In a significant meeting with the clergy of the Ashanti Region, the Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, presented an overview of the achievements of the NPP government in the education sector, highlighting key areas such as Free Senior High School (SHS) education, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives, and the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The event provided a platform for the clergy to gain firsthand information on government efforts to transform education in Ghana.
Addressing the gathering at Power Chapel Worldwide at IPT in the Kwadaso Municipality of the Ashanti Region, Dr. Adutwum outlined the impact of the Free SHS policy, which has provided access to secondary education for hundreds of thousands of Ghanaian students since its inception in 2017.
He noted that the initiative has led to increased enrolment and improved academic performance, particularly among students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Additionally, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing STEM education.
He pointed out that the Ministry has invested in building STEM-focused schools and improving infrastructure to encourage young Ghanaians to pursue careers in science and technology.
According to Dr. Adutwum, these efforts are aimed at equipping the youth with the skills needed to compete in a globalized world and to support Ghana’s industrialization agenda.
Expanding on TVET education, Dr. Adutwum highlighted how the government has revamped technical and vocational training institutions, providing them with modern equipment and training facilities.
This move, he said, is intended to bridge the skills gap and create more employment opportunities, empowering Ghanaian youth with practical skills essential for economic growth.
The engagement with the clergy also included a question-and-answer session, where clergy members had the chance to express concerns, seek clarification, and make suggestions on various aspects of the education sector.
Topics such as teacher welfare, infrastructure in rural schools, and measures to address challenges in urban schools were discussed.
In response, Dr. Adutwum assured the clergy of the government’s commitment to addressing these issues.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s determination to enhance teacher conditions, especially in remote areas, and pledged to continue implementing policies that will make quality education accessible to all.
After the interaction, some members of the clergy expressed their appreciation to the Minister for his openness and willingness to engage with them,
“It is encouraging to see the education minister take the time to address our concerns and share detailed insights into the progress in the education sector. We look forward to more engagements like this,” one said.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both the clergy and the Ministry of Education to work collaboratively in ensuring the continued improvement and accessibility of education in Ghana.
Dr. Adutwum expressed his gratitude for the feedback received, describing it as “invaluable for shaping future policies that cater to the needs of every Ghanaian child.”