I don’t intend to cancel Teachers Licensure Exams – Adutwum

Minister designate for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has said that he would not advocate for the cancelation of the teachers licensure examination because it is one sure way of accessing teachers in this Ghana. He said this when he appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Thursday, February 11, 2021.

He also said that he intends to communicate with relevant stakeholders to work on a bill that will be agreeable to all interested parties. This was in answer to a question on the controversies surrounding the Public University Bill.

Dr. Adutwum informed the Committee that government plans to build 20 centres in some selected communities for students to have unique skills and prepare for the job market. He indicated his support for the Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) which he described as a good initiative.

READ More: Akufo-Addo sanctions promotions in Prisons directorate

Answering questions on how students can access student loans without guarantors, he said he intends to transform the procedure in accessing student loans. He noted that it should be possible for students to apply for loans at the time they are applying for admission to the university so that they can access it immediately they get the admission.

On the closing down of schools again due to the upsurge in the COVID-19 cases as suggested by the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the nominee said for now he will not campaign for the closure of schools because there is no evidence that the schools are breeding grounds for COVID-19. He said for now, schools are being asked to follow the protocols and to fumigate with the help of the Ghana Education Service (GES).

As to why the schools are not being allowed to collect development levy or Parent Teachers Association (PTA) levy, the Minister Designate for Education told the Committee that government is now paying the development levy, and that the schools can use that money for development.

Touching on how the government is distributing Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), the nominee indicated that PPEs are being distributed to both private and public schools.

Source: GhanaNewsOnline.com.gh