Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq. shared his thoughts on Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy and its implementation.
He emphasized the importance of education as the foundation for national development, critiqued the past system’s inefficiencies, and offered insights into how President John Dramani Mahama plans to address the gaps in the sector.
Mr. Tameklo began by reflecting on past educational systems, noting their effectiveness due to localized management and experience. He noted;
“Many years ago, the schools had bursars and matrons. They knew within the localities who can supply them a, b, c, d items. That system, we have not shown that it was not fit for purpose. However, what was introduced for the past 8 years is what rather created a problem.”
Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq. National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
He acknowledged that challenges existed before the introduction of the Free SHS program but argued that these were effectively managed due to local expertise and an understanding of the system.
Mr. Tameklo suggested that there is no need to overhaul the system entirely, as the foundational structures are already in place.
Highlighting the role of education in national development, Mr. Tameklo declared it to be the cornerstone of every society. He emphasized;
“Education, like I always say, is the foundation of everything. It is what it is. The Alpha and Omega. Because if your educational systems are not properly done, the outcome will not be.”
Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq. National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
He expressed pride in the quality of education before the Free SHS policy, stating; “All of us on this platform are products of before Free SHS. Was there any doubt about our quality? No.” While lauding the policy’s intent, he cautioned against undermining quality in pursuit of accessibility.
Government Commitment to Strengthening Secondary Education
Mr. Tameklo praised President John Dramani Mahama for his resolve to refine the Free SHS program and address its shortcomings.
“In the superior wisdom of the framers of the 1992 Constitution, they had always said free secondary education ought to be done progressively. As to whether 30 years was enough for a progressive rollout, it’s a matter for a different conversation.”
Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq. National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
He underscored Mahama’s commitment to strengthening secondary education, saying;
“John Dramani Mahama, the president, has made a firm commitment to the good people of this country that under his watch, he’s going to strengthen secondary education and how it is implemented.”
Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq. National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
Challenges with Educational Resources and Prioritization
Mr. Tameklo criticized the past administration for its approach to implementing educational reforms, particularly the lack of textbooks for years after the introduction of a new curriculum. He stated;
“He [Akuffo Addo] read the bible a while ago, Sometimes you wonder whether the former president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had the benefit of some of this scripture. Which one of us here will start an educational curriculum change without textbooks? Not for a year, not for 2 years—many years. At the same time, we had money to prioritize Pasco for our kids. Sometimes it’s a simple question of priority.”
Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq. National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
Mr. Tameklo drew attention to criticisms from within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), citing statements by party stalwarts like Musa Superior, who questioned certain expenditures under the government. He recounted;
“At the time the government could not pay NABCO trainees, persons associated with the president were being paid for contracts. Even within the NPP at that time, there were people who had legitimate concerns. But for fear of voicing out some of those concerns, I am happy about the air of freedom that the coming of John Dramani Mahama has brought to this country. Today, even members of the NPP, very leading members can voice out concerns that some of us sat here said, and were rebuked, criticized, mocked [and] ridiculed.”
Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq. National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
Looking forward, Tameklo called for collaborative efforts to make Ghana’s education system the best. He reaffirmed;
“Let us all together ensure that we make Ghana education—basic, secondary, the junior high school—the very best for the kids that are coming up.”
“For me, I want to look back at Ghana 10 years after, 20 years after, and say what Agent John Dramani Mahama has done has left a lasting legacy. That is all my prayer is.”
Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq. National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo’s reflections on Ghana’s Free SHS policy highlight both its potential and its challenges. He called for a renewed focus on quality education, better prioritization of resources, and a collective effort to build a robust educational system.
His optimism about Mahama’s leadership and commitment to education reflects a vision for a brighter future for Ghana’s youth.
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