Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education, emphasized the positive impact of the government's investment in education, highlighting an increase in school enrolment and improved learning outcomes.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving Service organized by the Ministry of Education, Dr. Adutwum credited initiatives like the Free Senior High School (SHS) introduced in 2017 for the surge in admission, rising from over 800,000 students to over 1.2 million students.
The Minister underscored the correlation between these interventions and improved West African Senior Secondary Examinations (WASSCE) test scores. He noted that the average performance had risen from 38.73% in 2006 to 69.73% in 2023.
“We have gone beyond our manifestos. We have promised free SHS and added free Technical and Vocational Education Training,” stated Dr. Adutwum, expressing gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for the confidence reposed in him.
Addressing the importance of education in national transformation, Dr. Adutwum pledged to continue working towards replicating the outstanding performances of schools like Wesley Girls SHS across the country for holistic learning outcomes.
He highlighted efforts to enhance teaching quality, including engaging retired headmasters and headmistresses to mentor teachers.
Regarding school infrastructure, the Minister announced ongoing construction projects in regions such as Ashanti and Northern to improve learning outcomes.
New middle Junior High Schools (JHS) and community schools, equipped with science laboratories and equipment, are underway. Dr. Adutwum mentioned plans to commission these projects in April 2024 for the new academic year in September.
The Minister also commended the efforts of the staff in agencies under the Ministry for achieving significant milestones in the educational sector.
During the event, he presented plaques and undisclosed monetary awards to former headmasters and headmistresses of SHSs for their selfless educational contributions.
