Retired educationist condemns politicisation of education

Professor Kwasi Nsiah-Gyaaah, a retired educationist, has criticized “the unnecessary politicization” of education in the country.

He stressed that the trend threatened the achievement of good quality education that could put the future of Ghanaian children in jeopardy.

Prof. Nsiah-Gyabaah, a former Rector of Sunyani Polytechnic, was addressing the opening of a three-day quarterly review workshop of Brong Ahafo Conference of Directors of Education (CODE) at Busunya in Nkoranza North District at the weekend.

It was on the theme: “Quality Education for All by 2015, the way forward”.

Prof. Nsiah-Gyabaah appealed to politicians and decision-makers to ensure the provision of financial and material support for education.

He expressed regret that education had been politicized to attract votes, “Yet effective policies have not been initiated by Governments of the country to improve education”.

Prof. Nsiah-Gyabaah called on Government, parents and other stakeholders to collectively ensure the provision of adequate resources for the development of education.

He appealed to Government to provide adequate educational infrastructure, teaching and learning materials to promote education.

Prof. Nsiah-Gyabaah said: “Teachers’ salaries and conditions of service ought to be made attractive enough and teachers should also be provided with opportunities for follow-up professional development programmes”, he said.

He commended the directors for initiating strategies to enhance teaching and learning in the region.

Mr. Kwadwo Agyei-Dwomoh, Nkoranza North District Chief Executive (DCE), said the Assembly had paid high premium on the development of education to ensure that the youth acquired quality education.

He said the Assembly had assisted needy but brilliant students in Senior High Schools and tertiary institutions, and constructed school buildings in the area.

Mr. Agyei-Dwomoh said the Assembly would release GHC90,000 from the District Development Fund towards the construction of a bungalow for the District Director of Education.

Mr. Yelbuon, acting chairman of the Regional Conference of Directors of Education said the provision of quality education would help reduce poverty and hunger among the people.

Mr. James Appiah-Kusi, Nkoranza North District Director of Education, said the holding of the conference in the district, would help to improve the fallen standards of education in the deprived area.

Major Derek Oduro (rtd), Member of Parliament for Nkoranza North, asked the CODE to work assiduously to improve the standards of education in the region.

Okatakyie Agyeman Kudom IV, Omanhene of Nkoranza, paid glowing tribute to teachers for their contribution to the development of education.**