President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the National Education Consultative Forum, calling for collective action to reform Ghana’s education system to meet 21st-century demands.

Addressing key stakeholders at the forum on Tuesday, February 18, the President emphasised the need for a “unified platform” to distil diverse perspectives into “optimal outcomes for our children.”

Commitment to education reform

President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive policy-making in the education sector, stating that the forum was a fulfilment of his “120-day social contract with the good people of Ghana.”

“Education is not just a tool for personal development; it is the bedrock upon which the progress and prosperity of any nation rest,” he stated.

The President highlighted the inadequacies of Ghana’s inherited education system, stressing that “what worked in the past no longer suffices for the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.”

Key questions and challenges

1. President Mahama outlined critical questions that must guide the forum’s discussions, including:

1. How do we ensure quality education for every child, regardless of location?

2. How do we equip teachers with the tools they need to succeed?

3. How do we promote innovative teaching methods and critical thinking?

4. How do we ensure sustainable financing for education?

5. How do we strengthen the role of faith-based organisations in school management?

He stressed that Ghana’s education system must be “fit for purpose in today’s dynamic world” and must develop students who are not just literate but “globally competitive citizens.”

Call for collective action

The President urged all stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, educators, traditional leaders, religious groups, and development partners, to collaborate in “a shared responsibility” for education reform.

“The moment to act together is here and now,” he said, adding that recommendations from the forum “will not gather dust on a shelf” but will form the foundation of “a comprehensive reform agenda.”

Read also: National Education Forum: Your recommendations ‘will not gather dust on the shelf’ – Mahama

President Mahama assured that the government would prioritise teacher education, infrastructure development, education technology, and strategic partnerships to support learning.

Vision for the future

As he declared the forum officially open, Mahama painted a vision of an education system where “teachers are celebrated, supported, and empowered to inspire the next generation” and where schools become “centres of innovation and lifelong learning.”

“The future of this country is in our hands. Let us seize this moment and work together to create a legacy of hope, opportunity, and transformation for future generations,” he concluded.

The National Education Consultative Forum is expected to produce a roadmap for urgent reforms, with clear timelines and measurable outcomes.