NATIONAL EDUCATION FORUM: Government Urged to Address Education Disparities as Forum Concludes

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By Stanley Kwabla Arku

National Education Forum has concluded with a comprehensive 2,000 recommendations aimed at transforming Ghana’s education system. The closing ceremony, held in Accra, brought together key stakeholders, including Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu, and other key stakeholders.

Delivering the final communique, Professor Oduro outlined critical areas requiring immediate government intervention. Chief among them is the urgent need to address gaps in basic education infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities. The committee stressed that bridging disparities in the quality of education across basic schools must be a top priority, with the government urged to adopt an equitable financing framework for the sector.

Other pressing recommendations include the abolition of the double-track system, an increase in tertiary education investment especially in student accommodation, and diversification of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to enhance its appeal beyond being perceived as a last resort for struggling students. The committee also called for the full implementation of the Inclusion Policy, ensuring that marginalized groups have equal access to education.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu highlighted the need to operationalize the National Research Fund and allocate a percentage of GETFund to support technical schools. He reiterated the government’s commitment to these reforms, emphasizing that a relevant and practical education system is key to national development.

Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, in her address, commended participants for their tireless efforts throughout the three-week conference. She reaffirmed the government’s stance that education financing must remain a central part of national discourse, underpinned by credible data for sustainable policy-making.

“The future of Ghana’s education depends on collective effort. Every voice matters, and as we await the final report, I assure you that these recommendations will not be left to gather dust. They will serve as a blueprint for meaningful reform,” she assured.

She further emphasized the need to deepen partnerships with parents, traditional authorities, and alumni associations, while ensuring school leaders have the autonomy to drive quality education. Additionally, she challenged the perception of TVET, asserting that it should be seen as a valuable career pathway rather than a fallback option.