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Opinions of Thursday, 6 July 2023

Columnist: Maxwell Baah

The rot in Ghana's educational system - Challenges and solutions

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Ghana's education system has long been a topic of concern due to the numerous challenges it faces. Despite efforts to improve the quality of education, the system continues to grapple with various issues that hinder students' development and the country's overall progress. In this article, we will explore the key problems plaguing Ghana's education system and propose potential solutions to address these issues.

In the first place, the lack of adequate infrastructure is one of the major challenges facing Ghana's education system. Many schools, especially in rural areas, suffer from overcrowded classrooms, inadequate furniture, and a lack of proper sanitation facilities. This shortage of resources negatively impacts the learning environment and hinders effective teaching and learning.

In addressing the above mentioned issue, the Ghanaian government should allocate more funds towards building and renovating schools, especially in remote areas. Additionally, public-private partnerships can be encouraged to invest in educational infrastructure, ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.

Low quality of education has been one of the many underlying conditions of the rot in Ghana's education system.

The quality of education provided in Ghana has been a concern for years. Many teachers are underqualified and lack the necessary training to effectively impart knowledge to their students. Moreover, outdated teaching methods and a rigid curriculum hinder the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.

Implementing comprehensive teacher training programs and continuous professional development can help improve the skills and knowledge of educators. The curriculum should be regularly reviewed and updated to incorporate modern teaching methodologies, promote creativity, and foster critical thinking among students.

Additionally, inadequate access to education is a core factor for the rot in Ghana's education system.

Access to education is not evenly distributed across Ghana, with rural and disadvantaged communities often facing barriers to education. Children in these areas are more likely to drop out of school due to factors such as poverty, early marriages, and child labour.

In our quest to tackle the issue at hand, the government and relevant stakeholders should prioritize efforts to improve access to education for marginalized communities. This can be achieved through the establishment of more schools in remote areas, the provision of scholarships and financial assistance to needy students, and awareness campaigns to address cultural practices that hinder children's education.

Examination malpractices is another ugly monster which tends to undermine the education system of Ghana.

Examination malpractices are a persistent problem in Ghana's education system. Cheating during examinations not only undermines the integrity of the education system but also affects the credibility of certificates issued to students.

In an attempt to save the situation, we must deliberately strengthen our examination processes and ensure strict enforcement of anti-cheating measures are essential. This can involve the use of advanced technology in examinations monitoring, increasing supervision during exams, and imposing severe penalties for those found guilty of malpractices.

In furtherance, insufficient funding is a recurring issue in Ghana's education sector. Despite the government's efforts to allocate funds to education, the budget may not be enough to meet the system's needs adequately.

In dealing with the above problem, the government should prioritize education in its budget allocation and explore alternative sources of funding, such as partnerships with international organizations and private sector contributions. Ensuring that education receives adequate funding is vital for sustaining and improving the quality of the system.

Addressing the rot in Ghana's education system requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. By tackling issues such as inadequate infrastructure, low-quality education, limited access to education, examination malpractices, and inadequate funding, the government can lay the foundation for a stronger and more effective education system. With a well-functioning education system, Ghana can empower its youth, enhance workforce productivity, and drive socioeconomic development in the country.