The National Education Forum, a pivotal event bringing together 5,000 stakeholders from across Ghana, recently concluded with a resounding call for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s education system. The forum, themed “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future,” served as a platform for extensive deliberations on critical issues impacting education, culminating in a communique outlining key recommendations for the government. The core message emphasized the urgent need for a thorough review of the curriculum and assessment systems at all levels of education, from primary to tertiary, to ensure their relevance and effectiveness in equipping learners for the challenges and opportunities of the future. This comprehensive review aims to align the curriculum with the demands of sustainable development and national aspirations, focusing on providing the necessary resources for effective implementation and evaluation.
A central theme emerging from the forum was the importance of investing in quality education. The communique specifically addressed the urgent need to improve the quality and quantity of food served in secondary schools, a crucial factor in student well-being and academic performance. Additionally, stakeholders emphasized the necessity of addressing issues of school discipline and examination malpractices, calling for collaborative efforts between the government and relevant stakeholders to create a more conducive learning environment. The forum recognized the importance of inclusive education, advocating for the full implementation of the Inclusive Education Policy to guarantee that all learners, regardless of background or ability, have access to quality and relevant education.
The forum also highlighted the critical role of tertiary education in national development, stressing the need for increased investment in infrastructure, particularly student hostels. Recognizing the strain on public resources, the communique recommended exploring public-private partnerships as a viable avenue for expanding infrastructure while maintaining regulatory oversight to ensure quality and affordability. Another key area of concern addressed by the forum was the issue of government interference in the management of educational institutions. Stakeholders called for a balance between autonomy and accountability, advocating for clearly defined frameworks that guarantee institutional freedom while ensuring adherence to national standards and regulations.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) emerged as a priority area for development, with the forum emphasizing the need for diversification in both formal and informal settings. This diversification aims to expand the range of skills training opportunities available to learners, equipping them with practical skills relevant to the evolving demands of the job market. The communique further underscores the importance of increased investment in TVET to enhance learning outcomes and facilitate industry experience, fostering a closer linkage between education and employment.
The forum further emphasized the critical role of research in advancing the education sector, calling for the establishment of a National Research Fund to support research activities. Coupled with the establishment of a regulatory framework for research, this initiative aims to promote evidence-based policymaking and foster a culture of innovation in education. The communique underscored the importance of data-driven decision-making, advocating for robust data collection and analysis to inform policy development and implementation.
The National Education Forum, a significant undertaking involving extensive consultations and deliberations, represents a crucial step towards transforming education in Ghana. With over 2,000 proposals received from individuals and organizations and a study involving over 20,000 respondents, the forum provided a rich tapestry of perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the education sector. The structured format, incorporating zonal stakeholder engagements and town hall meetings focusing on five thematic areas, ensured a broad representation of voices and perspectives. The five thematic areas – infrastructure, quality education, regulations, accountability and governance, education financing, and research and data – provided a comprehensive framework for addressing the complex issues facing the education system. The forum’s recommendations, encapsulated in the communique, serve as a roadmap for future action, providing a clear direction for the government to enhance the education system and equip learners for a sustainable future.
