Beyond Borders: Ghana’s Ministry of Education Redefining Learning, Growth, and Impact

Welcome to the gateway of educational transformation in Ghana – the Ministry of Education. Delve into an inspiring journey of initiatives, policies, and opportunities shaping the future of learning nationwide. Join us as we explore the pivotal role of education in driving progress and empowerment for all in Ghana

The inception of the Ministry of Education (MoE) dates back to 1957 under Civil Service Law 327, aimed at formulating, coordinating, and overseeing education policies while setting high standards. Its primary focus revolves around monitoring and evaluating the implementation of these policies. The overarching goal of the MoE remains steadfast: to make quality education readily accessible to all Ghanaians. This commitment not only supports the development of human capital but also plays a pivotal role in driving national progress and development.

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The core commitment of the MoE is to prepare all Ghanaians for success in the professional sphere. This objective is achieved through the continual development of an educational system emphasizing problem-solving, fostering creativity, and nurturing critical skills. The educational framework encompasses a spectrum of academic, technical, and vocational programs aimed at equipping individuals with the necessary abilities to thrive in the dynamic world of work.

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THE VISION OF MoE

Creating a nation characterized by a highly educated and skilled populace, where every Ghanaian can fully realize and achieve their inherent potential.

THE MISSION OF MoE

The fundamental purpose of the Ministry of Education is to guarantee accessible and high-quality education for everyone. Achieving this involves formulating, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating policies with dedicated staff and efficient systems. Through these efforts, Ghana’s education system aims to align with labor market demands, enhance human development, and foster national unity. Education serves as a transformative force, unlocking numerous opportunities and possibilities. It stands as a catalyst for progression, offering pathways out of deprivation and underdevelopment.

The Ministry of Education in Ghana plays a pivotal role in overseeing the development and implementation of educational policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education across the country. Its mandate encompasses several key areas:

Policy Formulation and Implementation: The ministry is responsible for formulating education policies that align with national development goals and international best practices. These policies cover various levels of education, including basic, secondary, technical, and higher education.

Curriculum Development and Review: It oversees the development, review, and implementation of curricula to ensure they are relevant, up-to-date, and meet the educational needs of students in Ghana. This includes incorporating new subjects, skills, and approaches to education.

Educational Infrastructure Development: The ministry works towards improving and expanding educational infrastructure, such as schools, classrooms, laboratories, and libraries, to create conducive learning environments for students and teachers.

Teacher Training and Professional Development: Ensuring the availability of qualified and well-trained teachers is a priority. The ministry oversees teacher training programs, continuous professional development, and certification processes to enhance the quality of teaching.

Quality Assurance and Standards: It sets and monitors educational standards to ensure quality across all levels of education. This includes conducting assessments, examinations, and evaluations to maintain and improve educational quality.

Access to Education: The ministry strives to enhance access to education for all Ghanaians, regardless of socioeconomic background, gender, or geographical location. It aims to reduce disparities and promote inclusive education.

Education Financing and Budgeting: It is responsible for allocating and managing financial resources for education, ensuring adequate funding for various educational programs, infrastructure development, and initiatives.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: The ministry collaborates with various stakeholders, including other government agencies, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international partners to enhance the education sector’s effectiveness and efficiency.

Research and Innovation: Encouraging research and innovation in education is part of its mandate. It supports initiatives aimed at improving teaching methods, learning outcomes, and the overall education system.

Promoting Technical and Vocational Education: The ministry emphasizes the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to equip students with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

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THE ADVISORY BOARD FOR MoE

According to legislation, all sector Ministers must form a Ministerial Advisory Board tasked with providing counsel on pertinent matters. This Board serves to foster continual engagement between the Ministry and its service beneficiaries while offering guidance to the Minister on policy adjustments, planning goals, and operational approaches. The Board is constituted with the follwowing personalities;

