Call for Educational Reform: GES Urged to Prioritize Practical Learning

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has been urged to take bold steps in reforming the nation’s educational system by incorporating methods that focus on practical, hands-on learning to better equip students for the real world.
Dr. Francis Essel Okyeahene, the Director of Young Executive and Onua Francis International School, made a passionate plea for the GES to play a leading role in overhauling the school curriculum. He emphasized the importance of placing a greater emphasis on practical experiences, which he believes will prepare students to tackle the nation’s pressing challenges.
“It is time we reform the curriculum and take practicals more seriously in order to produce learners that will help solve the country’s problems,” Dr. Okyeahene stated. His comments reflect a growing concern that the current education system, while robust in theoretical knowledge, often fails to provide the hands-on experience that is crucial for solving real-world problems.
Dr. Okyeahene further stressed the importance of encouraging students to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Schools, he suggested, should cultivate environments where students are not only taught theory but are also provided with opportunities to apply their knowledge in practical settings. This approach, he believes, would lead to a more holistic educational experience that aligns with the needs of an evolving economy.
“Practical education is essential for students to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts taught in classrooms,” Dr. Okyeahene said. By incorporating real-world applications into the curriculum, students would be able to see the relevance of their studies and better retain the knowledge imparted.
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The call for a curriculum overhaul is not a new one, but Dr. Okyeahene’s remarks bring a renewed focus to the issue, urging educators and policymakers alike to rethink the way education is structured in Ghana. He noted that transforming education to emphasize practical applications rather than solely theoretical knowledge would be a game-changer for both the education system and the future of the nation.
“The goal is to equip students with skills they can immediately use to solve problems and innovate,” he added, pointing out that such a shift in focus could foster a generation of problem-solvers, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are ready to meet the challenges of the future.
As Ghana strives to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, Dr. Okyeahene’s call for reform serves as a timely reminder that a robust education system is one that prepares students not just with knowledge, but with the tools to apply that knowledge in meaningful ways.
It is through this practical approach that the country can cultivate the next generation of leaders capable of driving sustainable development and addressing the challenges that lie ahead.
In the coming years, it is hoped that the GES will take these suggestions into consideration and implement the necessary reforms that can help Ghana’s educational system evolve to meet the needs of its students and the broader society.
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