The USAID/Ghana Strengthening Accountability in Ghana's Education System (SAGES) Systems Strengthening Activity has been officially launched to support the Ministry of Education (MoE) and its affiliated agencies in enhancing accountability within 1,254 primary schools across Ghana.
The SAGES Systems Strengthening Activity, a five-year initiative spanning from April 1, 2023, to March 30, 2028, comes as part of a $50 million Cooperative Agreement with the Ghana Mission of USAID.
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It aligns with the MoE's objective to reinforce accountability mechanisms in the education sector, as outlined in the Education Strategic Plan for 2018-2030.
This project focuses on the 17 USAID Zones of Influence Districts located in the Northern, North East, Upper East, and Upper West Regions. It aims to engage directly with all public basic schools and their respective communities in these regions.
Its primary goal is to provide capacity-strengthening interventions for regional and district-level staff, including District Directors of Education and School Improvement Support Officers, to bolster the engagement of districts, schools, and communities with the Education Accountability Framework (EAF).
The SAGES Systems Strengthening Activity is implemented through a consortium led by the Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE) and includes partners such as AfriKids, Community Development Alliance, Crown Agents, Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition, and School for Life.
During the virtual launch of the SAGES Systems Strengthening Activity in Tamale, Madam Rose Tchwenko, Country Director for CARE, expressed her belief that this initiative would build on previous successes to improve learning outcomes for children in Ghana.
The Ministry of Education has identified a lack of accountability as one of the primary causes of poor learning outcomes in the country's primary schools.
Consequently, the MoE has prioritized the strengthening of accountability mechanisms as a primary means of enhancing education service delivery and has developed the EAF to guide the effective implementation of the strategy.
While the EAF has been validated, it is not yet operational. The SAGES Systems Strengthening Activity will play a vital role in operationalizing the EAF, assisting the MoE and its agencies in enhancing accountability and improving education service delivery in Ghana.
Madam Tchwenko emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting the central role that education plays in shaping the future of the country.
Nana Baffuor Awuah, Director, Pre-Tertiary at the Ministry of Education, called on all partners and stakeholders to contribute their expertise to ensure the effective implementation of the Activity and achieve the desired results.
Mr. Jonathan Thomsen, Deputy Office Director, Office of Education, USAID Ghana, affirmed the United States Government's commitment to supporting the Government of Ghana in achieving its education goals.
He stressed that the Activity would empower communities to demand quality education and expressed confidence that it would make a significant and lasting impact on education in the country.
Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, Northern Regional Minister, commended the U.S. government for its relentless efforts to ensure quality education for children in Ghana.
Sagnar-Naa Yakubu Abdulai, Paramount Chief of Sagnarigu Traditional Area, also expressed optimism that the SAGES Systems Strengthening Activity would yield the desired impact.
