The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has dismissed claims that he is unhappy or disappointed with his appointment to head the Education Ministry, insisting that he is fully prepared to confront the challenges facing the sector and help reposition it for the future.
Speaking on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, December 24, Mr. Iddrisu said his appointment was a deliberate decision by President John Dramani Mahama, following wide consultations, and was aimed at driving a reset of Ghana’s education system.
“Not at all, I’m sure President Mahama widely consulted in taking me to the Education Ministry, probably to help reset the education sector, which undoubtedly faces enormous challenges,” he said.
The Education Minister acknowledged that Ghana’s education system faces deep-rooted problems across all levels, from basic to secondary education, and said these issues must be tackled decisively.
“From Kindergarten to Primary Junior High School to Secondary Education, there are significant challenges and problems that need to be dealt with head-on,” he stated.
Mr. Iddrisu expressed confidence that the President entrusted him with the portfolio because of his experience and judgment, stressing that he intends to live up to that confidence.
“I’m sure he trusted my judgment in that respect, I have not disappointed in the last one year and I shall not,” he said.
Outlining his vision for the sector, the Minister said the government plans a comprehensive review of Ghana’s education system to ensure it produces graduates equipped with relevant skills for the modern world.
“We will review Ghana’s education generally in order that we will produce competencies that can withstand the 21st century,” he noted.
According to him, the focus will go beyond rote learning and academic knowledge to developing critical thinking and analytical skills among learners.
“Therefore we intend to work to equip Ghanaians with the 21st century skills, not just knowledge, but critical and analytical minds to contribute to the development of our country and global affairs,” Mr. Iddrisu added.
