The Ghana Education Service (GES) is finalizing preparations to release the results of the 2024 promotion examination, according to Madam Angela Frimpomaa Nkansah, the Human Resource Director of GES. She provided this update during an interview on Angel FM on November 9, 2024. Madam Nkansah elaborated on the measures being put in place to ensure the results are released promptly this November.
“Looking at the era we are in, anything can happen. If the results are released, that is what we are expecting,” she stated. She also emphasized the importance of timely processes in subsequent years, adding, “In the coming years, the results should be released early so we don’t have to keep discussing it in the media. Additionally, those who pass should be placed on the appropriate salary scale before the end of December.”
The promotion exams, conducted in August 2024, targeted teachers due for elevation to higher ranks. Teachers vying for promotion to the rank of Assistant Director II wrote their exams on August 20, while those aiming for Assistant Director I sat for theirs on August 21. These exams are critical for teachers aspiring to climb the professional ladder and enjoy corresponding benefits.
However, the process has not been without its challenges.
### Complaints from the Upper West Region
Some teachers in the Upper West Region expressed frustration over alleged mismanagement during the examination period. They claimed that the Ghana Education Service sent them messages stating they should report to the examination center at 10 a.m., but the papers were distributed an hour earlier. This miscommunication left several teachers unable to take the test, raising concerns about fairness.
The Upper West Regional Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT), Mr. Abdullah, has launched an investigation into the incident. The association is working to determine how the confusion occurred and ensure that future examinations are conducted without such setbacks.
These complaints have sparked discussions about the need for better coordination and communication during the organization of such critical exams. Teachers are calling on GES to address these lapses to protect their professional aspirations.
### Updates on Salary Negotiations for 2025
On the subject of salary adjustments, Madam Angela Nkansah clarified that negotiations for 2025 have been put on hold until after the December elections. She explained that labor unions believe negotiating in an election year often yields less favorable outcomes. Therefore, the unions prefer to wait and engage with the government that will take power after the elections.
This decision aims to secure better terms for teachers, as unions remain committed to improving the welfare of their members. Salary negotiations have always been a contentious issue, with teachers often advocating for higher increments to reflect the rising cost of living and the essential nature of their work.
### Examination Results Awaiting Approval
Despite the setbacks, the promotion examination results are ready and awaiting final approval for release. Sources within GES suggest that the results could be made available as early as this week or next week, barring any unforeseen delays.
The timely release of these results is crucial, as it will allow successful candidates to be placed on the appropriate salary scales before the end of the year. This will not only motivate teachers but also ensure they receive the financial benefits associated with their new ranks without unnecessary delays.
### Significance of the Promotion Exams
The promotion exams are a key component of the professional development process for teachers in Ghana. They serve as a measure of competency and readiness for greater responsibilities within the education sector. Teachers who pass the exams are not only elevated in rank but also enjoy increased salaries and other benefits.
However, the process has faced criticism over the years due to delays in releasing results and placing successful candidates on their new scales. Many teachers have called for reforms to streamline the process and ensure that it is fair, transparent, and efficient.
### GES Urged to Improve Communication
The challenges faced during the 2024 promotion exams highlight the need for GES to improve its communication and organizational systems. Teachers have urged the service to provide clear and accurate information ahead of exams to avoid the kind of confusion experienced in the Upper West Region.
In response, GES officials have pledged to investigate the complaints and take steps to prevent similar issues in the future. The service is also exploring ways to enhance the overall efficiency of the promotion process, from administering the exams to releasing the results and updating salary scales.
### Looking Ahead
As GES works to release the 2024 promotion exam results, the focus remains on ensuring that teachers who pass are placed on their new ranks promptly. This will not only boost morale among educators but also reinforce the importance of professional growth within the teaching profession.
At the same time, stakeholders are calling for broader reforms to address the recurring challenges associated with the promotion exams. By addressing these issues, GES can create a more supportive environment for teachers and strengthen the overall quality of education in Ghana.
For now, teachers across the country are eagerly awaiting the release of the results, hopeful that their hard work will be rewarded and that the process will pave the way for a more efficient and transparent promotion system in the future.
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