
The Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, says Ghana is currently undergoing an unprecedented educational revolution, particularly in public basic and junior high schools, challenging prevailing doubts and skepticism.
He said this during the opening of the 6th National Education Week at Labadi Beach Hotel yesterday. It is under the theme “Education Delivery For National Transformation: The Case For STEM and TVET”.
Dr. Adutwum emphasised the revolutionary changes based on evidence-based communication, highlighting a shift from conventional education norms characterized by rectangular brown and yellow buildings and uniforms, now undergoing a radical facelift under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“The country’s education system is undergoing a major transformation. Ordinary citizens don’t believe in politicians due to slogans like ‘it is in the pipeline,’ ‘plans are far advanced,’ ‘it is in the offing,’ and ‘very soon you’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel,’ because they don’t have hope in them… That’s why my presentation is based on evidence-based communication. Ghana’s education system has undergone a transformation that has never happened before,” he reiterated.
Consolidate
The Education Minister also unveiled plans to consolidate seven Junior High Schools in Juaben into a state-of-the-art facility featuring Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Labs, as well as a STEM and Computer Lab—an unprecedented phase in public education.
Highlighting support from the Arab Development Bank, Dr. Adutwum disclosed plans for new schools with interventions in basic and junior high schools, transcending the conventional brown and yellow aesthetic.
Notably, he mentioned the construction of the “Accra STEM Academy” promises a public school like never before, set to redefine education standards by March 2024.
He added that in a bid to shape well-rounded students, the Ministry is retooling existing schools and constructing new ones, offering courses in General Science, Aviation, and Aerospace—aligning Ghanaian education with global standards.
Doing this, he believes, can make Ghanaian students become the best in the world, saying “they’re the ones who will make Ghana greater than before so the government is poised at helping these children get to the top regardless of their backgrounds”.
STEM & TVET
A Deputy Minister of Education in charge of General Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, emphasised the pivotal role of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) policies and programmes in driving educational development.
He highlighted the significance of the National Education Week event beyond the present day, providing a platform for discussions on future developments in the education sector.
He acknowledged the strides made under the dynamic leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, saying “the reforms and consolidated gains witnessed across various educational sectors, both pre-tertiary and tertiary are commendable”.
Rev. Fordjour said STEM and TVET are indispensable in preparing individuals for the workforce. He stressed the need to nurture creative hands and minds, adding that these disciplines are crucial for propelling the national transformation required in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Praise
Speaking on behalf of Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, praised the organizers and partners of the 6th Edition of National Education Week 2023.
The annual event serves as a crucial platform for assessing the performance of government policies, programmes, and projects within the education sector.
He highlighted the positive impact of the event in shaping key policy interventions. He expressed appreciation for the valuable contributions of the youth, acknowledging their role in creating a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on best practices aimed at enhancing education delivery in Ghana.
Dr Bawumia stressed that regular, impartial introspection is vital for improving the effectiveness and efficacy of development interventions. He emphasised the significance of taking constructive feedback to enhance policies and projects for the future.
He also commended the Dr Adutwum for laying the foundation for STEM. He said the recognition of STEM education signifies a commitment to nurturing a generation equipped with skills essential for the rapidly evolving global landscape.