
The nomination of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu as Minister for Education by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is a significant milestone for Ghana’s education sector. Hon. Iddrisu’s extensive experience and deep understanding of policy and governance make him the right leader to tackle the challenges facing the education system and implement reforms to enhance its effectiveness and sustainability.
A critical area requiring his immediate attention is the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. First introduced as the Free Progressive SHS policy by the Mahama administration, the initiative aimed to expand access to secondary education while maintaining quality. However, its evolution into the Free SHS program under the Akufo-Addo government, while increasing enrollment, exposed significant structural challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, infrastructure deficits, and the controversial double-track system.
To ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the Free SHS policy, Hon. Iddrisu must prioritize the establishment of stable funding mechanisms. This will require innovative approaches such as exploring public-private partnerships, leveraging international development assistance, and introducing policies that optimize the use of government resources. Stakeholder consultations, particularly with parents, educators, and development partners, will also be vital to identify practical funding solutions. A well-funded Free SHS program will not only guarantee access but also address the pressing issues of quality and equity.
Additionally, the proposed review of the Free SHS policy by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama must focus on enhancing its structure to phase out the double-track system and improve the overall learning environment. Complementary initiatives, such as a robust feeding program for SHS students, will also be crucial in ensuring students’ well-being and academic success.
At the basic school level, urgent attention is needed to address the implementation gaps in the new curriculum. Many schools lack the required textbooks and teaching materials, undermining the curriculum’s potential impact. Ensuring the timely distribution of these resources is essential to providing a solid foundation for students’ educational journey.
Teacher welfare remains central to the success of Ghana’s education system. Hon. Iddrisu’s leadership must address issues such as delayed promotions, irregular salary adjustments, and inadequate incentives. Increasing retention premiums for teachers, particularly in underserved areas, will help retain skilled educators and improve overall morale. Providing affordable car and housing loan schemes will also ease financial burdens and attract more professionals to the teaching profession.
Moreover, continuous professional development programs for teachers must be prioritized to equip them with modern teaching techniques and tools, ensuring they are well-prepared to deliver the curriculum effectively. Investing in teachers will directly enhance the quality of education nationwide.
Finally, the stress-free school fees policy for first-year tertiary students, as promised by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, must be implemented to ease the financial burden on families and promote equitable access to higher education. This initiative will open opportunities for more students to pursue tertiary education without the strain of upfront fees.
In conclusion, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu’s appointment as Minister for Education marks the beginning of a transformative period for Ghana’s education system. His focus on securing stable funding for the Free SHS program, addressing basic education challenges, improving teacher welfare, and ensuring equitable access to tertiary education will pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable education sector.
Congratulations once again to Hon. Haruna Iddrisu. The nation looks forward to his visionary leadership in driving the reforms needed to elevate Ghana’s education system to new heights.
By: Mileba Godwin Kwame
Educational Psychologist, Stakeholder and Advocate