Ghana’s education system not solving our problems – Former MoE
Former Minister of Education, Yaw Osafo-Maafo citing poor sanitation, flooding and the frequent damage to school roofs anytime it rains has called for Ghana’s education system to be redesigned to actively contribute to solving our national problems.
Speaking at the International Educators Summit 2024 on the theme “Reimagining Education for the Future We Seek Africa and the World in Dialogue,” Osafo-Maafo argued that education should solve societal problems and not rather create.
“We have a change, but that change must be manifested into solving the problems facing this country, as we go along. So, we should begin to think through education as a problem-solver for the nation.
This is my simple message to the minister of education [Dr Yaw Osei-Adutwum], and the whole educational system. We have a myriad of problems facing us in our education system.
Our education system and the content should aim directly at resolving these problems, simple problems like sanitation, flooding,” the Senior Presidential Advisor said at the 2024 edition of the International Educators Summit.
Yaw Osafo-Maafo was the Minister in Charge of Education between 2005 and 2006 where he commenced the implementation of major education sector reforms aimed at improving the quality of basic, secondary and tertiary education.
The reforms also sought to align the education system with the needs of the broader economy. the Past Education Minister during his tenure in office implemented the new free basic education referred to as the Capitation Grant.
Meanwhile, Transforming Teaching, Education & Learning (T-TEL), a non-profit organization that provides high-quality technical advice has described Ghana’s education system as the best in Sub-Saharan Africa.
T-TEL’s Executive Director, Mr Robbin Todd who has been working with over 17 Sub-Saharan African countries in education for the last 24 years speaking at NaCCA’s teacher manual launch said Ghana’s education system stands tall regarding quality and accessibility.
The T-TEL Director said the country through the Ministry of Education and its relevant agencies has consistently ensured continuous improvement of its education systems by implementing pragmatic modern policies and structures.
He noted that Ghana has over the years trained and empowered teachers with a structured program, providing them with lesson plans, learning materials, and ongoing skills-based coaching, making the country one of the best educational destinations in Africa.
The T-TEL official said that Ghana in the next few years will produce students who have been equipped with 21st-century skills, values and critical thinking abilities that will help solve societal problems
He however called on all stakeholders particularly teachers to do their best to ensure the new curriculum serves its intended purpose.
