Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, the Registrar of the Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE), has disclosed that out of the 7,728 prospective teachers who participated in the national teacher licensure exams this year, 6,481 individuals failed.

This means that only 1,277 candidates, representing 16.1 percent of the total, were successful in the examination.

Dr. Addai-Poku also mentioned that all the candidates had previously attempted the examination, with some individuals making up to nine attempts.

He highlighted that those who did not pass still have an opportunity to retake the exam later in the year before any changes are made to the format and content.

He said candidates who would fail at their last chance and would want to continue to resit the exam, would be those with first degree.

He stated that "those with a diploma will be required to upgrade themselves to acquire a first degree before they can resit the exam."

"We are reforming and restructuring the examination and we will start it this year with those who have qualified to write it for the first time," he added.

He said unlike the current examination where the candidates were examined in numeracy, literacy, and professional skills, this time around, they would have to be examined in a specific area of specialty.

Dr. Addai-Poku further explained that a candidate who aspired to teach geography must, in addition to the three areas, be examined in geography.

The Teachers Licensure Exams was introduced by the government in 2019 to improve the professional standing and status of teachers in the country.

The National Teaching Council is mandated by the Education Act 2008 (Act 778), section 9 to improve professional standing and status of teachers and to license and register teachers in Ghana.