Professor James Flolu, Principal of the College of Technology Education Kumasi Campus of the University of Education, Winneba, has called for a review of the country's teacher education programme to promote its effectiveness in schools.
He said it was time the nation revisited how teachers were trained, certified and appointed to teach.
Speaking on the topic: "Teachers as agents of change" at a symposium in Kumasi on Thursday, Professor Flolu, said Ghana now needed dedicated and committed teachers, who were highly motivated to promote effective teaching and learning.
The symposium was organized by the Consultative Council of Teacher Associations (CCTA) under the auspices of the Ghana National Association of
Teachers (GNAT) to promote a discourse on issues of important to effective and improved education in the country.
It was under the theme: "Searching for school effectiveness improvement".
Professor Flolu, said teachers needed to be knowledgeable, properly trained and appointed under laid down standards and conditions before they could become effective agents of change.
They must have the right conduct, deep understanding of students and pupils interests, utilize indigenous resources in their teaching duties and promote harmony and peaceful living in the community.
The teacher must also have the skill of interaction in order to influence politicians, parents, members in the community and all stakeholders, to promote effective teaching and learning in schools.
Mr Joseph Abeiku-Apprey, Principal of Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI), underlined the need for school heads to promote discipline at all levels, encourage division of labour and clearly defined roles for subordinates.
Mr Anthony Wilberforce Nantwi, Headmaster of Tweneboa Kodua Senior High School, Kumawu, called for the judicious use of school resources and
dedication of all teachers to achieve improvement in schools.
He said headmasters as pillars of schools should exhibit leadership skills that would help transform their schools.
Mr Augustine Mensah, a retired head-teacher, called for the removal of all negative tendencies that inhibited progress in schools.