The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has warned that Ghana risks losing its identity if its education system is not reformed, calling for a shift towards a model that preserves culture while promoting innovation and leadership.
Speaking at the 95th anniversary Speech and Prize Giving Day of Accra Academy on March 28, 2026, he said the country’s current education system still reflects colonial influence and does not fully meet national needs.
“My point is this: we are losing ourselves — and with ourselves, our aspirations,” he said.
He explained that many Ghanaians are trying to imitate foreign cultures instead of building their own identity.
“We are copying hard to be like others… yet we know we are not like them,” he added.
According to him, this has created an identity crisis, where people are “in-between” — not fully grounded in their own culture and not fully part of the cultures they copy.
He warned that this situation affects confidence, innovation, and national progress.
Mr Agyebeng also pointed to the historical roots of the problem, noting that Ghana’s education system was shaped during colonial rule to serve foreign interests.
He said this system pushed aside local languages and traditions, with many students punished in the past for speaking their own languages.
“Our languages became unspeakable taboos; our culture and traditions were labelled barbarous,” he said.
He questioned why Ghana still uses colonial names and spellings for many places.
“Why do we still insist on calling it Ashanti Region, when it should be Asante? Why Cape Coast instead of Oguaa?” he asked.
The Special Prosecutor stressed that education must help preserve heritage while preparing students for the future.
“Without such a quest, we lose our very selves — our legacy, our traditions, our achievements, our beliefs,” he warned.
He said education should be used as a tool to build a strong national identity, while also encouraging creativity and leadership.
The event, held to mark Accra Academy’s 95th anniversary, brought together students, teachers and alumni, with a strong message on the need for education to reflect Ghana’s values and aspirations.
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