In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the educational landscape of Ghana, over 24,000 teachers have failed the promotion examination conducted by the Ghana Education Service (GES) for the 2021/2022 academic year. The staggering number represents a disheartening 31% of the total candidates who sat for the examination, according to an official statement from the GES.
Out of a total of 80,810 teachers who aspired to progress to higher ranks within the GES, only 55,917, or 69%, managed to successfully clear the examination and secure their path to advancement. The grades encompassed by the promotion test included Deputy Director, Assistant Director I and II, and Principal Superintendent.
The announcement, dated August 17, 2023, was issued by Cassandra Twum Ampofo, the Head of the Public Relations Unit of GES. In response to concerns raised by Teacher Unions about the delay in releasing the results, the GES clarified that the results have now been made public. The service has also assured candidates that it will send SMS notifications to all who participated in the examination, followed by formal promotion letters to the successful candidates in the near future.
This revelation underscores the gravity of the challenges faced by the education sector, prompting questions about the factors contributing to this high failure rate. The implications of such a significant portion of educators not meeting the promotion criteria are far-reaching. As educators play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future, the incident raises concerns about the overall state of education in Ghana and the need for comprehensive measures to address these concerns.
While the GES continues to assess the situation and the factors behind this alarming outcome, it remains imperative for all stakeholders in the education system to collectively work towards ensuring the growth and development of teachers. This event serves as a reminder that investing in the professional development of educators is an investment in the future of the country’s education and, consequently, its progress as a whole.
