Ranking Member on Parliament’s Education Committee, Dr. Clement Apaak, has called for increased state investment in basic education in Ghana.
He expressed concerns that funding for basic education has declined, with secondary education receiving more attention and tertiary education remaining stagnant.
He highlighted that many public basic schools lack facilities for early childhood education, which is crucial for children aged 3 to 5 as they are introduced to formal education and social skills during this period.
Speaking at the BPI Annual Public Lecture on the topic “Reflections on the State of Education in Ghana: Diagnosis and the Way Forward,” Dr. Apaak explained the importance of prioritising education, especially at the basic level, where foundational learning begins.
“The state must invest in education, we must prioritise education. If I have my will, the bulk of education sector funding should go to basic education because that is where it all begins. The state meeds to invest more in public basic education,” he stated.
Dr. Apaak also addressed challenges in rural basic education, advocating for incentives to attract and retain teachers in underserved communities.
“When you agree to take up posting in an underserved rural community, the state will provide you with accommodation and then you get your salary plus 20% will make a difference at where I come from,” he said.
Additionally, he proposed a partnership with the carpentry or furniture industry to address the shortage of furniture in schools, noting that about 1.3 million students currently lack access to adequate furniture.
Source: myjoyonline.com
