Former President John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has unveiled a comprehensive plan to overhaul Ghana’s educational system. Central to this vision is the abolishment of the controversial double-track system introduced under the current government, which he argues disrupts academic stability and quality. His proposed reforms aim to restore a one-track academic calendar, ensuring students have consistent and uninterrupted access to education.
Mahama’s plan, outlined in his ambitious Education Transformation Agenda, extends beyond addressing the double-track system. It encompasses initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, early childhood education, technical and vocational training, tertiary education, and teacher welfare. Below are key highlights of the proposed reforms:
Eliminating Educational Inequalities
- Infrastructure Development: Mahama plans an aggressive infrastructure drive to eradicate the phenomenon of “schools under trees” and rehabilitate dilapidated school buildings. This effort will include the completion of abandoned E-blocks and the expansion of facilities in both Senior High Schools (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
- Furniture for All: In partnership with local carpenters and the furniture industry, the NDC will tackle the acute shortage of classroom furniture at the basic school level.
- Textbook Access: A significant improvement in the pupil-to-textbook ratio will be achieved through the comprehensive provision of curriculum-based textbooks.
Empowering Teachers and Students
- Teacher Welfare: Mahama’s agenda includes abolishing the teacher licensure examination and integrating the licensing process into the final year exams for teacher trainees. He also pledges to scrap the mandatory national service for newly qualified teachers, ensuring their prompt employment.
Teachers posted to rural and underserved communities will receive a 20% special allowance, while the “Teacher Dabr3 Project” will provide on-campus accommodation for educators.
- Student Support: The reintroduction of free laptops and tablets for students will facilitate learning, especially in science and technology fields. Additionally, first-year students in public tertiary institutions will enjoy a “No-Academic-Fee” policy, while continuing students will benefit from reformed scholarships and financial assistance.
Innovations in Technical and Tertiary Education
- Regional TVET Centres of Excellence: These centres will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to promote innovation and simulate real-world work environments.
- Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities: This bold policy aims to promote inclusivity in higher education.
- Tertiary Endowment Funds: To address funding gaps, public universities will establish endowment funds in collaboration with alumni and corporate Ghana.
Strengthening Governance and Accountability
- Scholarship Reform: A new legislative framework will regulate government scholarships, prohibiting political appointees from accessing these opportunities.
- Restoring GETFund: Mahama pledges to halt the collateralization of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), returning it to its original mandate of financing education.
A Vision Rooted in Equity and Excellence
The transformative agenda is anchored in Mahama’s belief that quality education is the cornerstone of national development. By focusing on infrastructure, teacher welfare, and access to resources, the NDC hopes to bridge gaps in the education system, ensuring no child is left behind.
As Ghana prepares for the December 7 elections, Mahama’s education blueprint is a clarion call for voters seeking a bold and inclusive approach to revamping the sector. His plan offers not just a promise but a roadmap for a future where education becomes the great equalizer, empowering Ghanaian children to dream and achieve.
