The General Secretary of the National Council of Parent Teacher Associations (NCPTA), Raphael Kofi Gabson, has raised concerns about the state of education in Ghana, citing chronic underfunding and a lack of decisive leadership.

Speaking on the government's debt to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), he criticised the government’s inability to provide adequate financial support to WAEC.

In an interview on Joy FM on Thursday, Mr Raphael called out the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum for failing to address longstanding financial obligations, which have reportedly accumulated to GH₵118 million.

“Education is in crisis. Because, you see, we have a minister who talks a lot, but there is no action. You owe GH₵118 million and these debts are not debts that were accrued this year. These are debts that have accrued over the years, and there has not been any proper commitment on behalf of the Minister of Education to make sure that this funding support is given to WAEC so that they can do their official work as a regulatory body in charge of examinations in Ghana."

The delay in payments, according to him has created a ripple effect, disrupting academic calendars, delaying tertiary admissions, and increasing burdens on parents. He described the situation as “irresponsibility” on the part of the Ministry of Education.

Additionally, Mr Gabson expressed frustration over the growing challenges faced by both public and private school students. “These are Ghanaians who have paid their dues, yet they are bearing the brunt of government inefficiency,” he said.

He further criticised the government’s recent payment of GH₵25 million to WAEC, describing it as insufficient. He suggested that at least 70% of the debt should be cleared to demonstrate a serious intention to resolve the crisis.

“If you owe someone over GH₵118 million, paying just GH₵25 million shows a lack of commitment,” he argued.

Calls for Accountability

The General Secretary of NCPTA called on the Minister of Education to stop issuing timelines and instead focus on delivering tangible results.

He also urged the government to prioritise education funding and ensure that the systemic issues affecting WAEC are resolved to prevent further disruption to the academic calendar.

“We are not happy. Our children’s future is being truncated by the inaction of government officials.”