President Mahama introduces changes to boost education sector

President John Dramani Mahama has laid out comprehensive plan to revitalize the education system, highlighting foundational learning, technical and vocational training, teacher development, and community-based decision-making as an essential step for national progress.

The President made the declaration last Thursday during a ceremony at the Jubilee House, where he got the final document from the National Education Consultative Committee (NECC), headed by, former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. George K.T. Oduro. The committee, consisting of eight members, was assigned to collaborate with stakeholders across the education sector to introduce transformative initiatives.

The brief ceremony to receive the report was attended by the Vice-President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang; the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, and other senior government officials. President Mahama commended the partnership of educators, students, researchers, civil society, religious institutions, and development partners in contributing to the report’s development.

He described the document as a significant step in Ghana’s effort to revamp education as essential to balanced growth , social justice and national development. He stated that “Education is the heartbeat of every progressive society. It is not merely the transmission of knowledge; it is the empowerment of young minds, the nurturing of character, and the preparation of young people to become responsible citizens and productive members of society.”  

The President appreciated complex and persistent challenges disrupting the sector, including inequalities in access and quality, inadequate infrastructure at basic and preschool levels, learning deficits in literacy and numeracy, a mismatch between curriculum and employable skills, and weak governance structures.

However, he expressed hope that the report provided a clear pathway for addressing those issues, outlining five priority reform areas.  

Foundational learning and TVET. President Mahama stressed the need for a national commitment to foundational skills, ensuring that every child mastered reading, writing, arithmetic, and critical thinking by age 10.

He also highlighted the critical importance of demystifying Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and modernise institutions to match with the emerging market trends.

To address the skills gap, the President approved the launch of a comprehensive National Apprenticeship Programme, which would help his vision of a 24-hour economy.  

Understanding the key role of teachers, President Mahama promised to restructure colleges of education, provide ongoing training and education and imitate fair incentive systems.

He also strongly push for devolving education decision-making pointing out the problem of centralised management.

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