Education and Human Capital Development: Mahama’s Blueprint for Ghana’s Future

By  Prof. Samuel Lartey

Introduction

Education is the cornerstone of national development, shaping the minds and futures of the next generation. In Ghana, the education sector has faced numerous challenges over the years, ranging from inadequate infrastructure and unequal access to policy inconsistencies that have hindered progress. Despite the government’s efforts to address these issues, many schools, especially in rural areas, continue to operate without the necessary resources, leading to disparities in educational outcomes across the country. For instance, as of 2021, it was reported that over 4,000 schools in Ghana still operated under trees or in makeshift structures, significantly impacting the quality of education provided.

John Dramani Mahama, the NDC 2024 Flag Bearer and former President of Ghana (2012-2017), has outlined a comprehensive plan to revitalize the education sector, building on his previous initiatives and addressing the current challenges. During his earlier tenure, Mahama introduced the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which laid the groundwork for increased access to secondary education. However, the implementation of this policy has faced significant hurdles, including overcrowding in schools and inadequate funding, leading to concerns about the quality of education.

Mahama’s vision for 2024 focuses on a holistic approach to transforming Ghana’s education system. This includes a commitment to improving infrastructure, ensuring that every school has the necessary facilities to provide a conducive learning environment. According to the Ministry of Education, only 63% of basic schools in Ghana had access to electricity as of 2022, and Mahama aims to address these gaps by prioritizing the electrification and modernization of schools across the country.

In addition to infrastructure, Mahama plans to enhance access to education by expanding the Free SHS policy to include free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). As of 2023, TVET enrollment in Ghana was at a mere 12% of the total secondary education enrollment, a figure that Mahama intends to significantly increase. By promoting TVET, Mahama aims to equip students with practical skills that are in high demand in the job market, thereby reducing youth unemployment, which stood at 19.7% in 2023.

Furthermore, Mahama’s plan emphasizes the need for policy consistency and continuity in the education sector. Over the years, frequent changes in education policies have led to confusion and instability within the system. Mahama proposes the establishment of an independent Education Policy Council that will oversee and ensure the continuity of key education policies, irrespective of changes in government.

This feature explores Mahama’s vision for transforming Ghana’s education system, delving into the specific policies and initiatives that aim to build a stronger, more prosperous nation through education. As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, education will remain a critical issue, with the potential to shape the country’s future and the lives of millions of young Ghanaians.

Addressing Infrastructure Gaps

One of the most pressing issues in Ghana’s education sector is the state of infrastructure. Many schools, particularly in rural areas, lack basic facilities such as classrooms, libraries, and sanitation. Overcrowded classrooms are common, making it difficult for teachers to provide individual attention to students. Mahama’s plan places a strong emphasis on addressing these infrastructure gaps, with a commitment to complete abandoned educational projects and reduce class sizes.

By prioritizing the completion of existing projects over the initiation of new ones, Mahama aims to maximize the impact of government spending on education. This approach not only ensures that resources are used efficiently but also helps to create a more equitable distribution of educational opportunities across the country.

Enhancing Access and Quality of Education

Mahama’s education policy is rooted in the belief that every Ghanaian child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background. To this end, he has proposed a series of measures to enhance both access and quality. These include the provision of libraries in primary schools to promote a reading culture, the timely disbursement of capitation grants, and the integration of the Free SHS Secretariat into the Education Directorate for better oversight.

The policy also includes a review and improvement of the Free SHS/TVET policy through stakeholder engagement. While the Free SHS policy has increased access to secondary education, it has also faced criticism for its implementation challenges, such as inadequate funding and the double-track system. Mahama’s approach seeks to address these issues by ensuring that the policy is both sustainable and effective in delivering quality education.

Supporting Teachers and Strengthening Parent Associations

Teachers play a crucial role in the education system, and Mahama’s plan recognizes the importance of supporting them to deliver the best outcomes for students. The policy includes measures to ensure prompt recruitment, payment of salaries, and clearance of arrears for teachers. Additionally, Mahama has pledged to introduce a 20% allowance for rural-based teachers and to cancel the controversial teacher licensure examination, which has been a source of anxiety and contention among educators.

Mahama’s education policy also emphasizes the role of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in enhancing community and stakeholder participation in schools. By strengthening PTAs, the policy aims to foster closer collaboration between schools and the communities they serve, ensuring that educational policies are responsive to local needs and challenges.

Empowering Schools and Decentralizing the School Feeding Program

Another key aspect of Mahama’s education policy is the empowerment of school heads with the resources and authority to manage their institutions effectively. This decentralization is intended to improve school management and accountability, leading to better educational outcomes.

In addition to empowering school heads, Mahama plans to decentralize the school feeding program, which has been a vital initiative for improving nutrition and boosting local economies. By involving local communities in the management of the program, Mahama aims to enhance its effectiveness and sustainability.

Conclusion John Dramani Mahama’s vision for Ghana’s education sector is one of transformation and inclusivity. By addressing infrastructure gaps, enhancing access and quality, supporting teachers, and empowering schools, Mahama’s plan lays the foundation for a brighter future for all Ghanaian children. Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about building the human capital that will drive Ghana’s development for generations to come. With a clear and comprehensive strategy, Mahama is poised to lead Ghana towards a more educated, equitable, and prosperous future.

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