The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has
organised a 5-day Consultation and Planning Workshop on the development and
implementation of Ghana’s National Qualification Framework (NQF) and related
policies on Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (CATS) and Recognition of
Prior Learning (RPL).
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a policy
instrument which provides a structured framework for organising and recognising
qualifications which would ensure consistency, comparability, equality, and transparency
of qualifications of all sub sectors of education in the Ghanaian Education
System.
By aligning qualifications, the NQF would facilitate
seamless progression through different pathways within the qualifications
system. It would also facilitate the
acceptance of qualifications in other countries thus promoting mobility for
students and professionals.
Prof Kwame Boafo-Arthur, Chairman of GTEC Board
addressing participants
The Ghana National Qualifications Framework (GhNQF) is
being developed concurrently with two pertinent policy instruments: Recognition
of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and Credit Accumulation and Transfer System
(CATS) policy.
The RPL will acknowledge the knowledge and skills gained
through non-formal and informal experiences.
It would value practical expertise at work, through volunteering or in
another context. The proposed comprehensive RPL policy is to be developed by taking
into account the existing TVET RPL policy and the higher education context.
The Ghana Credits Accumulation and Transfer System
(GhCATS) policy would enable learners to accumulate credits for completed
modules or courses. These credits can
then be transferred across institutions or programmes.
It is expected that the ecosystem of NQF, RPL, and CATS
will ensure harmonisation, consistency, and trust within Ghana’s Qualifications
Systems and ensure conducive environment for lifelong learning and workforce
development.
Mr. Maxwell Kissi, Head of Credentials Evaluation at
GTEC addressing participants
The workshop which was facilitated by a team of experts
from the European Training Foundation (ETF) and the African Continental
Qualification Framework (ACQF) was held at the Ange Hill Hotel in East Legon,
Accra from Monday, 26th February 2024 to Friday, 1st
March 2024.
Participants for the workshop were drawn from the
following stakeholder bodies:
· The Ghana Tertiary Education
Commission (GTEC)
·
Ministry of Education
· The Commission for Technical
and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET)
· National Council for Curriculum
and Assessment (NACCA)
· The National Conference of
Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF)
·
All Africa Student Union (AASU)
·
National Union of Ghana
Students (NUGS)
·
West African Examination
Council (WAEC)
·
Council of Independent
Universities (CIU)
·
Complementary Education Agency
(CEA)
· Office of The Attorney General and
Ministry of Justice (OAGMOJ)
·
Ghana TVET Service
·
Vice Chancellors Ghana
·
Association of Ghana Industries (AGI)
· Vice Chancellors of Technical Universities of Ghana (VCTU-G)
· Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR).