The Ministry of Education has described as vicious reports that are making rounds that it is forcing out pupil teachers from their post.

“There is no way that this Ministry would have paid back pupil teachers in this manner,” said Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a Deputy Minister of Education.

He said the reports had no merit and were simply “not true”.

Mr Ablakwa made these remarks at the launch of this year’s National Best Teacher Award scheme.

In its 20th edition, the scheme rewards outstanding teachers from across the country over the past one year.

This year’s is scheduled to be held on October 5 in the Central Region capital of Cape Coast.

The Best Teacher is expected to take home GH¢65,000.

Mr Okudzeto took the opportunity to reject the reports about the pupil teachers.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) is reported to have terminated the appointments of the pupil teachers in line with its regulations as they have served one academic year.

Mr Okudzeto said the reports were made to paint the Ministry in a bad light.

“We did not intend to attack pupil teachers as if they were some criminals who have visited atrocities on this nation.”

Already, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers, Ghana (CCT) have expressed scorn at the decision of GES, claiming it will further worsen the plight of school children.