In a conversation on Accra-based Citi FM, Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Mr. Alhassan Suhuyini, expressed deep concerns about the state of the education sector in Ghana. Despite the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s considerable investments, Suhuyini argues that the challenges plaguing the sector are so profound that reversing them will be a long and arduous journey.
The recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Akufo-Addo highlighted the government’s pride in the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy and its significant impact on education. The President lauded the policy as a “transformative program that has broken myths and liberated minds,” alongside citing the construction of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) schools and other programs that have boosted basic-level enrollment.
However, Suhuyini raised concerns about the effectiveness and sustainability of these measures. He pointed out that despite the government’s substantial tax revenue, the education sector faces a ‘triple jeopardy’ involving education, the environment, and the economy. He acknowledged the financial investments in the sector but criticized the deep-seated issues that remain unaddressed, suggesting a disconnect between spending and actual improvement in educational quality and infrastructure.
A particularly troubling aspect of the current state of education in Ghana, according to Suhuyini, is the imbalance created by the overemphasis on the Free SHS policy. Research findings indicate that some basic schools are struggling without capitation grants, and others lack the essential infrastructure needed for quality education. This situation has led to an education system that Suhuyini describes as ‘Kwashiorkor,’ highlighting malnourishment where investments at the tertiary level are insufficient to accommodate the influx from the Free SHS program.
The MP criticized the government’s approach, stating, “No preparation is done at the tertiary level to absorb the numbers that are supposed to be increasing at the Free SHS level; so much money goes there; bloating the tummy and that is not healthy.” He warned that this imbalance could lead to long-term consequences for the education sector and the nation’s development.
Suhuyini’s comments underline a critical need for a comprehensive and balanced approach to education reform in Ghana. While the Free SHS policy represents a significant step forward in making education accessible, the MP’s observations suggest that equal attention must be given to improving educational quality across all levels and ensuring that investments lead to tangible improvements in infrastructure, teaching quality, and student outcomes.
As the conversation about education continues, it is evident that Ghana faces a complex challenge. Reversing the decay in the education sector and building a robust, equitable system that benefits all Ghanaians will require sustained effort, critical evaluation of policies and their impacts, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of the sector’s challenges. The government, stakeholders, and the public must engage in an open dialogue and work collaboratively to envision and implement reforms that truly transform the educational landscape for future generations.
