National Education Policy is the key

By Ameworwor Caleb Philip
 
'Nothing in education is so astonishing as the amount of ignorance it accumulates in the form of inert facts.' – Henry Brooks Adams

Having a National Education Policy is the surest way of reducing political interference in education. Education shouldn't be politicized. (That is, any policy on education should be able to stand the test of time, irrespective of which government is in power, to ensure consistency (coherence) and standardization and reduce any negative impact on our children (students)).

Education policy will address the issue of duration, 'free education' accessibility, affordability (financing of education), Equity (fairness in gender) and Quality. Education policy can be done through a policy dialogue. This involves the participation of all stakeholders in education and other related fields. They include Professors of Education policy, Educationists, Teachers, Tutors, Lecturers, Pupils (children) as well as adults; illiterate and literate members of the society; government departments; civil society and private sector representatives. This can be done by organizing fora (forums) that will bring together school children, teachers, parents and other stakeholders in education from both the rural and urban parts of the country in view of soliciting ideas and opinions on how our educational policies, plans and strategies should be done. When views are collected or solicited, the rest will be left for the educational policy experts, education agencies, parliament and the presidency to do the drafting before it becomes law or education policy (and accepted by everybody). Education policy should be themed.

The policy document will outline the aims and objectives of education in the country which are synchronized with the education related goals – Education for All (EFA) Goals, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), New Partnerships for Africa Development (NEPAD), UNESCO Goals and the country's Education Strategic Plan (2010 - 2020). Policy priorities will also be identified to allow for the growth of educational opportunity and improve the effectiveness of education at all levels, from early childhood development to tertiary and higher education. The policy can be reviewed in the long term say-ten to twelve (10-12) years to address the issue of its strengths (achievements) and weakness (challenges) and make recommendations in the future to come.

Ghana has an Education Act, Act 2008 (Act 778). What we need now is National Education Policy devoid of partisan politics. Let us do our best as a country and God will do the rest. The World needs a shine in every corner. Make a difference, stay tuned, stay blessed and learn more.

The writer is a professional Teacher at Juaso St. Andrews R/C JHS; An old student of Akrokerri