Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has reassured of government’s continuous investment in educational resources, infrastructure, and technology to enhance academic outcomes.
He said education was not a destination but an ongoing journey that required continuous improvements and innovation, stressing that “the opportunity cost of not investing in education is too high for our country.”
The Vice President was speaking at the opening session of the 56th Delegates Congress of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) on Wednesday.
The five-day congress which closes on Sunday is on the theme: “Prioritising Investment in Education as a Nation.”
Touting ongoing reforms and achievements in the sector, he maintained that it was important for the country to remain vigilant and steadfast in the pursuit of educational excellence.
“We believe that education is the cornerstone of progress and development. It is a catalyst that empower individuals, transform societies, and build a prosperous future,” he said.
Dr Bawumia underscored the need for the education sector to adapt to the evolving needs of society and equip students with the relevant skills needed to succeed in a fast-changing world.
In line with that he said government was undertaking various reforms including the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) in schools across the country.
He added that to enhance the quality of education in Ghana, it was imperative to invest in teacher training programmes and provide ongoing professional development opportunities for educators.
“This is why we have developed the continuous professional development framework and the National Teachers Standards to support in-service teachers in building their careers and impact positively on their teaching skills and competencies required to improve learning,” he said.
The Vice President assured the student body in the country that government would do all in its power to address their concerns to ensure Ghana had a worldclass education.
Commending the students for their determination and resilience, he urged them to recommitment themselves to the course of education and its impact on the country’s sustainable development.
“Let us continue to strive for excellence. Together, we can build a nation where every child has access to quality education, where every young mind can dream and achieve, where our collective efforts lay the foundation for a prosperous future,” he added.
Mr Dennis Appiah Larbi-Ampofo, President of NUGS, commended government for its transformative strides in education development, particularly the introduction of TVET in the face of changing developmental demands.
However, he said there were more challenges yet to be addressed.
Of importance to him was the infinitesimal amount of money given to caterers under the school feeding programme to cook for pupils.
He, therefore, made a direct appeal to the Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Education Minister, to see to it that the amount was reviewed upwards.
“Honourable Minister, I know these are trying times so it will be very difficult that I request that something should be done today.
“But while understanding the economics, I will appreciate that hopefully by the end of the year, we will hear something favourable that young students of this country will not be fed with less than GH¢2,” he said.
Mr Larbi-Ampofo also gave account of the stewardship of his administration, pointing to important projects and reforms.
For his part, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Oguaamanhen, called on the student body and all other stakeholders work collaboratively and come out with practical and achievable projects which would be beneficial and affordable to all.