The classification of schools should not be the only measure of academic performance, with the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Safo Rashid Tanko-Computer, arguing that some schools outside the top categories can achieve strong results when the right conditions are provided.
Speaking on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV, Mr Rashid said the quality of teaching, monitoring and supervision, as well as the facilities available to students, are critical factors in determining how well a school performs. He said the focus should therefore be on improving learning conditions rather than placing excessive emphasis on school categories.
According to him, effective monitoring and supervision can influence both teacher performance and student outcomes. He cited differences he had observed between public and private schools, arguing that stronger supervision and accountability can encourage teachers to meet expected standards and deliver their responsibilities effectively.
Mr Rashid also called for greater investment in public schools, particularly in infrastructure and internet connectivity, to expand access to digital learning. He said the government is working to improve facilities in selected schools and expand internet services to support Information Technology education and enhance learning outcomes.
The Effia MP and private legal practitioner, Isaac Yaw Boamah-Nyarko, also raised concerns about access to existing educational infrastructure, particularly E-block facilities. He argued that government interventions must be properly implemented and located in areas where students can actually benefit from them. He stressed that improving access to quality education requires more than constructing facilities, but ensuring that those facilities are usable and meet the needs of communities.
The discussion highlighted the need for a broader approach to improving Ghana’s education system, with school performance linked not only to category but also to the quality of teaching, supervision, facilities and access to learning opportunities.
STORY BY: CHORO MARY ADWOA OWUSUA
