A former Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has called on headteachers across the country to take advantage of the current environment to voice their concerns without fear of repercussions.

Charles Aheto-Tsegah, speaking on Joy News’ Upfront, stated the importance of candid conversations in addressing the challenges in Ghana’s education system.

He agreed that in the past, headteachers were often hesitant to speak up because of the potential repercussions.

He admitted that some were transferred, others were moved to different offices, and in some cases, they faced unwarranted criticisms.

According to him, that climate of fear certainly contributed to where the country's educational sector finds itself.

However, he highlighted a shift in leadership, citing assurances from the President himself.

“The President has come out and declared that now is the time to speak your mind. Speak up, nobody is going to chase you or remove you from your position unless there is a valid reason for it. So the context has changed.”

He urged headteachers to seize this opportunity to raise their voices about the pressing issues confronting schools, particularly those that affect students’ welfare and academic progress.

“If you say the children are hungry and you need money to manage the school, that should not be a problem at all. But you must speak your mind. The time has come for headmasters to wake up to the smell of the coffee and tell it like it is,” he said.

Mr Aheto-Tsegah suggested that recent developments in the education sector may serve as a tipping point for greater dialogue.

“Maybe the kind of actions that some headteachers have taken are just a good boiling point. It shows that they are now willing to speak their minds and describe the real consequences of current policies and decisions.”

Despite the invitation for openness, Mr Aheto-Tsegah warned that headteachers should not sit idly by while schools face challenges.

“Headmasters should not just watch and allow things to blow up. They should seek support from people who can provide it, to ensure that schools are managed effectively.”

The former GES boss expressed optimism that with honest dialogue and a commitment to addressing issues head-on, headteachers could play a pivotal role in transforming the education sector.

“This is a time for leadership, and headteachers must lead by example. Speaking up is not just an option—it is a necessity for the betterment of our schools and our children,” he stated.