Ghana’s strides in expanding access to secondary education are commendable, as reflected in the recent Legatum Prosperity Index.
Ranked 137th out of 167 countries, Ghana has significantly improved its secondary school enrollment from 42.5% in 2013 to 57.2% in recent years, according to UNESCO.
This surge marks a noteworthy advancement from its 2013 ranking of 144. However, amid this progress, a stark reality looms: the quality of secondary education in Ghana remains a concern, placing a dismal 166th out of 167 countries in the Legatum Prosperity Index.
The Legatum Prosperity Index, an annual ranking developed by the Legatum Institute, offers a comprehensive assessment of nations’ prosperity across various indicators, including education.
While Ghana has made commendable strides in boosting enrollment rates, the glaring gap in educational quality underscores a pressing need for reform and investment in enhancing the overall learning experience.
Furthermore, Ghana’s tertiary education sector fares moderately better, securing a ranking of 94th out of 167 countries. While this indicates a more favorable position compared to secondary education, there remains ample room for improvement to ensure that tertiary institutions align with global standards of excellence and relevance.
The challenges confronting Ghana’s education system are multifaceted. Despite efforts to expand access to schooling, persistent issues such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient teaching resources, and a misalignment between curricula and industry demands continue to hamper the quality of education at all levels.
Addressing these challenges demands a concerted effort from policymakers, educators, and stakeholders across the board.
Investment in education must not only focus on increasing enrollment rates but also prioritize initiatives aimed at enhancing teaching quality, curriculum relevance, and infrastructure development.
Collaborative partnerships between government agencies, educational institutions, and private sector entities can play a pivotal role in driving meaningful reforms and fostering innovation within Ghana’s education sector.
Moreover, leveraging technology and digital resources can offer transformative opportunities to supplement traditional pedagogical approaches, expand access to quality educational materials, and bridge learning gaps across geographical barriers.
As Ghana strives to bolster its position on the global stage and nurture a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable development, investing in the future of its education system emerges as a critical imperative.
By prioritizing both access and quality in education, Ghana can chart a course towards prosperity, empowerment, and inclusive growth for its citizens.
By Wisdon Sarfo
