Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch), a leading education policy think tank, has commended Haruna Iddrisu, the new Minister for Education, and urged him to prioritize equity in resource allocation, transparency, and accountability during his tenure.
Haruna Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, was sworn in on Wednesday, January 22, by President John Dramani Mahama, becoming the 16th Education Minister in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
Significantly, he is the first Education Minister from northern Ghana, a region grappling with notable educational disparities.
Experience Backing Leadership
Eduwatch highlighted Mr. Iddrisu’s extensive experience as a student leader, government minister, parliamentary leader, and two-decade-long advocate for social development in northern Ghana.
The think tank believes his background equips him to address systemic inequalities, especially in basic education, and to lead reforms in public policy and financing for education
Expectations from Eduwatch
In a statement, Eduwatch outlined its expectations for the minister, emphasizing the need to tackle the rural-urban divide in education.
The group called for spending efficiency, inclusive governance, and a strategic focus on transparency and equity.
They also pledged technical support to ensure a successful tenure.
The Minister’s Vision
Haruna Iddrisu has pledged to champion quality education for every child, regardless of their background.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, he stated:
“My priority is to ensure every child has access to quality education, regardless of their background.”
National Education Conference Announced
On the day of his swearing-in, Mr. Iddrisu visited the Ministry of Education and announced plans for a National Education Conference in the coming weeks.
He described the conference as a platform to critically assess Ghana’s education system and propose actionable solutions.
“Our aim is to ensure that education in Ghana is reformed to guarantee quality and relevance at all levels,” he noted.
Focus on Free SHS Data
The Minister also raised concerns about discrepancies in the reported beneficiaries of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program. While some sources claim 5.1 million students benefited between 2017 and 2023, Mr. Iddrisu’s research suggests the number is closer to 3.9 million.
He emphasized the importance of verifying such data for clarity, accountability, and effective policymaking.
“Accurate data is essential for effective policy-making, and I am committed to ensuring we rely on verified information,” he stated.
Commitment to Quality and Accessibility
Haruna Iddrisu reiterated his commitment to President Mahama’s vision of making education accessible, relevant, and of high quality.
He stressed the need for reforms that prepare Ghanaians for modern challenges while ensuring no one is left behind.
With stakeholders set to converge at the National Education Conference, expectations are high for a transformative approach to addressing Ghana’s education challenges.