The decline in the quality of education in Ghana’s public basic schools is largely due to centralized management structures that leave head teachers with limited authority, according to Emeritus Professor Stephen Adei. The noted education expert pointed out that the Ghana Education Service (GES) headquarters holds excessive control, weakening the influence of head teachers and leading to a breakdown in values and discipline.
“Head teachers should have the authority to hire and fire teachers,” Prof. Adei suggested during the Graphic National Development Series (GNDS) event held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). “This would ensure teachers are held accountable and motivated to improve education standards.”
GNDS Platform for Development
The GNDS is a forum that addresses key national issues to build consensus on strategic policies. The recent session focused on education and culture, under the theme: “A Critical Look at Education and Culture in Ghana to Chart a Course for National Development, Peace, and Prosperity.” Participants discussed challenges like declining standards in public schools, moral decay, teacher quality, and the relevance of the current education system.
Prof. Adei emphasized that empowering head teachers to lead with autonomy is essential to reversing the downward trend in public education standards. “Private schools often perform better than public ones, not because their teachers are more qualified but due to effective leadership,” he explained. He also criticized the training programs at teacher colleges, stating they lack rigor, leading to inadequate job performance among graduates.
The Role of Values in Education
Prof. Adei highlighted the importance of instilling values in education, warning that an education system lacking moral grounding breeds societal problems like corruption. He cited incidents where students paid bribes for support during exams, noting, “Without addressing the root of such corruption, our national development is in jeopardy.”
Prioritizing TVET
On technical and vocational education and training (TVET), Prof. Adei urged the government to prioritize investment in this area to produce the skilled workforce essential for sustainable growth. “TVET must receive more funding, and the government should implement scholarship schemes specifically for TVET students,” he argued, adding that prioritizing salaries in this field could also help attract talent.
In response to a question on artificial intelligence, Prof. Adei reiterated the need to integrate TVET as a core component in Ghana’s national development plan to support long-term transformation.
Source: graphic.com.gh
