In a determined bid to overhaul Ghana’s education system, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled an ambitious agenda as part of its 2024 manifesto.
The plan, presented by Hon. Dr Clement Apaak, MP for Builsa South Constituency during a press briefing dubbed “Time with Sectoral Spokespersons” on NDC’s 2024 Manifesto, seeks to address the multifaceted challenges plaguing the sector and ensure quality educational outcomes for all Ghanaian children.
Hon. Dr Apaak, who also doubles as the Spokesperson for the NDC’s 2024 Manifesto on Education, in a scathing critique, accused the current administration led by President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Bawumia of neglecting the education sector and causing severe distortions.
“Distinguished friends from the media, the power of education to transform nations, societies, and individuals is well documented and self-evident. This is why the NDC, since its inception, has always prioritised education at all levels. Unfortunately, under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government, the education sector has suffered neglect and severe distortions”
Hon. Dr. Clement Apaak, MP for Builsa South Constituency and Spokesperson for NDC’s 2024 Manifesto on Education
Dr. Clement Apaak highlighted several critical issues, including an acute infrastructural deficit, erratic academic calendars, inconsistent curricula, lack of investment in teachers’ professional needs, and inadequate teaching and learning materials, all contributing to declining education quality across the nation.
A Comprehensive Reset for Enhanced Quality Outcomes
The NDC’s education policy for 2024 promises a comprehensive reset, aiming to collaborate with all stakeholders to rebuild and rejuvenate Ghana’s educational system.
Dr. Apaak outlined several key areas of focus, including significant investment in infrastructure, enhancement of teacher welfare and professional development, and increasing overall investment in the education sector.
The Spokesperson for the NDC’s 2024 Manifesto on Education pointed out that a major highlight of the manifesto is the emphasis on teacher welfare and training.
Here, Dr Clement Apaak mentioned that the NDC plans to prioritize the timely promotion of teachers and ensure funds are available for their remuneration.
“Recognizing the vital role teachers play, the manifesto proposes the introduction of the “Teacher Dabr3” Project, which will provide accommodation facilities for teachers within new school buildings”.
Hon. Dr. Clement Apaak, MP for Builsa South Constituency and Spokesperson for NDC’s 2024 Manifesto on Education
To further support teachers, the Deputy Ranking Member of the Parliament Committee on Education, stated that the NDC will introduce a special allowance of 20% of the basic salary for those who accept postings to rural and underserved communities.
According to him, the party also plans to abolish the teacher licensure examination, integrating the licensing process into the final year examination of trainees.
Additionally, Dr Apaak mentioned that the NDC aims to scrap the mandatory national service for teacher trainee graduates, restoring the automatic employment of newly qualified teachers.
Again, in a bid to support teachers in owning homes and vehicles, Dr Clement Apaak indicated that the NDC will partner with teacher unions to initiate the Government Assisted Mortgage Scheme (GAMOS) and provide flexible duty payment arrangements for vehicle purchases.
He disclosed the opposition party’s plans to establish a College of Education in the Afram Plains enclave to address the acute professional teacher deficit in that region.
Early Childhood and Basic Education: Laying a Strong Foundation
Highlighting the importance of early childhood education, the Spokesperson for the NDC’s 2024 Manifesto on Education, outlined the party’s plans to introduce the ‘Bright Beginnings Initiative’ to revive and repurpose early childhood education for the well-being of Ghanaian children.
This, he noted will be complemented by the integration of early childhood education into the basic education system, supported by appropriate infrastructure.
To address the acute deficit at the basic level, Dr Apaak intimated that the NDC will launch a ‘Furniture for All Initiative’ in partnership with the local carpentry and furniture industry and significantly improve the pupil-to-textbook ratio through the provision of curriculum-based textbooks.
He also reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to undertake an aggressive infrastructure drive to eliminate schools under trees and rehabilitate dilapidated school buildings, and in addition increase and ensure regular payment of capitation and feeding grants.
Furthermore, the NDC plans to introduce a ‘SmartStart Curriculum’ that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), coding, digital literacy, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into the basic education curriculum.
According to Dr Apaak, the party also intends to promote digital literacy by providing computer facilities with digitized learning materials and upgrading ICT laboratories.
To ensure sustainability, Dr Apaak further mentioned that the NDC will promote solar energy as the primary energy source for school facilities.
Secondary and TVET Education: Creating Pathways for Success
Moreover, the NDC’s manifesto outlines a robust plan for secondary and TVET education. Key among the proposals according to the MP for Builsa South during the media briefing is the abolition of the double-track system to restore a stable one-track academic calendar.
He also announced the NDC’s plans to complete all abandoned E-blocks projects and expand infrastructure in existing Senior High Schools (SHSs) and TVET institutions through an emergency infrastructure drive.
To ensure quality secondary education, Dr Apaak mentioned that the NDC will ring-fence a percentage of oil proceeds as a dedicated and sustainable funding source.
According to him, the party also aims to decentralize the procurement of food and other basic supplies, ensuring timely food supply and improving the quantity and quality of food for students.
Continuing its policy of providing free laptops and tablets for SHS students, Dr Apaak affirmed the NDC plans to extend Free SHS to cover students in private Senior High Schools.
Dr Apaak also announced NDC’s plans to review the Computerized School Selection & Placement System (CSSPS) to address corruption in school placement and make it merit-based.
“In addition, the NDC will reform the secondary education curricula to integrate STEM, agriculture, vocational skills, digital literacy, civic education, design thinking, and life skills. The party also plans to expand Science Resource Centres (SRC) across the regions to support STEM/TVET education and to establish regional TVET Centres of Excellence integrated with fabrication and other state-of-the-art facilities”.
Hon. Dr. Clement Apaak, MP for Builsa South Constituency and Spokesperson for NDC’s 2024 Manifesto on Education
Tertiary Education: Expanding Access and Opportunities
For tertiary education, the NDC promises to implement a ‘No-Academic-Fees’ policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions, including universities, technical universities, colleges of education, and nursing training colleges.
According Dr Apaak, the party also plans to provide free tertiary education for all persons with disabilities.
To address accommodation challenges, Dr Apaak noted that the NDC will implement a ‘Bed-for-All’ programme, building on-campus and affordable student hostels through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) schemes.
He also mentioned that the party plans to provide trainee allowances, student loans, and other diverse funding options for teacher and nurse trainees.
“The NDC’s manifesto also includes plans to revamp the Student Loan Trust Fund, increase loan amounts based on needs assessments, and ensure prompt disbursements. Additionally, the party aims to introduce legislation to streamline government scholarship administration, prohibiting the award of scholarships to government officials”.
Hon. Dr. Clement Apaak, MP for Builsa South Constituency and Spokesperson for NDC’s 2024 Manifesto on Education
Restoring Trust and Ensuring Quality Education for All
Concluding the press briefing, Hon. Dr. Apaak emphasized the NDC’s commitment to resetting Ghana’s education sector for quality outcomes.
“H.E. John Dramani Mahama has a proven track record in education and can be trusted to deliver on these promises. He is a visionary and a sincere leader you can trust any day, any time, and anywhere”.
Hon. Dr. Clement Apaak, MP for Builsa South Constituency and Spokesperson for NDC’s 2024 Manifesto on Educatio
Dr. Apaak called on Ghanaians to vote for John Dramani Mahama and the NDC to ensure every Ghanaian child gets a quality education.
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