Education Should Focus on Service, Not Just Academics – President Mahama

Ghana’s education system must prepare students for service to society, moving beyond purely academic pursuits.

President John Dramani Mahama said this at the launch of the National Education Consultative Forum in Ho on Tuesday.

The National Education Consultative Forum brings together government officials, teachers, students, parents, traditional leaders, and civil society members.

The national education forum which kicks off in Ho, will span multiple regions and conclude on February 28, 2025.

The objective is to address multiple facets of the education system, focusing not only on primary and secondary education but also on five areas, namely infrastructure, quality education, regulations and accountability, education financing, and research. These areas are interconnected and require a comprehensive approach to reform.

The forum will also explore strategies to improve teaching, curriculum standards, and the use of technology in schools.

The theme “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future” serves as a call to address challenges at all levels of education, from primary to secondary school, while focusing on equitable growth sustainably.

He stressed that education should develop students holistically, not just intellectually.

“Quality education does not only focus on developing the intellect of pupils but ensures holistic personality development of the child.

Announcing concrete steps to reform the country’s education sector, the President said that the Government would increase the allocation of resources to foundational learning, with a focus on the four literacies – language, mathematics, science and culture.

“Teacher education and capacity development would also receive attention,” he added.

To improve school management, President Mahama revealed that Parent-Teacher Associations would have a bigger role.

“I’m happy that the Honorable Education Minister has already announced that PTAs can engage with schools to ensure that the schools are properly managed,” he noted.

The President assured stakeholders that their recommendations are not going to gather dust on a shelf, nor become symbolic recommendations, stating that they would rather form the foundation of a comprehensive reform agenda

He said the forum exemplifies that “education reform is a shared responsibility” requiring “all voices, all perspectives and all hands-on deck.”

President Mahama called for an education system “where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential” and “where teachers are celebrated, supported and empowered to inspire the next generation.”