Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis Named New Director-General of the Ghana Education Service

The Ghanaian government has appointed Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, the Provost of the College of Education at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), as the new Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES). This appointment comes at a crucial time as the government continues to focus on improving Ghana’s education system. Prof. Davis’s extensive academic and administrative experience positions him to bring effective leadership and innovative solutions to the challenges facing the education sector.

Prof. Davis succeeds Dr. Eric Nkansah, who has been relieved of his duties as the Director-General of GES. His appointment signals the government’s intention to tap into his wealth of expertise in educational research and administration to drive reforms within the country’s education system. As the Director-General of GES, Prof. Davis will oversee the operations of the service, aiming to improve the quality of education in Ghana, ensure equitable access to educational opportunities, and enhance the overall standards of teaching and learning.

Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis holds a distinguished academic background that includes a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from Hiroshima University in Japan. He also earned a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Mathematics from UCC in 1999. Throughout his career, Prof. Davis has been recognized for his excellence in academia, earning several prestigious awards, including the Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS) in 2007, the British Academy Visiting Scholar Award in 2011, and the Inter-Departmental Research Support Grant from UCC’s Directorate of Research and Innovation Consultancy (DRIC).

In addition to his academic qualifications, Prof. Davis has a proven track record of leadership in the education sector. He served as the Vice-President of the Ghana Education Research Association (GERA-Ghana) in 2018, where he contributed to advancing research and best practices in education. Prof. Davis is also a member of numerous professional organizations, such as the Ghana Mathematics Society, the Mathematics Association of Ghana (MAG), the World Education Research Association (WERA), the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), and the Southern African Association of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (SAARMSTE). His involvement in these professional networks reflects his dedication to advancing educational research and improving standards in teaching and learning.

Prof. Davis officially assumed the role of Provost of UCC’s College of Education Studies on August 1, 2022, where he has been overseeing the college’s academic programs and leading initiatives aimed at improving education in the region. During his tenure as Provost, he worked to strengthen the college’s reputation and academic standing, focusing on curriculum development, research, and fostering partnerships with local and international educational institutions. His leadership at UCC has set a high standard for educational excellence, and it is expected that he will bring this same level of commitment and passion for quality education to his new role at the GES.

The appointment of Prof. Davis as Director-General of GES is seen as a move by the government to bring in fresh ideas and strong leadership to tackle the challenges in the education sector. His background in educational research, mathematics education, and leadership makes him well-suited to address issues such as improving teacher training, enhancing educational infrastructure, and ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the future.

There are high expectations for Prof. Davis’s leadership in this new role. Stakeholders in Ghana’s education sector are hopeful that his appointment will lead to significant reforms that will elevate the standard of education across the country. Prof. Davis is expected to work on strategies that will foster innovation in teaching and learning, improve education outcomes, and enhance the capacity of teachers and school administrators to deliver quality education.

In conclusion, the appointment of Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis as Director-General of GES represents a promising step toward improving the education system in Ghana. His extensive academic background, leadership experience, and commitment to educational advancement will play a key role in shaping the future of education in the country. With Prof. Davis at the helm, there is hope that Ghana’s education system will see transformative changes that benefit students, educators, and the nation as a whole.