Ghana needs National Education Policy – Rev. Dr Mills-Owoo
The South West Sector Head of Ghana Baptist Convention, Reverend Dr Isaac Mills-Owoo, has called for the enactment of a national education policy devoid of partisan approach to stabilize the country’s school system.
He bemoaned the current handling of the education issue which he said had been politicised such that the Senior High School (SHS) duration had been tossed back and forth by successive governments, a practice that could jeopardize the future of the youth.
Rev. Dr Mills-Owoo, who was speaking at the 4th speech and prize-giving day of the Redemption Baptist School in Cape Coast, where he is also the Executive Director, noted that a national education policy will ensure stability and excellent academic performance by students at all levels.
The Day celebrated on the theme, “Education of the child: the role of parents, teachers and students”, was attended by a large number of people made up of the academia, the clergy, parents and the general public.
He pointed out that educational policies should not be used to score cheap political points but that such issues should subjected to national debate to get the best for the country adding that the “free and quality” mix should not be ignored.
Rev. Dr Mills-Owoo noted that the current practice where politicians would wait and discuss education and other issues of national importance on political platforms instead of seeking solutions earlier to serve as a testimonial for them, must seize, if they truly have the future of the country at heart.
He appealed to President John Mahama to initiate a non-political debate on the issue to arrive at a sound and solid educational policy that will stand the test of time.
He called on Ghanaians to demand accountability from politicians and public officials to ensure that the country’s rich resources were put to good use for the benefit of all citizens adding that politicians have failed Ghanaians and must be held accountable when they do not deliver on their campaign promises.
Rev. Dr Mills-Owoo, who is also the Head Pastor of the Redemption Baptist in Cape Coast, said the School was working hard to prepare the Junior High School students for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and urged parents not to withdraw their wards to other schools because the teachers were committed and dedicated to ensure excellent performance.
Dr Mrs Linda Naa Dzama Forde, lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, who chaired the function, urged parents to partner teachers to inculcate the right attitudes in children for them to grow into disciplined and responsible adults.
Dr Mrs Forde, who is also the Head of Counselling Unit of the Cape Coast Baptist Church, urged the students to make their books of priority and make reading a habit for them to attain the best results always.
Source: GNA