President John Dramani Mahama has taken a decisive step toward enhancing Ghana’s education sector by appointing an eight-member committee to organize the National Education Forum. This initiative is in line with his 2024 campaign commitment to seek public input on improving the country’s education system, particularly the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
Education remains a fundamental pillar for national development, and President Mahama has consistently emphasized the need for stakeholder engagement in shaping policies that affect students, teachers, and the broader education ecosystem. During his campaign, he underscored the importance of inclusive decision-making, where experts, educators, parents, and students can contribute to discussions on education reforms. The establishment of this committee signals the beginning of a broad consultative process aimed at identifying challenges, evaluating policies, and proposing sustainable solutions.
The committee is chaired by Professor George K. T. Oduro, a distinguished academic and former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast. Other esteemed members include Professor Goski Alabi, Professor Rosemary Bosu, Dr. Samuel Awuku, and Professor Smile Dzisi. They are joined by education policy expert Kofi Asare, researcher Stephen Owusu, and governance analyst Inusah Shiraz. Together, these individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, ensuring that the forum is well-organized and delivers meaningful outcomes.
This committee has been given a two-week deadline to finalize its plans and submit a detailed report outlining the framework for the forum. Their Terms of Reference (TOR) define key responsibilities that will shape the event’s structure and objectives. One of their primary tasks is to develop a guiding theme that will direct discussions and ensure a focused approach to problem-solving. They will also identify critical stakeholders from the education sector, ensuring that representatives from government agencies, private educational institutions, teachers’ unions, students, parents, and policymakers are actively involved.
Another crucial aspect of the committee’s work is structuring the forum’s agenda. They are expected to outline topics for discussion, allocate time slots for various speakers, and ensure that pressing issues, such as the implementation and sustainability of the Free SHS policy, receive adequate attention. By carefully designing the agenda, the committee aims to facilitate in-depth discussions that will yield practical recommendations.
Selecting a suitable venue and setting a date for the forum are also part of the committee’s responsibilities. The chosen location must be accessible to participants and equipped with the necessary facilities to accommodate large-scale deliberations. Additionally, the committee will establish a secretariat to handle communications, coordinate logistics, and manage documentation. This secretariat will ensure that all preparatory activities run smoothly and that stakeholders are adequately informed.
Budget preparation is another vital component of the committee’s mandate. Organizing a national forum of this scale requires careful financial planning to cover expenses related to venue rental, technical equipment, materials, and administrative costs. The committee will present a comprehensive budget that aligns with the objectives of the forum while ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial accountability.
Beyond organizing the event, the committee is tasked with compiling a detailed report that will capture key discussions, findings, and recommendations. This report will serve as a reference document for policymakers, guiding future decisions on education reforms. President Mahama has made it clear that the forum is not just a ceremonial event but a critical step toward shaping policies that will enhance the quality of education in Ghana.
The outcomes of the forum are expected to be actionable, with a draft national education policy framework developed within three weeks after the event. This framework will provide strategic direction for education reforms, ensuring that policies are aligned with Ghana’s long-term development objectives. Alongside this framework, the committee will formulate an action plan detailing the implementation process, timelines, and key responsibilities for executing the recommended reforms.
The National Education Forum is expected to address a range of pressing issues within the sector. Among the topics likely to be discussed are the quality of education at the basic and secondary levels, infrastructure deficits, teacher welfare and training, curriculum relevance, and access to education for underprivileged communities. The Free SHS policy, a major government intervention, will also be critically assessed to determine its sustainability, funding mechanisms, and areas for improvement.
President Mahama’s decision to establish this committee reflects his administration’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and inclusive governance. By engaging experts and key stakeholders in the education sector, he aims to build a more robust and efficient system that caters to the needs of students and educators alike.
With the committee set to begin its work, expectations are high. Stakeholders across the education sector, including teachers, students, parents, and policy analysts, are keenly watching to see how the forum will unfold. The discussions and recommendations that emerge from the forum will be instrumental in shaping the future of education in Ghana.
As preparations move forward, the success of the National Education Forum will depend on the commitment and expertise of the appointed committee members. Their ability to organize a well-structured and impactful event will be crucial in setting the stage for meaningful reforms that will transform Ghana’s education system for the better.
President Mahama’s administration is determined to ensure that the forum is not just a one-time event but part of a broader strategy to improve education delivery in Ghana. The insights gathered will inform long-term policies that enhance learning outcomes, create opportunities for students, and empower educators to deliver quality education.
As the committee works toward finalizing the details, Ghanaians remain hopeful that the National Education Forum will be a game-changer in addressing the challenges facing the country’s education sector. Through inclusive dialogue and expert-driven policy recommendations, the forum is expected to lay the foundation for a stronger and more effective education system that meets the needs of future generations.
