National Education Forum: We must empower, respect teachers – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has stated that teachers must be empowered and respected to succeed with any educational reform.

Speaking at the Jubilee House for the presentation of the Final Report of the National Education Forum, President Mahama indicated that in a time of global uncertainty, rapid technological advancement, and shifting demographics, “we in Ghana must ask ourselves: What kind of education system will best serve our people? That question inspired the convening of the National Education Forum.”

He explained that the goal was simple yet urgent “to build national consensus on how to reform and reimagine education to reflect the needs of our economy, the aspirations of our youth, and the values we hold dear as a people.

President Mahama stated that his administration was determined to make “this a truly inclusive and participatory process — one that would gather voices from every region, every classroom, and every sector of society.

“…. we will prioritize the professional development, motivation, and welfare of our teachers. No education reform can succeed without empowered and respected teachers.

“As part of our reform agenda, we will improve teacher training colleges, provide continuous professional learning opportunities, and implement a fair, transparent deployment and incentive system that rewards excellence and supports underserved areas.

“The Forum underscores the need to decentralize education governance. Local governments, district education offices, school boards, and community leaders must be given greater authority, flexibility, and accountability in managing schools. Centralized decision-making has led to delays, inefficiencies, and disconnection from local realities. Decentralization will not only improve service delivery but also restore a sense of ownership and urgency at the grassroots level.”

President Mahama expressed his deepest appreciation to all those who contributed to the National Education Forum.

“From our teachers and students, to researchers, traditional authorities, educational administrators, faith-based organisations, the private sector, and development partners. The Final Report we receive today is a product of your insights, your lived experiences, and your unwavering commitment to Ghana’s future”, he added.

The Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, Executive Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, and his Deputy, Dr. Clement Apaak, Professor K. T. Oduro, who chaired the eight-member committee, among others, were present for the ceremony.