Ranking Member on Parliament’s Education Committee, Dr. Clement Apaak, has called for increased state investment in basic education in Ghana.
He expressed concerns that funding for basic education has declined, with secondary education receiving more attention and tertiary education remaining stagnant.
He highlighted that many public basic schools lack facilities for early childhood education, which is crucial for children aged 3 to 5 as they are introduced to formal education and social skills during this period.
Speaking at the BPI Annual Public Lecture on the topic “Reflections on the State of Education in Ghana: Diagnosis and the Way Forward,” Dr. Apaak explained the importance of prioritising education, especially at the basic level, where foundational learning begins.
"The state must invest in education, we must prioritise education. If I have my will, the bulk of education sector funding should go to basic education because that is where it all begins. The state meeds to invest more in public basic education,” he stated.
Dr. Apaak also addressed challenges in rural basic education, advocating for incentives to attract and retain teachers in underserved communities.
“When you agree to take up posting in an underserved rural community, the state will provide you with accommodation and then you get your salary plus 20% will make a difference at where I come from,” he said.
Additionally, he proposed a partnership with the carpentry or furniture industry to address the shortage of furniture in schools, noting that about 1.3 million students currently lack access to adequate furniture.
Latest Stories
-
Cover the pitches when there are activities – Anthony Baffoe advises
22 minutes -
One dead, 6 injured in accident at Gomoa Assin
24 minutes -
With great influence comes even greater responsibility – Omane Boamah at IYES
36 minutes -
JoySports National Dialogue: It’s important to get experts for various roles – Anthony Baffoe
40 minutes -
Mahama appoints COP Yohunu as new IGP
42 minutes -
National Education Forum committee to present final report to president by March 28
50 minutes -
Ghana should develop national talent identification strategy – Tom Vernon
1 hour -
JoySports National Sports Dialogue: Gov’t committed to establishing sports fund – Kofi Adams
1 hour -
Ensuring inclusion and sustainability in Ghana’s Free Sanitary Pad initiative
1 hour -
Victory Baptist Church celebrates 40th anniversary with inter-family games and health fair
1 hour -
If we get the appointments right, SOEs will be in a good state – Daniel Anim-Prempeh
1 hour -
JoySports National Sports Dialogue: AFCON failure signals urgent need for development system reforms – Kofi Adams
2 hours -
NiiPlants Group donates to Village of Hope
2 hours -
Livestream: JoySports National Sports Dialogue underway
2 hours -
Ecobank Ghana expands Elevate Program to empower women entrepreneurs in Kumasi
2 hours