NCPTA Urges Education Minister to Adopt Inclusive and Collaborative Policies

The National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTA) has urged the newly appointed Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, to focus on crafting inclusive and collaborative policies that aim to reduce the education disparity between rural and urban areas in Ghana. The council emphasized the importance of adopting holistic education strategies that could help bridge the gap and ensure all students, regardless of location, have equal access to quality education.

In a statement of gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for appointing Iddrisu as Minister of Education, the NCPTA expressed optimism that the minister’s leadership would drive the much-needed reforms in the sector. The council also stressed that a strong foundation for quality education must be built on the principles of freedom, democracy, equality, equity, and sustainable development, all of which are fundamental human rights.

The NCPTA is hopeful that under Iddrisu’s leadership, Ghana’s educational system will be transformed to serve the needs of every student. They highlighted his vast political experience and background as crucial to successfully implementing key policies outlined in the 2024 manifesto of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Iddrisu’s previous roles, including his tenure as the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, his involvement in multiple government sectors such as Trade and Industry, Employment and Labour Relations, Communications, and his extensive parliamentary career since 2002, have equipped him with the skills to tackle the education sector’s challenges effectively.

The NCPTA expressed confidence that Iddrisu, as a seasoned politician, would unify various stakeholders in the educational ecosystem, leveraging their collective strengths for the advancement of the sector. The council particularly praised his commitment to education, noting that his expertise would allow him to implement policies aimed at making Ghana’s education system more inclusive and accessible. They also mentioned that they had already provided the Ministry of Education with an educational solution document, which will be discussed during the upcoming National Stakeholder Consultative Forum.

The NCPTA emphasized its readiness to engage in dialogue with the ministry to ensure that their proposals are integrated into the reform process. This forum will be a vital space for stakeholders to discuss the future of Ghana’s education system, and the council aims to contribute actively to the discourse. They stressed that this collaborative effort would be essential to achieving the goals set out by the ministry and the government.

In addition to this, the NCPTA took note of Iddrisu’s recent announcement that President Mahama would officially open an education review conference in mid-February. The conference, which was a promise made by President Mahama during his election campaign, will serve as a platform for assessing the current state of education in Ghana and charting a path for its future. The NCPTA sees this as a crucial event for the education sector and believes it will provide valuable insights into the reforms needed to enhance the system.

Iddrisu’s background, both as a former student leader and a legislator, has earned him the respect of the NCPTA, which described him as a “360-degree leader.” His vast experience in public service, business, and football administration makes him a well-rounded individual who understands the needs of Ghana’s educational system. The NCPTA believes that his leadership will help the education sector to recover and evolve, ensuring that Ghana’s educational policies are aligned with the needs of all citizens.

Furthermore, the NCPTA pointed to the education policy proposals in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, specifically those aimed at improving pre-tertiary education. These proposals, which were developed in consultation with the NCPTA, seek to address challenges within basic education (kindergarten, primary, and junior high schools) and second-cycle education. The council believes these proposals are crucial for the sector’s reform and will lead to significant improvements in the quality of education offered in Ghana.

In conclusion, the NCPTA reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the Ministry of Education to improve the nation’s educational system. The council’s support for Haruna Iddrisu’s leadership was evident, and it urged all Ghanaians to join forces in supporting the education sector. Through unity and collaboration, the NCPTA is confident that the country can achieve the educational reforms necessary for national growth and development.