Profile of Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis: The New GES Director-General

Picture of Professor Ernest Kofi Davis

Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, a distinguished academic and dedicated educator, has been appointed as the new Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES). His career profile and contributions to education highlight his commitment to academic excellence and his unwavering passion for transforming education in Ghana.

Early Education

Prof. Davis’s educational journey began in 1976 at Self-Reliance Kindergarten. In 1978, he progressed to the Presbyterian Primary School in Abowinmu before continuing to Aboom A.M.E. Zion School in 1981, all located in Cape Coast. These formative years laid a solid foundation for his academic pursuits.

In 1985, after completing primary school, Prof. Davis enrolled at the then Experimental JHS in Bakatsir, Cape Coast. He successfully completed his junior high school education in 1987, demonstrating exceptional promise.

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Secondary Education

In 1987, Prof. Davis gained admission to Mfantsipim School, one of Ghana’s most prestigious institutions. During his time there, he earned his “O” Level certificate in 1991 and his “A” Level certificate in 1993. His exceptional academic performance at Mfantsipim marked him as a student destined for greatness.

University Education and Early Career

After completing his National Service in 1994, Prof. Davis gained admission to the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in 1996, where he pursued a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Mathematics. He graduated in 1999, equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to mathematics education in Ghana.

In 2000, Prof. Davis began his professional journey as a Senior Research Assistant in the Department of Science and Mathematics Education at UCC. Two years later, he transferred to the Institute of Education and was awarded a prestigious Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) scholarship to further his studies in Japan.

Between 2000 and 2004, Prof. Davis pursued a Master’s degree in Mathematics Education at Hiroshima University in Japan. Upon returning to Ghana in 2004, he was appointed as a lecturer at UCC’s Institute of Education. His dedication and academic prowess earned him two Australian government scholarships in 2007 to pursue a PhD in Mathematics Education at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He successfully completed his doctorate in December 2010.

Academic Achievements and Leadership

By 2010, Prof. Davis had been promoted to Senior Lecturer. Through relentless hard work and significant contributions to academia, he rose to the ranks of Associate Professor in 2015 and full Professor in 2018. Over the years, he has supervised 11 PhD and 25 MPhil theses, shaping the next generation of scholars and educators.

Prof. Davis’s scholarly work includes 50 peer-reviewed articles published in high-impact journals such as SAGE Open. His research contributions have greatly enriched the field of mathematics education, both locally and internationally.

One of Prof. Davis’s notable achievements is his leadership role in developing the new Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) national curriculum in 2018. This curriculum was designed to prepare teachers for basic school education in Ghana. It has since been implemented across UCC-affiliated colleges, the College of Distance Education, and the regular UCC campus, significantly enhancing teacher preparation programs in the country.

Prior to his appointment, Prof. Davis was serving as the Provost of the College of Education Studies at the University of Cape Coast.

On March 28, 2024, he delivered an inaugural lecture on the theme: “Socio-Cultural Issues: A Missing Ingredient in Mathematics Curriculum Development and Delivery in Ghana.” This thought-provoking lecture underscored the importance of integrating socio-cultural factors into mathematics education to improve its relevance and effectiveness.

Personal Life and Values

Prof. Davis is married to Mrs. Etheldreda Charlotte Davis, and together they have four children. A devout Christian, he worships with the Pedu Liberation Family Chapel in Cape Coast. His faith and family are integral to his life, shaping his values and guiding his professional endeavors.

As the new Director-General of GES, Prof. Davis brings a wealth of experience, a proven track record of academic excellence, and a visionary approach to education. His extensive background in curriculum development, teacher training, and research positions him to address the challenges facing Ghana’s educational system.

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