The government of Ghana has concluded studies on various aspects of the Education Reform Programme and would soon begin a review of the system in earnest, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Minister of Education said at the weekend.
The review was necessitated by the focus government wanted to place on vocational and technical education, in line with the New Patriotic Party's manifesto.
Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi speaking at the commissioning of the West African Examinations Council's (WAEC) examination complex building in Kumasi said other areas to be reviewed were pre-school education, the duration of the junior secondary school education, secondary, technical and vocational education.
The review would also consider placing more emphasis on polytechnic education and the relevance of programmes at the universities.
The rest were the role of Information Technology (IT) at all levels of the education system as well as the concept of Open Universities, Distance Learning and the funding of education.
"In line with our policy of steering the affairs of the nation in an open, transparent and consultative manner, the ministry will involve all stakeholders in this very crucial national endeavour," he said
Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi invited Ghanaians to participate "in this noble endeavour of transforming the education system in an objective and dispassionate manner."
"Let us always remember that the quality of this nation, its competitiveness, its global standing depend on the quality of its individuals. The quality of its individuals also depends on the quality of the education they possess."
The Minister noted that the current statistics on examination malpractices gave an indication that candidates were not taking advantage of the council's local facilities to enhance their prospects.
He appealed to traditional rulers, the clergy, teachers and parents to educate their wards and students on the opportunities that WAEC had provided.
They should purchase the regulations, scheme and structure of examinations, past questions, the Chief Examiner's Report for study and enlightenment so that the examination malpractice canker would not destroy both the local and international value of WAEC certificates.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, said before the establishment of the WAEC, candidates had to take examinations based on foreign cultures but this had now changed with the development of syllabi that reflected Ghanaian culture and manpower needs.
The Otumfuo who himself has set up an educational fund to assist people in the Ashanti Region, urged the Ministry of Education to liaise with WAEC to draw up programmes that would make university graduates employable to prevent a situation where they roamed about looking for non-existent jobs.
He also urged traditional rulers, church leaders and teachers to help to reduce cheating and other examination malpractices.
