Deputy Minister nominee for Education, Clement Apaak, is advocating the need to provide teachers with opportunities to upgrade their skills, highlighting the crucial role educators play in shaping the future of the nation.

He stressed that enhancing teachers' professional development is essential for maintaining the quality of education in Ghana.

Speaking during his parliamentary vetting on Tuesday, February 22, Mr Apaak stated, "The most important variable in education is the teacher. All of us are who we are today because of a teacher. In a world that is constantly evolving with new ways of doing things, it is only proper that we give teachers the opportunity and support to upgrade themselves and their skill sets so they can give their best."

"If we expect our students to thrive in a modern, competitive world, we must first ensure that our teachers are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques," he noted.

Mr Apaak pledged his full support to the Minister for Education in advancing teacher welfare and professional growth.

Read also: Schools under trees does not befit the status of our nation – Apaak

Additionally, he expressed concern over the continued existence of schools operating under trees, calling it a national disgrace that undermines Ghana’s development.

The Builsa South MP described the development as a national issue and called for a united effort to address the challenge, despite the country’s current economic difficulties.

"We must come together, even in these challenging times, to find the necessary resources to eliminate schools under trees. Education is a right, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure every child has access to proper learning facilities," he said.

He explained that "this unfortunate reality is largely a result of our inability to keep pace with the growing demand for educational infrastructure. As our population expands, we continue to produce more children, but we are not matching this growth with adequate school facilities."

He further stated that many communities, witnessing population growth and an increase in school-age children, often take the initiative to establish makeshift schools under trees due to the absence of formal infrastructure.