Experts and stakeholders at the 10th Baraka Policy Institute (BPA) public lecture held in Accra have emphasized the need for some critical reforms to improve in the country educational system.
This year’s lecture brought together stakeholders to reflect on the state of education in Ghana, diagnose challenges, and chart a way forward, with speakers calling for increased investment, modernization of teaching methods, and recalibration of curricula to align with national development goals.
Honorable Clement Apaak, Member of Parliament for Builsa South, in his submission as a panelist, stated that even though governments over the years have done some work in the education sector, there still remains a lot be done.
He lamented the underinvestment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), a situation he noted has led to a lack of progress in the education sector. Another challenge he bemoaned is that, student are often discouraged from pursuing TVET due to some forms of stigmatisation by society.
Echoing Mr. Apaak’s concerns, educationist, Dr. Anis Hafar criticized the use of colonial-era teaching methods, emphasizing the need for more modern approaches in teacher training and teaching.
He stressed the importance of re-evaluating national education policies to address the disconnect between intellectual education and national development aspirations.
‘We always tackle a problem with same mind-set which created it in the first place, unless we begin to see that education is a means to an end, education is not an end in itself, the end in itself is the accomplishment so what is it that we can do? He quizzed
Mr Anif also added ‘Ghana has more resources, but why are we not adding value to resources? Because they are not main streamed in our curriculum. All I’m saying is especially with the GATE program that has been introduced is that, every district have to look at their own endowment and to be able to craft lessons and programms that will help them to add value to the community where they are, that is where the certificate should go, the certificate should not go on a piece of paper because you passed an exams’’ he concluded.
Naa Andani, Chairman of the Institute, called on the government to introduce mandatory internship programs in collaboration with local and foreign industries. This would enhance industrial attachment opportunities for TVET students, equipping them with practical experience and skills.
‘ The government must initiate mandatory internship programmes with local and foreign industries to facilitate and enhance industrial attachment for student in TVET institutions. This will consolidate the practical training of students and prepare them adequately for their respective professions and the job market’’.
Addressing the audience, President of the Institute Mr. Salem Kalmoni also encouraged more public discourse around education issues. He said,
‘’ To succeed as a country, we must place our best talent in leading the Ministry of Education and its associated agencies. Public debate on education policy deserves attention and hope this seminar has provided insight into how we can improve our national education policies.
According to Mr. Salem, while education remains the core priority of BPI, they also acknowledge the significance of addressing other aspects of social development.
He stressed that to succeed in any endeavor, it is crucial to adopt best practices and avoid harmful actions. BPI he said launched two initiatives aimed at protecting society from detrimental habits, specifically highlighting that education loses its value if resources are squandered on sports betting or wellbeing is compromised through substance abuse. He also underscored that these pressing issues require immediate attention in Ghana.
Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour lauded government’s efforts, citing initiatives like Free Senior High School education and the Gifted and Talented Education Program. He called for sustainable policies to maintain high professional standards in the educational sector.
The event was attended by representatives from academia, politics, religion, and the business sector.
Baina Multimedia/Khadijahtu Kubura Kailani
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