Dr. Apaak challenges policymakers to turn education research into action

Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Abas Apaak has urged policymakers to rely on research evidence when making decisions and allocating resources to address education challenges during emergencies.

He said evidence must move beyond academic discussions and directly inform government spending and interventions aimed at protecting children affected by conflicts, climate shocks, displacement and other crises.

Dr. Apaak made the call on Tuesday, September 29, at the 2nd High-Level Conference on Scaling Education Initiatives in Emergencies in Accra.

He said researchers, policymakers and development partners all have a role to play in ensuring that evidence is translated into practical action.

“To the researchers: make your findings clear, timely and usable. A policymaker needs evidence she can act on by Monday morning,” he said.

He challenged policymakers to allow research findings to influence public spending.

“To the policymakers: use the evidence, and let it shape budgets, not just speeches.”

Dr. Apaak also called on development partners to align their support with national priorities and commit to long-term interventions.

“To our development partners: align your support with national priorities and commit for the long term,” he said.

He said Ghana was strengthening the use of education data through initiatives such as the Ghana Education Evidence Lab and the Foundational Learning Action Tracker.

“We are also learning to measure what we do. Through the Ghana Education Evidence Lab and the Foundational Learning Action Tracker, we monitor progress, identify gaps early and intervene in time,” he said.

According to Dr. Apaak, children affected by emergencies must not be left out of education data and policy planning.

“The same discipline must reach children affected by emergencies, who too easily fall outside the data,” he said.

He further called for stronger cooperation among West African countries, noting that the region faces cross-border challenges that require coordinated responses.

“Our borders are porous to conflict, climate shocks and disease, so our responses must be coordinated, sharing data, lessons and solutions across West Africa,” he said.

The two-day conference brings together education researchers, policymakers, development partners and practitioners to examine evidence on education in emergencies and identify investment priorities that can have the greatest impact on children affected by crises.