The Minister as the Chairman.
The Deputy Minister(s) of the Ministry.
The Chief Director
The Chairman of the Ghana Education Service (GES) Council.
The Director-General of the GES.
A representative of the National Council on Tertiary Education (NCTE).
A representative of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
A representative of the Ghana National Education Coalition (GNEC).
A representative of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI).
Two Education Experts

The Architects of Educational Transformation

At the helm of the Ministry of Education stands the distinguished Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, flanked by his adept deputies—Rev. John Ntim Fordjour and Madam Gifty Twum-Ampofo.

picture of Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum — Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum – Minister of Education, Ghana

picture of Rev. John Ntim Fordjour — Rev. John Ntim Fordjour – Deputy Minister of Education, Ghana

picture of Hon. Prof. Kingsley Nyarko — Prof. Kingsley Nyarko – Deputy Minister of Education Designate, Ghana

AGENCIES/AFFILIATES UNDER MoE

In Ghana, the Ministry of Education oversees several agencies and bodies that work collaboratively to facilitate and enhance the country’s educational landscape. Some of the key agencies under the Ministry of Education include:

Ghana Education Service (GES): Responsible for the administration and management of pre-tertiary education in Ghana, including basic and secondary education. GES develops curricula, conducts examinations, and oversees the operations of public schools nationwide.
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA): Focuses on the development, review, and evaluation of curricula for basic and senior high schools to ensure relevance, quality, and alignment with national educational objectives.
National Accreditation Board (NAB): Regulates and accredits tertiary educational institutions, ensuring adherence to quality standards and facilitating the maintenance of high-quality education in Ghana.
Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET): Promotes and regulates technical and vocational education and training in the country, aiming to equip individuals with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
National Teaching Council (NTC): Responsible for the professionalization of teaching by setting standards, accrediting teacher education programs, licensing teachers, and promoting continuous professional development for educators.
Ghana Library Authority (GLA): Works towards promoting literacy and providing access to information through the establishment and management of libraries across the country.
Scholarship Secretariat: Administers scholarships and other educational grants to deserving Ghanaians for further studies both domestically and internationally.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting international collaboration in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication. Founded in 1945, UNESCO seeks to foster peace, sustainable development, and intercultural understanding through its various programs and initiatives.
West African Examinations Council (WAEC): It operates autonomously, it works in close coordination with the Ministry of Education in Ghana, particularly concerning the administration of examinations such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) within the country.
National Board for Professional and Technician Examinations in Ghana (NABPTEX). It is a governmental agency responsible for the regulation, accreditation, and certification of professional and technician education in the country
National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA): It is an independent statutory body established to oversee and regulate the inspection, supervision, and quality assurance of pre-tertiary educational institutions in Ghana.
NON-FORMAL EDUCATION (NFED): NFED is a department under the Ministry of Education responsible for the implementation and coordination of non-formal education programs across the country. It focuses on providing educational opportunities to individuals who, for various reasons, have not had access to or completed formal education.
National Service Scheme (NSS): It is a government program established by the National Service Act of 1980 (Act 426) to engage Ghanaian citizens who have completed tertiary education in a mandatory national service to the nation usually for one year.
Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF): The SLTF is a government agency established to provide financial support in the form of loans to Ghanaian tertiary students to help cover the cost of their higher education.
Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND): It is a government initiative established by an Act of Parliament in 2000 (Act 581) to provide financial resources for the support and enhancement of education in Ghana.
Ghana Book Development Corporation (GBDC): The Ghana Book Development Corporation is an institution established to promote and develop the book industry in Ghana.
Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS): It is an independent, non-political, and non-profit organization that serves as the national academy for the sciences and humanities in Ghana. It was established in 1959 by an Act of Parliament (Act 52) with the primary objective of promoting the pursuit, advancement, and dissemination of knowledge in various fields of science, technology, social sciences, and humanities.

These agencies play crucial roles in their respective areas within the education sector, collaborating to improve the quality of education, facilitate access to learning opportunities, and ensure the continuous development of the educational system in Ghana.

The transformational changes in Ghana’s education

The Ministry of Education in Ghana grapples with a myriad of challenges impacting the country’s educational landscape. Some of these includes;