Former GES Director-General Urges Headteachers to Speak Up for the Future of Ghana’s Education System

A former Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Charles Aheto-Tsegah, has called on headteachers across the country to take advantage of the current climate and voice their concerns without fear of retribution. Speaking on Joy News’ Upfront, Aheto-Tsegah emphasized the importance of open, candid conversations to address the pressing challenges facing Ghana’s education system.

Historically, headteachers in Ghana have been reluctant to speak up about the issues plaguing schools, often due to the fear of consequences such as transfers, reassignment, or unwarranted criticism. Aheto-Tsegah acknowledged that this culture of silence has contributed to the struggles of the country’s education sector. However, he pointed to a significant shift in leadership, encouraged by the President’s assurances, which he believes offers headteachers the freedom to raise their concerns openly.

“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,” Aheto-Tsegah stated, urging headteachers to seize the opportunity to highlight issues affecting both students’ welfare and academic progress.

He went on to stress that the time had come for headteachers to raise their voices on issues such as school funding, resources, and the well-being of students. “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.

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Aheto-Tsegah also suggested that recent actions by headteachers, including some who have openly addressed the challenges they face, could be indicative of a shift in attitude within the education sector. He believes that the willingness to speak out marks a turning point and may be the catalyst for greater dialogue about the true consequences of current policies and decisions.

However, he also cautioned that headteachers should not stand by passively while schools face difficulties. “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,” he advised.

With a renewed focus on honest dialogue and proactive leadership, Aheto-Tsegah expressed optimism that headteachers could play a crucial role in transforming Ghana’s educational landscape. “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 concluded.

As the education sector grapples with various challenges, the call for greater transparency and accountability comes at a crucial time, and the hope is that headteachers will embrace the opportunity to speak out for the betterment of Ghana’s educational future.

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