Ghana’s education landscape has been significantly shaped by the impactful tenure of Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum as former Minister of Education.
A recent statement by Yaw Opoku Mensah, Spokesperson for Dr. Adutwum, highlights the former minister’s unwavering dedication and support towards advancing education in Ghana, calling for national celebration of his achievements.
The statement responds to allegations made by Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh, former Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, suggesting Dr. Adutwum’s leadership style undermined the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy implementation.
Dr. Adutwum’s office describes these claims as misleading and misrepresenting the Ministry of Education’s structures and processes.
Key Achievements.
Dr. Adutwum’s contributions to Ghana’s education include :
– Free SHS: A transformative policy providing tuition-free secondary education, celebrated across Africa.
– Double Track System: Implemented to address rising enrolments, launched by President Akufo-Addo in 2018.
– STEM Education: Rollout of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics initiatives to enhance learning.
– National Standardized Test: Launched to improve assessment standards.
– TVET Retooling: Efforts to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions.
– Communities of Excellence Project: Established to promote educational excellence.
Recognition and Impact.
Ghana’s education system was ranked second best in Africa after Tunisia by the Mo Ibrahim Index on Quality Education in October 2024, underscoring Dr. Adutwum’s impactful leadership. He has also received international recognition, including a Certificate of Recognition from U.S. Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove for his contributions to education in South Los Angeles.
The statement suggests Dr. Tandoh’s comments may be politically motivated, given his alignment with a preferred NPP candidate, emphasizing education should transcend partisan considerations.
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum is widely regarded as Ghana’s most impactful Education Minister in the Fourth Republic, with his vision and innovations making Ghana’s education system a continental model.
His achievements are celebrated by many as transformative, calling for collective recognition and sustenance of the gains for Ghana’s future generations .
