The need for GES to consider digitizing the application of assurance and transfer process
GES transfer processes
The need for GES to consider digitizing the application of assurance and transfer process.
In recent years, the need for digitalisation has become more pronounced in almost all sectors of life.
In Ghana, the need for digitalisation has been even more urgent, with a growing need for digitalisation in the Ghana Education Service (GES) transfer process.
In this article, we will discuss the need for digitalisation in the GES transfer process and how the use of technology can streamline the process.
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Challenges in the current GES transfer process
The GES transfer process is a manual procedure that is plagued with challenges that hinder its efficiency. First, the current process involves seeking of assurance, filling and submitting transfer application forms to the District / Municipal Directorate of Education and then to the Ghana Education Service headquarters, where the forms go through a manual evaluation process before being approved or declined.
It is indeed burdensome and inconvenient to travel from one region to another just to submit an application for assurance, then go back and wait for the assurance. After that, one has to return to the district, collect the assurance, and finally submit it to the
regional office for approval.
This process creates significant delays, and teachers may have to wait for months before their transfer applications are approved.
The process is not only stressful but also poses risks.
In some instances, teachers could be transferred to schools they didn’t apply to, or their transfer could be rejected for no valid reason.
Again the current process is susceptible to corruption and unethical practices, where some teachers use unscrupulous means to lobby for transfer to desirable schools, while others pay bribes to GES officials to approve their transfers.
The Need for Digitalisation in the GES Transfer Process
Given these challenges, there is an urgent need for the GES transfer process to be digitised. There are several benefits to digitalising the process, including:
1. Speed and Efficiency
Digitalising the GES transfer process will significantly speed up the process, and teachers can receive responses regarding their transfer applications in a matter of hours or days instead of months. A digitalised system will eliminate the need for manual filling and submission of forms, reducing bureaucracy and increasing efficiency.
2. Accuracy
Automation will eliminate the potential for human errors that may occur during the manual transfer process. The system can be designed to check for errors and inconsistencies at every stage of the process, ensuring that teachers are transferred to the right schools.
3. Transparency and Accountability
The manual transfer process is susceptible to corruption and unethical practices. Digitalisation will ensure transparency and accountability in the process as all data and information will be stored in digital databases, creating an audit trail. This will enable authorities to monitor the transfer process and prevent unethical practices.
4. Convenience
Digitalisation of the transfer process will make it more convenient for teachers to apply for transfers and track their application’s status. They will not have to travel long distances to submit or follow up on their transfer applications. They can do this from the comfort of their homes or workplaces, using computers or smartphones.
Digitalisation of the GES transfer process is long overdue, and it is essential to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability. The benefits of digitisation are undeniable, and it is time for the GES to embrace technology and streamline the transfer process.
The Government of Ghana should invest in digital infrastructure and training the necessary personnel in digital technologies to ensure the successful transition of the GES transfer process. By doing so, they will be strengthening Ghana’s education system and ensuring a better future for its students.
