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Nana Akosua Pokuaa, a well-respected voice in Ghanaian education, has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the state of the country’s education system, particularly under the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Speaking to the media in an interview , Nana Pokuaa lambasted the double-track policy, a system introduced by the NPP government to address congestion in Senior High Schools (SHS).
Pokuaa, known for her outspoken advocacy on educational reform, described the double-track system as a significant hindrance to the quality of education in Ghana. The policy, which was intended to accommodate more students in the face of rising demand for secondary education, has faced heavy criticism for creating logistical and pedagogical challenges in schools. Critics argue that the system has led to overcrowded classrooms, reduced contact hours between students and teachers, and a general decline in the overall educational experience.
In her address, Pokuaa called on the newly appointed Education Minister-designate, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, to take immediate action to restore the integrity of the country’s educational institutions. “It is high time that we address the damage done to our Senior High Schools under the current system. Our children deserve an education that not only prepares them for exams but equips them with the skills and knowledge needed for the future,” she said.
Pokuaa emphasized the importance of reforming the SHS system, pointing out that the double-track policy had left many students and teachers struggling to maintain standards of learning. She urged Hon. Iddrisu to engage in a comprehensive review of the policy and put in place measures to improve the overall quality of education across the country.
The former President’s administration’s policies on education, including the Free Senior High School (FSHS) program, have been a central point of debate in Ghanaian politics. While the Free SHS program has been praised for making education more accessible, the implementation of certain policies, such as the double-track system, has sparked controversy among educators, students, and parents alike.
Pokuaa also touched on the broader need for a long-term vision for education in Ghana, highlighting the importance of infrastructure development, teacher training, and curriculum reform. She noted that while access to education has improved, the focus must now shift towards enhancing the quality of education to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global economy.
As the new education minister prepares to take office, it is clear that the country’s educational system remains one of the most pressing issues facing the government. Pokuaa’s comments have added fuel to the ongoing discourse on the future of education in Ghana, and many are now looking to Hon. Haruna Iddrisu for the bold reforms that will shape the next generation of students.
Ghana’s education system stands at a critical juncture, and with calls for reform intensifying, all eyes will be on the incoming Education Minister to steer the sector towards a future that promises not only access to education but also a high standard of learning for all students.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
