President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the National Education Consultative Forum, urging collective action to reform Ghana’s education system to meet 21st-century demands.
Speaking at the forum on Tuesday, February 18, Mahama emphasized the need for a “unified platform” to gather diverse perspectives and develop “optimal outcomes for our children.”
Commitment to Education Reform
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive policymaking, stating that the forum fulfills his “120-day social contract with the good people of Ghana.”
“Education is not just a tool for personal development; it is the bedrock upon which the progress and prosperity of any nation rest,” he stated.
Mahama highlighted the inadequacies of Ghana’s current education system, stressing that “what worked in the past no longer suffices for the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.”
Key Questions and Challenges
The President outlined critical issues to guide the discussions, including:
- Ensuring quality education for every child, regardless of location.
- Equipping teachers with the tools they need to succeed.
- Promoting innovative teaching methods and critical thinking.
- Ensuring sustainable financing for education.
- Strengthening the role of faith-based organizations in school management.
He stressed the need for a system that develops students into “globally competitive citizens” rather than just focusing on literacy.
Call for Collective Action
Mahama urged all stakeholders—government officials, policymakers, educators, traditional leaders, religious groups, and development partners—to collaborate in a “shared responsibility” for education reform.
“The moment to act together is here and now,” he said, assuring that recommendations from the forum “will not gather dust on a shelf” but will drive a comprehensive reform agenda.
He also pledged government support in areas such as teacher education, infrastructure development, education technology, and strategic partnerships to enhance learning.
Vision for the Future
Declaring the forum officially open, Mahama envisioned an education system where “teachers are celebrated, supported, and empowered to inspire the next generation” and where schools become “centres of innovation and lifelong learning.”
“The future of this country is in our hands. Let us seize this moment and work together to create a legacy of hope, opportunity, and transformation for future generations,” he concluded.
The forum is expected to produce a roadmap for urgent reforms, with clear timelines and measurable outcomes.