Former President John Dramani Mahama, during a ‘thank you’ tour at Jubilee Park in Tamale, launched a scathing critique of his predecessor, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for failing to provide essential textbooks to basic school students after implementing a new curriculum. This oversight, Mahama argued, severely hampered effective learning and placed an undue burden on both students and educators. He contrasted this with his own administration’s proactive approach, highlighting a significant allocation of GHC564.6 million specifically earmarked for textbook procurement and distribution. Mahama emphasized that this investment would finally rectify the “no-textbook phenomenon” that had plagued basic schools under the previous administration. He underscored the commitment to local production by revealing that the textbooks would be printed within Ghana, ensuring the economic benefits remain within the country. This, he explained, would stimulate the local printing industry while simultaneously fulfilling a crucial educational need.
Mahama’s allocation of GHC564.6 million for textbooks signifies a substantial investment in education and a deliberate attempt to address a critical gap in the learning process. By providing the necessary learning materials, his administration aims to empower both students and teachers to engage with the revised curriculum effectively. This initiative directly tackles the challenges faced by students who were previously expected to navigate a new curriculum without the essential tools for comprehension and application. Furthermore, the decision to print the textbooks locally demonstrates a commitment to bolstering the Ghanaian economy by supporting local businesses and creating employment opportunities within the printing sector. This two-pronged approach addresses both educational and economic concerns, reflecting a holistic strategy for national development.
The choice to entrust the implementation of this initiative to Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, the Education Minister, further underscores Mahama’s commitment to its success. By assigning this responsibility to a key figure within his administration, Mahama signaled the importance he places on rectifying the textbook shortage. Iddrisu’s assurance that the textbooks will be printed locally reinforces the administration’s commitment to promoting domestic industry and ensuring that the financial investment benefits the Ghanaian economy. This strategic delegation of responsibility emphasizes the seriousness with which the Mahama administration views the issue of textbook provision and their determination to deliver on their promise.
Beyond textbooks, Mahama outlined additional measures taken by his administration to improve the overall educational experience for Ghanaian children, including expanding the school feeding program. Recognizing the importance of proper nutrition for optimal learning, Mahama announced increased funding for this program, aiming to provide more nutritious and balanced meals to students. This initiative demonstrates a broader understanding of the factors contributing to a conducive learning environment and acknowledges the link between student well-being and academic performance. By investing in both educational resources and student nutrition, Mahama’s administration aims to create a more supportive and nurturing learning ecosystem.
Further demonstrating his commitment to inclusive education, Mahama announced the allocation of resources for the provision of free sanitary pads to female students. This initiative addresses a significant barrier to education for many girls, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. By providing free access to essential hygiene products, the administration aims to ensure that no female student is forced to miss school due to menstruation-related challenges. This policy reflects a sensitivity to the specific needs of female students and a commitment to creating a more equitable and accessible educational system for all.
In summary, Mahama’s address in Tamale outlined a comprehensive approach to strengthening Ghana’s education system. His criticism of the previous administration’s failure to provide textbooks served as a backdrop for his own proactive measures, emphasizing the importance of investing in essential resources. The allocation of GHC564.6 million for textbooks, coupled with the commitment to local printing, reflects both educational and economic priorities. The expansion of the school feeding program and the provision of free sanitary pads underscore a broader understanding of the factors contributing to a supportive and inclusive learning environment. These initiatives collectively signal a significant investment in the future of Ghana’s youth and a determination to provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
