Togbe Afede XIV calls for ethics-based education to combat corruption

Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, has emphasized the urgent need for ethics-based education, warning, "We need to kill corruption and instill ethics in our education system."

Addressing Ghana's educational challenges, he urged policymakers to ensure that reforms align with the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Speaking as chairman at the National Education Forum, held at Volta Serene Hotel on February 18, 2025, Togbe Afede underscored the transformative impact of globalization. "Globalization, technology, and social change continuously reshape workplace demands," he noted, stressing that education must equip students with adaptive skills for a dynamic job market. He called for a departure from rote memorization toward an approach that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.

Concerns Over Free SHS Implementation

While acknowledging the government’s commitment to education, Togbe Afede criticized the rushed implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. Comparing it to the Greek myth of Cerberus, he argued that poorly planned policies place undue burdens on the people. "When policies are introduced without proper groundwork, they can create more problems than they solve," he cautioned, advocating for structured, well-prepared reforms to ensure long-term success.

Beyond academic achievement, the traditional leader stressed the importance of moral and social values in shaping responsible citizens. "We need to equip our people with social values—altruism, empathy, self-esteem, tolerance, discipline, and honesty," he asserted, emphasizing that an education system rooted in ethics will produce responsible leaders and ethical citizens, ultimately reducing corruption.

Ethics as a Tool Against Corruption

Highlighting corruption as one of Ghana’s greatest challenges, Togbe Afede lamented that it is "fueled by greed." Despite various anti-corruption initiatives, he noted that the continued loss of national resources remains a major obstacle to development. "No matter what we do, if we allow as much leakage from the economy as corruption has demonstrated, we would have difficulties," he warned, stressing that ethical education is the most effective tool to combat the problem.

Recognizing government efforts to introduce ethics into the curriculum, Togbe Afede welcomed the initiative. "Ethical education will produce responsible citizens who understand accountability and integrity," he said, urging sustained efforts to embed ethics at all levels of education to shape students with strong moral values.

A Call for Visionary Leadership in Education

The National Education Forum, themed “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future,” serves as a platform for discussing the future of Ghana’s education system. Togbe Afede urged policymakers to take a proactive approach to reforms. "We must not wait for crises before implementing necessary changes," he advised, calling on the government to engage education experts and stakeholders to design sustainable policies aligned with Ghana’s development goals.

He also emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, stating, "Education is a never-ending process. We must cultivate ambition and the drive for excellence in our people." He reiterated the need for an education system that promotes adaptability, critical thinking, and a passion for continuous learning.

"We all share the responsibility of ensuring that our education system helps us realize our development aspirations," Togbe Afede concluded, calling for collaboration among educators, parents, policymakers, and students to build an education system that meets both national and global needs.

Government’s Commitment to Education Reform

Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving education, describing President John Mahama as a "legacy president" who values expert input. "President Mahama is here to listen to expert opinions on the state of education and how best we can improve it," he said. Acknowledging infrastructure and funding challenges, he expressed optimism that collective efforts would lead to meaningful progress.

As the forum concluded, Togbe Afede left participants with a powerful message: "We need to instill discipline, honesty, and patriotism in our people. If we fail to tackle corruption and instill ethical values, our education reforms will not achieve their full potential."

Next Steps in the National Education Forum

The National Education Forum, headed by Prof. George Kwaku Toku Oduro, was launched by President John Dramani Mahama on February 18, 2025, in Ho and will run until February 20, 2025. A consultative dialogue on education is set to take place from February 19 to February 21, followed by a validation conference at UPSA from February 27 to February 28. The committee is expected to present its final report to the Minister of Education, Hon. Lawyer Haruna Iddrisu, on March 21, 2025.