President John Dramani Mahama has received the final report of the National Education Forum from its Chairperson, Professor George Oduro.
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The eight-member committee, appointed by the President, engaged stakeholders across Ghana’s education sector to propose reforms.
Speaking at the presentation in Accra, President Mahama thanked contributors, teachers, students, researchers, traditional leaders, religious groups, the private sector, and development partners. He said the report reflects their insights, experience, and commitment to Ghana’s future.
“Today marks a milestone in our shared effort to reposition Ghana’s education system as a powerful engine for inclusive growth, social justice, and development,” Mahama said.
He emphasized that education goes beyond knowledge transfer. “It empowers young minds, builds character, and prepares future citizens and workers.”
Amid global shifts in technology and demographics, Mahama said the forum sought to answer a critical question: What kind of education system best serves Ghana in the 21st century?
“Our goal was simple, build national consensus to reform and reimagine education in line with economic needs, youth aspirations, and national values.”
The President noted that the findings were both sobering and inspiring. Challenges highlighted include:
- Inequality in access and quality across regions
- Inadequate infrastructure, especially at basic levels
- Learning deficits in literacy and numeracy
- Curriculum-job market mismatch
- Weak governance and coordination
Despite these issues, the report offers clear steps forward. The Forum strongly recommends focusing on foundational learning, reading, writing, arithmetic, and critical thinking.
“Children who can’t read with understanding by age 10 face lifelong setbacks,” Mahama stressed. He urged investments in teacher training, learning materials, and supportive home environments.
He also called for a major overhaul of technical and vocational education (TVET), which he said had long been undervalued. “We must build modern, well-equipped TVET centers aligned with sectors like agro-processing, green energy, and digital services,” he said.
Mahama added that industry partnerships are crucial for ensuring that training leads to employment or entrepreneurship. He also announced a plan to roll out a national apprenticeship program, integrated with formal education, to support the envisioned 24-Hour Economy.
As part of broader reforms, the President advocated decentralizing teacher recruitment to improve efficiency.
Professor George Oduro recommended that the Ministry of Education develop a language policy to strengthen the use of Ghanaian languages in early education.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu thanked the Forum for helping the President fulfill a key campaign promise.
