The Institute for Educational Studies (IFEST) has warned that the cordiality between the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ghana Education (GES) if not improved can have a drastic effect on the education system.

The think tank in a statement alleged that the sector Ministry is sidelining the GES in the decision making process in some crucial events. IFEST stated that it has noted some incidences in the education sector that suggests an attempt to weaken the GES and render it redundant in undertaking its mandate in the sector.

IFEST noted that the Ministry went ahead to conduct the National Standardized test that the GES opposed against all sound advice given. A conduct which was characterized by confusion.

According to the think tank, the erratic academic calendar of the pre-tertiary education sector is also as a result of the suppose take over of the GES by the Ministry. It stated that the Education Ministry did not have to set a committee to work on the academic calendar when the GES has been doing it over the years.

IFEST disclosed that it has documents that the Ministry has gone ahead to make a far reaching decision recruiting heads for the newly completed STEM schools with the position from other stakeholders including NAGRAT.

IFEST surprised about GALOP implementation without GES

IFEST averred that it cannot fathom how Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP) could be purported to have been carried out without the explicit knowledge and involvement of the GES.

“The conversation on the GALOP Teacher Training issue clearly cements our proposition that the Ministry of education is gradually juggling the role of policy formulation and implementing agency. This presents the GES as inefficient.”
IFEST

According to the think tank, it is clear from the correspondence from the World Bank, GES and the press statements from the Ministry that the GES which is mandated to undertake this teacher training exercise was sidelined in the entire process. IFEST added that it is clear from the events mentioned that it seems the Ministry of Education is consciously or unconsciously weakening the GES with its constant acts.

“It is important to point out that GES needs to be efficient, effective and inspiring in the delivery of its mandates. Any attempt to continue on this path by the Ministry of Education will kill morale within the GES and put the implementation of a lot of policies in the education sector especially at the Pre-Tertiary level in complete disarray as it has been witnessed in some instances. Already, the World Bank has bemoaned the slow implementation of the GALOP projects.”
IFEST

IFEST therefore called on the Minister of Education to show leadership and ensure that there is proper coordination and cordiality between these two critical institutions. “We further call on the GES council to ensure that the mandate of the service is not compromised.”

The think tank then appealed to the President to step in and ensure that the investment made in the education sector does not go down drain because of the lack of coordination between these two entities.