The Minister of Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has paid a working visit to schools in the Upper East Region to assess first-hand the challenges faced by teachers and the impact of the Bawku conflict on teaching and learning. Apexnewsgh reports
His tour also took him to the Bolgatanga Technical Institute (Bolga Tech) where he inspected damages caused by recent student riots.
Addressing stakeholders, Mr. Iddrisu expressed deep concern over the presence of security officers in educational institutions.
“In the education space and in the learning environment, it is wrong, wrong, wrong to see men in uniform—whether military or police—on any campus. Education today is not just about literacy and numeracy, it’s about character molding and character building.”
He warned that any compromise in shaping the values of tolerance, honesty, and integrity in young people would have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s future.
“If polarization takes root in educational institutions, classrooms will remain silent and learning will be practically impossible. We will be denying these youngsters a secure, better future.”
At Zamse Senior High/Technical School (ZAMSTEC), the Minister inspected uncompleted structures, including a teacher’s hostel, which he suggested could be converted into a girls’ dormitory once its structural integrity is confirmed. He emphasized the need for secured land and a protective wall for the school, assuring that such projects would receive priority attention.
However, at Bolga Tech, Mr. Iddrisu was stern about the consequences of student indiscipline.
“You go and fight and burn a library, then you turn around and say government should come and help you? I have asked that disciplinary actions be strictly enforced. Those culpable must be punished in accordance with the GES code of conduct.”
He directed the school’s authorities to submit their final investigation report within seven days, stressing that justice must be swift and fair.
“If children get it right at this age, they will get it right at age 60 or 80. If they miss the opportunity, the country misses the opportunity.”
Looking ahead, the Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment under President Mahama’s agenda to inject massive investment into education in 2026. He announced a planned one billion cedi investment aimed at ending the double-track system, expanding infrastructure, rolling out a school connectivity program, and revolutionizing STEM education.
Mr. Iddrisu also underscored the need to rebrand technical and vocational training in Ghana, not as an option for the less academically inclined, but as a strong pathway to skills and employment.
On the issue of deploying armed security in schools, he was categorical:
“No, I don’t support uniforms and glasses in schools. Why should you take a uniform? What do you want in this country, raising students to arms and uniforms? I’m sorry, that’s not acceptable. We’ll never allow that practice.”
The Minister concluded by assuring that issues such as inadequate furniture would also be addressed, but insisted that discipline, peace, and values must remain at the heart of Ghana’s education system.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
