Key points
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Ghana education reforms focus on raising teacher standards.
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Colleges of Education seen as central to restoring trust.
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New curriculum and licensing rules aim to boost professionalism.
Deputy Minister for Education Clement Apaak says the government is rolling out bold reforms to restore trust in Ghana’s schools.
Speaking at the 5th Congregation of St. Vincent College of Education in Yendi, he admitted many parents and teachers worry about falling standards.
He linked the decline to weak supervision, lack of resources, and low morale among teachers.
However, Apaak stressed that the solution begins with teachers. “It is in our Colleges of Education that we must prepare the next generation who can raise standards and restore confidence,” he said.
Teacher training reforms at the center
To address these concerns, the government has introduced a new Bachelor of Education program. In addition, the National Teaching Council has been given a stronger role, while continuous professional development has become a priority.
These steps, Apaak explained, aim to raise professionalism and ensure that classrooms are led by capable educators.
For example, poor results in the National Teaching Council’s licensure exams have shown the urgent need to improve teacher preparation.
Therefore, the government is focusing on who gets admitted into Colleges of Education and how well they are trained before graduation.
Colleges of education key to raising standards
The Ministry of Education has also set up the Alorvi Committee to review teacher licensing. The goal is clear: colleges must take responsibility for producing teachers who meet performance standards.
In addition, Apaak said the reforms will hold colleges accountable for the quality of graduates they send into classrooms.
“If we get teacher training right, we will raise the quality of education across the country,” he said.
Finally, he reminded stakeholders that education reform is a shared effort. Teachers, schools, parents, and the government must all work together to restore trust.
