The much-anticipated National Education Forum engagements will kick off on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, and will culminate with a two-day validation conference from Thursday, February 27, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). Organized by an eight-member National Education Forum Planning Committee, the forum aims to explore strategies for transforming education in Ghana, focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and addressing long-standing challenges within the educational system.
Regional Engagements Begin in the Volta/Oti Zone
The first regional engagement will take place in Ho, the capital of the Volta Region, on February 19. This engagement will set the tone for a series of zonal dialogues across the country. The Volta and Oti regions will serve as the starting point, and a total of 100 participants from various sectors, including educators, policymakers, and students, are expected to participate. The forum will then progress to other regions in the country, with each zone contributing to the broader discourse on educational transformation.
Zonal Engagements Across the Country
The country has been divided into three main zones: the Northern, Middle, and Southern zones. These zones will hold their respective engagements in the following order:
- Greater Accra and Eastern Regions will convene in Accra on February 21.
- Western and Central Regions will meet in Cape Coast on the same day.
- Upper East and North East Regions will engage in Bolgatanga on February 24.
- Western North, Bono, Ahafo, and Bono East Regions will meet in Sunyani on February 24.
- Upper West, Savannah, and Northern Regions will come together in Tamale on February 25.
- Ashanti Region will hold its meeting in Kumasi on February 26.
Each regional meeting will provide a platform for stakeholders to engage with key issues surrounding education reform in Ghana.
The Theme: “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future”
At the heart of this year’s forum is the theme: “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future.” According to Professor George K. T. Oduro, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, the theme was carefully selected to provide a broad framework for addressing critical issues in the educational sector. The committee considered the country’s 2018-2030 education strategic plan, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto, and valuable input from experienced educationists when formulating the theme.
The forum will address five key pillars within the theme:
- Infrastructure Development: This pillar will focus on both physical infrastructure and virtual infrastructure, such as the implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in schools.
- Quality Education: Discussions will center on providing quality education at all levels—basic, secondary, tertiary, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Inclusivity will be a significant focus within this pillar, ensuring that education is accessible to all students.
- Regulation, Accountability, and Governance: The committee emphasizes the importance of strong regulatory frameworks and accountability within educational institutions. Effective governance is crucial for the success of educational initiatives, as it ensures that stakeholders are held responsible for their actions.
- Education Financing: This pillar will focus on sustainable financing to ensure that investments in education lead to meaningful, quality outcomes.
- Research and Data: The final pillar will focus on the importance of research and data in informing educational policies and practices. A data-driven approach is essential for addressing challenges and tracking progress.
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Keynote Addresses by Experts
The forum will feature expert contributions from both local and international scholars. Two prominent Ghanaian experts based abroad—Professor Joseph S. Agbenyega from Australia and Professor Kwame Akyeampong from the United Kingdom—will deliver keynote addresses. Professor Agbenyega will address the theme “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future,” while Professor Akyeampong will explore the theme through the lens of teaching and learning.
Both experts have agreed to speak at the forum at no cost to the government, demonstrating their commitment to the vision of transforming education in Ghana. Their involvement is a testament to the importance of engaging a diverse range of voices and expertise in shaping the future of education.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Approach to Education Reform
The National Education Forum offers an invaluable opportunity for Ghana to reimagine its educational landscape. With the active participation of stakeholders from all regions of the country, the forum promises to be a platform for deep, meaningful discussions aimed at addressing both the challenges and opportunities within the educational system. By focusing on the five key pillars—Infrastructure, Quality Education, Regulation and Governance, Education Financing, and Research and Data—the forum lays the groundwork for actionable reforms that can pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive educational future.
The validation conference, set for February 27-28 in Accra, will bring together the insights and recommendations from the regional engagements, providing a final opportunity to refine strategies and chart a clear path forward for education in Ghana.
As the forum unfolds, it is clear that transforming education for a sustainable future will require collaboration, commitment, and innovative thinking from all sectors of society. With this forum, Ghana is taking an important step toward realizing that vision.
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