Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh, the Deputy Director-General (Quality and Access) of the Ghana Education Service (GES), concludes a distinguished tenure of over six and a half years, marked by significant contributions to the transformation of Ghana’s education landscape. Effective February 21, 2025, Dr. Tandoh will step aside from his role, leaving behind a legacy of enhanced teaching and learning, improved educational quality, and expanded access to education for Ghanaian children. His leadership has been instrumental in driving key initiatives and shaping the strategic direction of the GES, ensuring alignment with the national Education Strategic Plan (ESP 2018-2030).
Reporting directly to the Director-General, Dr. Tandoh held a pivotal position within the GES, overseeing four critical divisions: Research, Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation. His oversight of these core functions ensured that data-driven decision-making informed policy implementation and resource allocation, driving continuous improvement within the education sector. Dr. Tandoh’s deep understanding of the complexities of the Ghanaian educational system, coupled with his commitment to quality and access, enabled him to effectively guide and supervise these essential components, contributing significantly to the overall progress of the GES.
One of Dr. Tandoh’s most notable accomplishments is his instrumental role in the development and implementation of the Double Track System for senior high schools. Serving as the chief technical officer, he spearheaded the conceptualization, design, and implementation of this innovative system, a crucial element of the Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy. This initiative addressed the challenge of accommodating the increased demand for secondary education resulting from the free SHS policy, ensuring that more Ghanaian children could access this vital level of education. His leadership in navigating the complexities of implementing such a large-scale program demonstrated his dedication to expanding educational opportunities for all.
Further showcasing his expertise in securing and managing substantial funding for educational development, Dr. Tandoh also served as the chief technical officer for the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP). He led the design and conceptualization of this ambitious $218.7 million USD project, which aimed to improve the quality of education and learning outcomes in Ghana. His ability to secure such substantial funding speaks to his understanding of international development partnerships and his commitment to leveraging external resources to strengthen Ghana’s education system.
In addition to these significant contributions, Dr. Tandoh played a crucial role in navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He spearheaded the conceptualization, design, and implementation of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) COVID-19 Accelerated Funding program. This initiative provided critical support to Ghana’s education system during the unprecedented disruption caused by the pandemic, ensuring the continuity of learning and bolstering the system’s resilience. His leadership during this challenging period underscores his commitment to safeguarding the future of education in Ghana.
Dr. Tandoh’s departure marks the end of a highly productive and impactful period for the GES. Reflecting on his tenure, he expressed pride in the collective achievements in expanding access and improving the quality of education in Ghana. He expressed confidence in the GES’s ability to build on the foundation laid during his tenure and continue the progress towards achieving the goals set forth in the Education Strategic Plan. His legacy of transformative leadership and commitment to educational advancement will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of education in Ghana.
