Ghana’s efforts to expand access to secondary education have been commendable, as highlighted in the recent Legatum Prosperity Index.
Ranked 137th out of 167 countries, Ghana has significantly increased its secondary school enrollment from 42.5% in 2013 to 57.2% in recent years, according to UNESCO.
This improvement represents a significant step forward from its 2013 ranking of 144. However, despite this progress, there remains a stark reality: the quality of secondary education in Ghana is a major concern, ranking 166th out of 167 countries in the Legatum Prosperity Index.
The Legatum Prosperity Index, an annual ranking developed by the Legatum Institute, provides a comprehensive assessment of nations’ prosperity across various indicators, including education.
While Ghana has made commendable progress in increasing enrollment rates, the significant gap in educational quality underscores the urgent need for reform and investment to improve the overall learning experience.
Ghana’s tertiary education sector fares somewhat better, ranking 94th out of 167 countries. While this is a more favorable position compared to secondary education, there is still room for improvement to ensure that tertiary institutions meet global standards of excellence and relevance.
The challenges facing Ghana’s education system are complex. Despite efforts to expand access to schooling, persistent issues such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of teaching resources, and a mismatch between curricula and industry needs continue to affect the quality of education at all levels.
Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated effort from policymakers, educators, and stakeholders.
Investment in education should not only focus on increasing enrollment rates but also prioritize initiatives to improve teaching quality, curriculum relevance, and infrastructure development.
Collaborative partnerships between government agencies, educational institutions, and the private sector can play a crucial role in driving meaningful reforms and fostering innovation in Ghana’s education sector.
Furthermore, leveraging technology and digital resources can provide transformative opportunities to supplement traditional teaching methods, expand access to quality educational materials, and bridge learning gaps across geographical boundaries.
As Ghana seeks to enhance its global standing and develop a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable development, investing in the future of its education system is crucial.
By prioritizing both access and quality in education, Ghana can pave the way for prosperity, empowerment, and inclusive growth for its citizens.