The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has laid out a blueprint aimed at revitalizing Ghana’s education system, highlighting severe shortcomings under the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
At a sectoral press briefing held in Accra, a ranking member on education, Dr Clement Apaak, emphasized the transformative power of education and reiterated the NDC’s commitment to prioritizing this pivotal sector if re-elected in the 2024 elections.
He spoke passionately about the widespread neglect and infrastructural deficiencies plaguing the educational landscape, citing issues such as an erratic academic calendar, inconsistent curricula, and inadequate resources, which have resulted in declining educational outcomes across the board.
“We stand here today to reset the education sector for enhanced quality outcomes.” He declared.
Dr Apaak, reiterated that the next NDC government, under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama, would work collaboratively with all stakeholders to enhance educational standards by aggressively expanding infrastructure, boosting teacher welfare, and significantly increasing investments.
Among the cornerstone initiatives outlined include, stablishing the “Teacher Dabr3” Project which will provide accommodation for teachers in new school buildings and a special 20percent salary allowance for those serving in rural or underserved areas.
He added that the next NDC government will abolish the teacher licensure examination and implementing an automatic employment policy for newly qualified teachers while scrapping the mandatory national service imposed by the NPP.
Dr Apaak, stated that the NDC will also launch the “Bright Beginnings Initiative” aimed at reviving early childhood education and integrating it into the basic education curriculum to ensure a seamless transition into continuous schooling.
In a robust plan for secondary education, he pointed out that the NDC aims to abolish the controversial double-track system to restore a stable academic calendar, along with an emergency infrastructure drive to complete existing educational facilities.
Dr Apaak added that key reforms will include guaranteed funding for quality secondary education sourced directly from a portion of oil proceeds, alongside decentralizing procurement of food supplies for students.
Touching on tertiary education enhancements, he stated that the next NDC government will implement No-Academic-Fees’ policy for first-year students in public tertiary institutions, along with free education for individuals with disabilities.
Dr. Apaak said they will also revamp the Student Loan Trust Fund to increase accessibility and efficiency in student financing.
He further pointed out that former President John Dramani Mahama has a proven track record in the area of education, and he stands ready to implement these comprehensive reforms.
“We urge Ghanaians to vote for Mahama in the upcoming elections to ensure every child receives the quality education they deserve.” He stated.
Dr. Apaak noted that the NDC aims to create an educational system that supports every Ghanaian child’s right to quality education as part of its broader plan to enhance the nation’s socio-economic development.
He therefore called on Ghanaians to vote for Mr Mahama and the NDC, to ensure that every Ghanaian child get quality education in the country.
