Education Remains Most Powerful Tool to Reduce Poverty – Analyst
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Economic Analyst Emmanuel Boateng has underscored the critical role of education in reducing poverty and building a sustainable middle class in Ghana, describing it as the single most high-return investment government can make.
Speaking on Business Breakfast on Zed 101.9FM following the release of the latest Multidimensional Poverty Report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), which indicates that poverty is highest among households headed by individuals without formal education, Mr. Boateng stressed that keeping children in school is not optional if Ghana is serious about sustaining economic growth.
According to him, estimates show that earnings could increase by between 8 to 10 percent when children remain in school and complete their education.
He stressed that this improvement in income levels is central to expanding Ghana’s middle class and breaking the cycle of poverty.
“For Ghana to build a strong middle class and sustain economic growth, keeping children in school is not optional. It is the single most high-return investment the government can make,” he emphasized.
The Multidimensional Poverty Report identified education as one of the strongest household-level protections against poverty, reinforcing calls for targeted interventions in the sector.
Mr. Boateng, however, noted that access alone is not enough. He urged policymakers to move beyond enrolment figures and focus on the quality of education and student participation.
He highlighted several barriers that prevent students from staying in school, including opportunity costs and direct expenses borne by families. In many cases, children are compelled to support household incomes rather than continue their education.
The analyst stressed that government must critically examine these constraints and implement measures that deepen participation in education rather than merely expand access.
Another major concern raised was the disconnect between schooling and employment outcomes. Mr. Boateng pointed out that some parents do not see a clear link between their children’s education and improved job prospects, a perception that contributes to attendance challenges.
“If what students are being trained for does not have a direct bearing on job outcomes, then there is a big issue,” he stated.
He called for reforms that align education with the demands of the modern labour market, ensuring that students are equipped not only academically but also practically for the future of work.
Mr. Boateng highlighted that preparing students’ minds, hearts and bodies for meaningful employment must be a national priority, adding that a well-structured education system remains Ghana’s most effective strategy for drastically reducing poverty and securing long-term prosperity.
