National Education Reform Forum Launched in Ho – President John Mahama

The forum, held under the theme “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future,” gathered government officials, policymakers, teachers, students, parents, traditional and religious leaders, political parties, and members of civil society to discuss and shape the future of education in Ghana.

The launch was attended by several high-profile figures, including President John Dramani Mahama, the special guest Togbe Afede XIV (Agbogbomefia of Asogli State), the Chairman of the forum and Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Idrisu, and other dignitaries.

Addressing Educational Challenges

Mr. Forgive Agoha, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Education Service, shared his expectations for the forum, emphasizing the need to tackle the challenges hindering educational progress.

“Our hope is that this forum will address the issues preventing our education system from meeting national expectations,” Mr. Forgive Agoha stated. “We aim to find practical solutions that will enhance the quality of education, empowering students to contribute to national development and uplift their families.”

He highlighted several pressing concerns, including the limited number of professionally trained educators and the short-term nature of volunteer teachers from foreign countries. Mr. Agoha also noted that inadequate funding and insufficient teaching materials hinder the continuity of skills imparted by these volunteers. He expressed hope that the forum would develop strategies to resolve these issues.

Mr. Agoha further stressed the importance of supporting teachers to deliver quality education and equipping supervisors to monitor schools effectively. He emphasized that financial resources are crucial for implementing sustainable reforms and urged the forum to find ways to address the financial challenges faced by the education sector.

Togbe Afede XIV’s Address

Togbe Afede XIV commended President Mahama for his swift action on national issues since his inauguration on January 7.

“Your Excellency, you have not declared to us that you are in a hurry, but it is very obvious to us that you are in a big hurry, and we thank you sincerely,” Togbe Afede remarked.

He also praised Hon. Haruna Idrisu for his proactive approach to education reform. Togbe Afede emphasized that the education system plays a significant role in reducing poverty and enhancing national development. “So many people believe that education is the way out for us, the way out of poverty.”

He attributed part of Ghana’s economic challenges to the low level of human capital development and urged for greater investment in education.

“Indeed the most important factor in the production of goods and services in the growth of any economy is labour or human capital. Our collective attitudes, skills, and problem solving abilities determine the performance and productivity level that we will achieve.” 

Togbe Afede stressed the importance of integrating technology into education to prepare students for the modern workforce. “In today’s work place we are looking for men and women who have the creativity and the imagination to be able to adapt the global changes.” he added.

Government’s Commitment to Reform

Hon. Haruna Idrisu, the Minister for Education, reiterated the government’s commitment to education reform. He called on experts and technocrats to provide their best insights to guide the reform process.

“This forum is not about delivering speeches but about gathering ideas to deliver meaningful results,” Hon. Idrisu remarked. He described President Mahama as a “legacy president” committed to leaving a lasting impact on Ghana’s education system.

Learning from Global Models

Speaking at the event, Prof. Joseph Agbenyegah highlighted the importance of a national ideological framework for education. He pointed to the success of Finland, Singapore, and Malaysia, attributing their strong education systems to a clear national purpose.

“When a nation has a well-defined educational ideology, changes in government cannot disrupt it because it is rooted in the country’s core values,” Prof. Agbenyegah explained.

President Mahama’s Vision for Education

In his keynote address, President John Dramani Mahama expressed his gratitude to the resource persons for their contributions.

“This moment marks a significant step in fulfilling one of the commitments our 120 days social contracts with the good people of Ghana,” President Mahama stated.

He emphasized that education is not only a tool for personal development but also the foundation for national progress and prosperity. “Education must remain a tool for empowerment, equality, and transformation in Ghana.”

President Mahama reaffirmed that education reform is not just desirable—it is a necessity for Ghana’s sustainable future.