President-elect John Dramani Mahama has urged headmasters of secondary schools across Ghana to voice the challenges they face in their institutions, emphasizing the need for open dialogue to improve the country’s education system.
Some Ghanaians have accused the outgoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for allegedly stifling the voices of school administrators but John Mahama has asserted that under his administration, headmasters will have the freedom to speak without fear of reprisal.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the University of Ghana to congratulate him on his electoral victory, Mr. Mahama highlighted a pressing crisis affecting Ghana’s entire education chain.
Education in Crisis
“There’s a crisis across our whole education chain,” Mr. Mahama stated. “Over-concentration on secondary education has created severe challenges for basic schools. A lot of resources are being directed towards secondary schools, leaving the other levels of education handicapped. This imbalance must be addressed immediately.”
The President-elect called for urgent action to rebalance resource allocation across all levels of education to ensure equitable development and better outcomes.
A National Education Review Conference
To tackle these challenges, John Mahama announced plans to convene a National Education Review Conference aimed at reassessing and reforming Ghana’s education system.
“We will hold a National Education Review Conference to thoroughly examine our education system. The wisdom and insights from stakeholders will guide us in addressing issues across basic, secondary, and tertiary levels. If reforms are needed, we will not hesitate to implement them,” he said.
Reaffirming Commitment to Free SHS
Addressing concerns about the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, John Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the program, while proposing reforms to enhance its sustainability and effectiveness.
“Free SHS has come to stay. We are not going to cancel it, but it needs a dedicated source of funding to ensure it works better for students, parents, and the nation as a whole,” Mahama emphasized.
Tribute to the University of Ghana
John Mahama took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the University of Ghana, attributing his personal and professional development to the institution.
“The University of Ghana is responsible for making me who I am today. I will always hold the university in high esteem and carry its legacy with pride,” he said.
Breaking Barriers with Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
John Mahama also celebrated his party’s historic appointment of Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as Ghana’s first female Vice President-elect, describing it as a monumental achievement.
“The NDC has shattered the glass ceiling with the appointment of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. Her ascension is not just a victory for our party but for all women in Ghana, proving that gender is no barrier to leadership,” Mr. Mahama declared.
A Vision for Educational Reform
With his focus on educational reform, John Mahama’s call for headmasters to freely share their challenges and insights marks a significant step toward inclusivity and collaboration in governance.
His proposed reforms and commitment to enhancing existing policies like Free SHS underscore his administration’s goal of building a robust and equitable education system for all Ghanaians.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites✍️) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭
