Sylvester Mensah, a former Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority, has called for a non-partisan approach to issues associated with education and the need for a long-term educational plan with cross-party support.“
As much as possible, we need to de-politicise issues such as education and heed the call for cooperation across the political spectrum on such issues,” he said at the 47th Speech and Prize Giving Day of his alma mater — the Labone Senior High School.
Multi-stakeholder engagement and support are needed for the promotion and sustenance of quality education in the country, he said.
“We know from experience that the role of government in this endeavour is significant. But government cannot do it all. The question then is how do we pool resources, formulate policies, generate awareness; galvanise groups and engage organisations, old students and philanthropists; mobilise support and assistance to promote quality education for our children and generations yet unborn,” he said.
Education always take centre-stage during election periods, and there is no doubt that as the election campaigns approach this year education will become the main issue in political discourse.
Critics of the education system cite the lack of effective and credible medium- to long-term vision, strategy, and political will to provide the country with needed human resources development, beyond political manifesto-driven schemes to win elections and/or retain power.
They believe that the state of education will restrict the country’s ability to transform the economy from middle-income status with HIPC infrastructure, low total factor productivity and weak systems to the level of a developed economy.
Already, employers complain about the poor quality of graduates at all levels of education; with some decidedly giving preference to Ghanaians who have schooled abroad. The price of the crisis in education will be a major constraint on the country’s ability to accelerate economic development.
Education as the key
Mr. Mensah told the young students of Labone SHS that: “The prime reason you are here as students is to undergo physical, mental and spiritual preparation for life, and this educational environment is structured for that purpose. Make the most of it.”
He said millions are going through the same educational process to get to the top, saying: “The competition has never been as high as it is today, and can only get higher.”
He added that education provides the keys to unlock potential and provide access to opportunities, and one cannot participate effectively in modern society without a good education.
“Consider that your education is not just about your personal benefit. It is meant to equip you to change the world. See yourself as an agent of change and societal transformation. This gives you a higher purpose in life.”