National Education Forum: A Roadmap to Transforming Education in Ghana
The much-anticipated National Education Forum is set to commence on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, and will culminate in a two-day validation conference scheduled for Thursday, February 27, and Friday, February 28, 2025, in Accra. This critical engagement, aimed at reimagining and restructuring Ghana’s education system, will bring together stakeholders from across the nation to deliberate on transformative solutions for a sustainable educational future.
Regional Engagements Begin in Ho
The forum’s activities will kick off in the Volta Regional capital, Ho, where the first zonal engagement for participants from the Volta and Oti regions will take place on February 19, 2025. This marks the beginning of a series of regional consultations designed to incorporate diverse perspectives into the discussions.
The eight-member National Education Forum Planning Committee has divided the country into three zones—Northern, Middle, and Southern—to streamline engagements. Each zone will host stakeholders from multiple regions, culminating in the validation workshop at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Zonal Consultations Schedule
The forum will proceed as follows:
February 21, 2025:
Greater Accra and Eastern regions will meet in Accra.
Western and Central regions will converge in Cape Coast.
February 24, 2025:
Upper East and North East stakeholders will meet in Bolgatanga.
Western North, Bono, Ahafo, and Bono East regional participants will gather in Sunyani.
February 25, 2025:
Stakeholders from the Upper West, Savannah, and Northern regions will convene in Tamale.
February 26, 2025:
A separate session for the Ashanti Region will be held in Kumasi.
Theme and Focus Areas
The forum, under the theme, “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future,” will offer a comprehensive platform to examine the state of Ghana’s education system and chart a course for meaningful reforms. Addressing journalists on February 14, 2025, the Planning Committee Chairman, Prof. George K. T. Oduro, emphasized the relevance of the theme in shaping the dialogue around Ghana’s education transformation.
The forum’s framework is anchored on Ghana’s Education Strategic Plan (2018-2030) and insights from various stakeholders, including references to the manifesto of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Five Pillars of Transformation
Prof. Oduro outlined five key pillars that will guide discussions:
1. Infrastructure Development:
Emphasizing the need for improved physical and virtual infrastructure, including ICT facilities, to support modern education.
2. Quality Education:
Addressing inclusivity and quality across all levels—basic, secondary, tertiary, and technical/vocational education and training (TVET).
3. Regulation, Accountability, and Governance:
Strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure institutions operate effectively, fostering accountability among all education stakeholders, and promoting strong governance systems to enhance outcomes.
4. Education Financing:
Exploring strategies for sustainable funding to guarantee the delivery of quality education.
5. Research and Data Utilization:
Highlighting the importance of evidence-based decision-making, with a focus on research and reliable data to inform educational policies.
Keynote Speakers
Two distinguished Ghanaian educators from the diaspora will headline the forum:
Prof. Joseph S. Agbenyega (Australia) will deliver the keynote address on the theme, offering insights into global best practices for sustainable education transformation.
Prof. Kwame Akyeampong (United Kingdom) will explore the theme from the perspective of teaching and learning innovations.
Both speakers are attending at no cost to the government, demonstrating their commitment to contributing to Ghana’s educational development.
A Collaborative Effort
The forum promises to be a landmark event, bringing together policymakers, educators, students, and other stakeholders to chart a transformative path for Ghana’s education system. Prof. Oduro expressed confidence that the discussions would yield actionable strategies to address the nation’s educational challenges and position Ghana as a model for sustainable education in Africa.
The journey begins on February 18, 2025—ushering in a new era for education in Ghana.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
