A senior member of the Movement for Change, Solomon Owusu, has raised concerns about the challenges facing Ghana’s education sector, including the lack of textbooks, essential learning materials, and even food for students.
Solomon Owusu who was speaking during a panel discussion on the Angel Morning Show (AMS) on Tuesday, January 21, 2024, highlighted the dire conditions in which many children in Ghana are forced to study.
He lamented that some students still learn under trees, while others lack basic classroom furniture such as desks and chairs.
Solomon Owusu emphasized that the true measure of success for the Minister of Education should not be in policies alone but in the practical improvements seen in schools.
“A good educational system ensures that children are comfortable at school, teachers are motivated to teach, and all necessary resources are in place to facilitate effective teaching and learning,” he stated.
He also expressed grave concerns about the lack of practical learning in Ghana’s schools, particularly for science students.
According to him, many science students go through their entire education without engaging in hands-on practical sessions until a few weeks before their final exams.
This lack of practical experience, he noted, negatively impacts their performance in the job market.
“There are a lot of science students who have never done practicals throughout their schooling. They only get the chance to practice a few weeks before their exams. This is why many graduates struggle in the workplace. For instance, some nurses end up administering injections incorrectly, which can result in serious consequences, including loss of lives, due to the poor practical training they received in school,” he explained.
Solomon Owusu called for a paradigm shift in Ghana’s education system from rote learning to practical, hands-on learning as he believes this approach will equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their chosen careers and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He urged the government and stakeholders in the education sector to prioritize providing schools with the necessary resources and facilities to ensure a more effective and practical learning environment for students across the country.
