Al-Hassan Kodwo Baidoo, President of the Center for Education Leadership, Policy and Innovation Africa, has commended the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, for allowing Junior High School students to write the Basic Education Certificate Examination before selecting their senior high schools.

He made these remarks in an exclusive interview with Nana Nhyiraba Kwabena Asirifi on ICAD TV’s Morning Show, Ghana Nti Today.

According to him, the policy allows students to better understand their strengths and weaknesses after writing the examination, thereby enabling parents to guide them in choosing suitable schools.

However, he expressed concern that Ghana’s education system is sometimes influenced by political interests, where the focus is on fulfilling promises rather than ensuring the best outcomes for students.

He noted that some students are placed in schools that may not suit them and called for a review of the school grading system, stating that it can negatively affect students’ choices.

He also suggested that students should be encouraged to attend schools closer to them, especially during examination periods, to reduce stress and improve performance.

Touching on technology, he stated that the Publican AI tool introduced by the Ghana Revenue Authority is not entirely new, indicating that similar systems already exist and should be properly implemented for effectiveness.

While acknowledging that reforms may come with challenges, he expressed confidence that the Minister will address the issues and improve the system.

He further emphasized that Ghana needs not less than 30,000 teachers to strengthen the education sector and improve learning outcomes.

Editor Mavis Addo