 at Accra High School, monitored by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, per TV3. Iddrisu, who will visit other centers, announced the exams’ conclusion by August 30, 2025, to be replaced by a skills-based assessment system.
Speaking on July 15, Iddrisu outlined reforms shifting from paper-based tests to practical evaluations, including supervised practicum and mentorship programs. The new framework, developed by a review committee, emphasizes classroom competence over theoretical knowledge to enhance teaching quality. The minister urged candidates to seize this final licensure opportunity before the transition.
The licensure exams, introduced in 2018, have faced criticism for high failure rates, with only 63% passing in 2024. The new model aims to address these concerns, ensuring teachers demonstrate both academic and practical skills. At Accra High School, candidates underwent strict checks to prevent malpractice, with results expected by August 15.
Iddrisu’s reforms align with President Mahama’s education agenda, prioritizing quality and accessibility. The Ghana National Association of Teachers welcomed the shift but called for clear implementation timelines. The transition, set to begin post-August 30, will involve training colleges and universities to integrate practical assessments, aiming to produce better-prepared educators for Ghana’s classrooms.