Haruna Iddrisu Calls for Data Validation and National Education Conference in New Role as Minister of Education
Ghana’s newly appointed Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has outlined his priorities for the sector during his first visit to the Ministry on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Just after being sworn in by President John Dramani Mahama, Iddrisu emphasized the importance of validating data on the beneficiaries of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme as a key first step in his tenure.
Iddrisu shared his findings, stating that his research suggests that the number of Free SHS beneficiaries from 2017 to 2023 stands at no more than 3.9 million students, in contrast to the 5.1 million cited in some public claims and parliamentary records. He stressed the need for accurate, verified data to inform policy decisions and ensure transparency and accountability.
“My objective here is not to discredit alternative figures, but to establish a clear, credible baseline for future discussions. Accurate data is crucial for effective policy-making,” the Minister said. “We need to validate this information to ensure that we are making decisions based on the most reliable data available.”
A Vision for National Education Reform
Iddrisu also revealed plans to convene a National Education Conference, aimed at critically assessing the state of Ghana’s education system and generating recommendations for meaningful reforms. The conference, he explained, will bring together educators, policymakers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to discuss the current challenges facing the sector and propose actionable solutions.
“This conference will serve as a platform to analyze our education system and suggest reforms to address its gaps,” Iddrisu stated. “Our goal is to ensure that education in Ghana is not only accessible but also of high quality and relevance at all levels.”
The Minister reiterated his commitment to the vision of President Mahama to make education more accessible, relevant, and aligned with the needs of today’s globalized world. “Education must be accessible to every Ghanaian, but it must also prepare our citizens for the modern challenges they will face,” Iddrisu remarked.
A Warm Welcome and a Renewed Sense of Optimism
Minister Iddrisu was warmly welcomed by senior officials at the Ministry, including Chief Director Mrs. Marmle Andrews, as well as other management staff. The reception reflected a palpable sense of optimism among Ministry staff, who expressed excitement about the new leadership and its potential to transform Ghana’s education landscape.
Many within the education sector have welcomed Iddrisu’s focus on transparency, data-driven policy-making, and his commitment to tackling the sector’s longstanding challenges. Stakeholders view his leadership as an opportunity to address critical issues and implement reforms that could benefit generations to come.
A Collaborative Approach for a Sustainable Education System
The upcoming National Education Conference is expected to be a significant step in creating a more inclusive and transformative education system for Ghana. By bringing together key players from all sectors of society, the Minister aims to foster collaboration and ensure that any proposed reforms are sustainable and impactful.
“The people of Ghana deserve an education system that is not only inclusive but also transformative,” Minister Iddrisu concluded. “Together, we can achieve this.”
With his focus on data validation, policy transparency, and a collaborative approach to reform, Minister Haruna Iddrisu has set a promising tone for his leadership in shaping the future of education in Ghana.
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