President John Dramani Mahama has outlined a bold roadmap to revitalise the education system, emphasising foundational learning, technical and vocational training, teacher development, and decentralised governance as key pillars for national progress.
The President made the announcement last Thursday during a ceremony at the Jubilee House, where he received the final report from the National Education Consultative Committee (NECC), chaired by, former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. George K.T. Oduro.
The committee, comprising eight members, was tasked with engaging stakeholders across the education sector to propose transformative reforms.
The brief ceremony to receive the report was attended by the Vice-President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang; the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, and other senior government officials.
President Mahama hailed the collaborative efforts of educators, students, researchers, civil society, religious institutions, and development partners in shaping the report.
He described the document as a milestone in Ghana’s quest to reposition education as a catalyst for inclusive growth, social justice and national development.
“Education is the heartbeat of every progressive society,” he said, and added, “It is not merely the transmission of knowledge; it is the empowerment of young minds, the nurturing of character, and the preparation of young people to become responsible citizens and productive members of society.”
Persistent challenges
The President acknowledged deep-seated challenges plaguing the sector, including inequalities in access and quality, inadequate infrastructure at basic and preschool levels, learning deficits in literacy and numeracy, a mismatch between curriculum and employable skills, and weak governance structures.
However, he expressed optimism that the report provided a clear pathway for addressing those issues, outlining five priority reform areas.
Foundational learning and TVET
President Mahama stressed the need for a national commitment to foundational skills, ensuring that every child mastered reading, writing, arithmetic, and critical thinking by age 10.
He also emphasised the urgent need to destigmatise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and modernise institutions to align with emerging economic sectors.
To bridge the skills gap, the President endorsed the rollout of a comprehensive National Apprenticeship Programme, which would support his vision of a 24-hour economy.
Teacher motivation
Recognising the pivotal role of teachers, President Mahama pledged to revamp colleges of education, provide continuous professional development, and establish fair incentive systems.
He also strongly advocated decentralising education governance, criticising the inefficiencies of centralised management.
The President called for local decision-making in school management and teacher deployment.
Additionally, he backed a hybrid model of boarding and community day schools to optimise resources under the Free SHS policy, particularly in rural areas with wide catchment zones.
Infrastructure boost
On funding, the President explained that uncapping the GETFund had supported Free SHS but limited infrastructure development.
To address this, the government is directing up to 80 per cent of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to basic education infrastructure and school furniture.
“So every district assembly has been given a certain number of schools that they must build every year with part of their DACF. This will cure some of the challenges,” President Mahama said.
Commitment
President Mahama gave an assurance that the reforms would be integrated into the 2026 Budget and medium-term development strategy, with implementation beginning next year.
He stressed the need for collective action, urging partnerships with Parliament, the Ghana Education Service, religious bodies, unions, the private sector, and international development partners.
The President, paid tribute to Ghana’s education icons, including James Kwegyir Aggrey, Efua Sutherland, Prof. J.H. Kwabena Nketia, and Ama Ata Aidoo, urging the nation to honor their legacy by building a world-class education system.
“The classroom is the foundation of our republic. If we get education right, we’ll get everything else right—health care, jobs, innovation, civic responsibility, and nation-building,” he said.
With the report now submitted, the President called for immediate action, affirming, “Together, we’ll build an education system that is Ghanaian in character, African in relevance, and global in quality.”
Source: graphic.com.gh