A great number of stakeholders are set to participate in the National Education Forum, which kicks off tomorrow in the Volta Regional Capital, Ho. The forum will bring together a diverse group of participants, including political parties, headmasters, members of Parent-Teacher Associations, and major educational think tanks dedicated to education development.
The forum aims to foster dialogue among key development partners and stakeholders, with the goal of finding solutions to the pressing challenges facing the sector. These challenges include issues related to infrastructure, teaching and learning materials, and human resources, spanning from primary schools to tertiary education.
The National Education Forum will focus on the theme “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future.” Professor George K. K. T. Oduro, the National Chairman of the forum, shared his thoughts on the subject during an interview on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
In addition, the first stage of the conference will act as a preparatory phase, providing a platform for all interested parties and agencies involved in education to voice their concerns and challenges.
Professor Oduro also mentioned that following the Ho conference, a subsequent zonal engagement will be held, involving the Northern, Middle Belt, and Southern zones. This engagement will focus on validating the information gathered at the national conference for a broader review, aimed at achieving the forum’s goal of “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future.”
Meanwhile, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has expressed its commitment to actively participate in the National Education Forum, with a particular focus on addressing the funding challenges within the educational system.
This forum follows the establishment of an eight-member committee by President John Dramani Mahama to oversee the organization of the National Education Reform. The committee’s goal is to lead public discussions on ways to improve the country’s education sector.
Thomas Tanko Musah, the General Secretary of GNAT, voiced concerns about the significant debts owed to the West African Examination Council (WAEC), difficulties in financing the School Feeding Program for basic schools across the country, and arrears in the capitation grant. He also highlighted the growing issue of student indiscipline in Senior High Schools and called for reforms in the disciplinary system.
“The main challenge we face is funding. All the issues we will discuss are tied to securing the necessary funds to address them. For instance, the capitation grant has been in arrears for over two years, we owe WAEC more than GH¢100 million, and we are behind on payments for the school feeding program. How can we feed students on just GH¢1.30 a day?” Musah questioned.
“We need to address these financial challenges and emphasize that the current education system has failed to focus on character and conscience development in our children. If we continue to train children with only knowledge but no character, we will be putting their future—and the nation’s—at risk.”
He concluded by urging that the system be reformed, noting that headmasters’ roles have been weakened, and without proper support, the country could face serious challenges in the coming years.
Story by: Alexander Kukah @kukahalexander@gmail.com
