Alagumgube backs call for removal of JHS qualification barriers, urges return of repetition in schools

The Alagumgube Association has thrown its support behind calls for reforms to Ghana’s basic education system, particularly the proposal for pupils who complete Junior High School (JHS) to transition directly into secondary education without being subjected to placement barriers.

The association said the completion of JHS should provide every pupil with the opportunity to progress to secondary education, rather than allowing placement criteria to determine whether a child continues their education.

The position follows a call by Kofi Asare, Executive Director of African Education Watch, who has advocated for the removal of qualification barriers and argued that completing JHS should transition directly into secondary education.

Supporting the call, Alagumgube also urged education authorities to consider the reintroduction of repetition in schools, arguing that it could give academically struggling pupils more time to master the required subjects before progressing to the next level.

The association believes that allowing pupils to repeat a class where necessary could help ensure that students move through the education system with the requisite knowledge and skills, rather than being promoted despite significant learning gaps.

According to Alagumgube, the focus of Ghana’s education system should not only be on moving pupils from one level to another but also on ensuring that they genuinely acquire the competencies required at each stage.

The association said a system that combines easier transition into secondary education with appropriate academic support and the option of repetition could help improve learning outcomes and reduce inequalities among students.

It further called for broader stakeholder discussions on education reforms, stressing the need for policies that prioritise the long-term academic development of Ghanaian children.

Alagumgube maintained that every child deserves an opportunity to continue their education, while schools should also have mechanisms to ensure that students who need additional time to learn are not left behind.