Mahama’s Trust Is Well Placed, I Remain Focused on Solving Education – Haruna Iddrisu

Introduction

In a decisive move signaling a significant shift in Ghana’s educational policy, the newly appointed Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has addressed rumors regarding his portfolio assignment. Contrary to circulating speculation that he might be displeased with his new role, Mr. Iddrisu has emphatically clarified that he views his appointment as a “practical transfer” by President John Dramani Mahama. This strategic placement aims to drive comprehensive reforms within the sector’s revenue strategy and overall structure.

Speaking during an interview on Channel One TV on Wednesday, December 24, the Minister elaborated on the administration’s vision. He emphasized that the President’s decision was not arbitrary but was informed by extensive consultations and the urgent necessity to overhaul Ghana’s education system. As the country grapples with persistent structural challenges, the Minister’s focus remains sharply fixed on delivering tangible results and justifying the confidence reposed in him by the President.

Key Points

At the heart of the Minister’s address were several critical pillars that define the government’s immediate and long-term agenda. These points outline the trajectory for the educational sector.

Rejection of Discontent Rumors

Haruna Iddrisu categorically denied suggestions that he is unhappy with his posting. He described the appointment as a calculated move by President Mahama to leverage his experience in tackling complex sectoral issues.

Urgent Need for Structural Overhaul

The Minister highlighted that the education sector requires “daring and decisive capital.” He noted that challenges are systemic, spanning the entire learning chain from early childhood development (ECD) to secondary education.

Focus on Revenue and Resource Mobilization

A core component of his mandate is the reform of the education revenue strategy. This involves ensuring that the sector is not only adequately funded but that resources are mobilized and utilized efficiently to bridge existing gaps.

Alignment with Global Standards

The government intends to conduct a comprehensive review to ensure Ghana’s educational output aligns with contemporary international standards, making graduates competitive in the global marketplace.

Shift from Rote to Critical Thinking

The proposed reforms will prioritize the acquisition of critical thinking, commercial space (entrepreneurship), and problem-solving skills over the traditional reliance on rote memorization.

Background

To understand the gravity of these announcements, it is essential to contextualize the current state of education in Ghana. Despite significant progress in enrollment rates over the past decade, the sector faces deep-seated structural issues.

The “Chalk and Talk” Legacy

Historically, the Ghanaian education system has been criticized for leaning heavily on teacher-centered instruction. This method often prioritizes the memorization of facts over the application of knowledge, a trend that the current administration seeks to reverse.

Resource Constraints

Infrastructure deficits, lack of teaching aids, and overcrowded classrooms have been persistent challenges. The “revenue strategy” mentioned by Iddrisu likely refers to the complex mechanisms of funding the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy while ensuring quality is not compromised. The balance between access (quantity) and quality remains a delicate one.

Political Context of the Appointment

President John Dramani Mahama’s choice of Haruna Iddrisu is significant. Iddrisu is a seasoned politician and a former Minister for Trade and Industry. His background in trade and economics suggests the administration wants a leader who can apply business and resource management principles to the education sector. The “practical transfer” is a signal that the government views education not just as a social service, but as a critical economic driver.

Analysis

Haruna Iddrisu’s statements offer a window into the administration’s philosophy on human capital development. The shift in rhetoric from simply “going to school” to “acquiring relevant skills” is a crucial pivot.

Decoding “Revenue Strategy” in Education

When the Minister speaks of a “revenue strategy,” it extends beyond simple taxation. It implies a holistic view of the education sector as an investment. In economic terms, education is human capital formation. If the “revenue” (i.e., the return on investment in terms of skilled graduates) is to improve, the “capital” (the funding and resources put in) must be deployed smarter. Iddrisu’s focus suggests an audit of current spending and a search for efficiency gains.

The “Commercial Space” Imperative

The mention of “commercial space” is particularly telling. This is a synonym for entrepreneurship and the ability of graduates to create jobs rather than just seek them. By prioritizing this, the Minister is acknowledging that the formal job market cannot absorb the sheer number of graduates produced annually. The reform aims to build an economy of creators and innovators.

Addressing the Learning Chain

Iddrisu’s observation that challenges span the “entire learning chain” indicates a systemic approach. Reforming secondary education without fixing the foundational cracks in early childhood education is futile. This holistic view is pedagogically sound; learning is cumulative, and deficits at the foundational level hamper performance at higher levels.

Practical Advice

For stakeholders in the education sector—including teachers, students, parents, and policymakers—these announcements signal a period of transition. Here is how different groups can prepare for these shifts.

For Teachers and Educators

Embrace Professional Development: The move away from rote learning requires a pedagogical shift. Teachers should seek training in student-centered methodologies, such as project-based learning and inquiry-based instruction.

Focus on Soft Skills: Beyond the curriculum, educators must actively foster critical thinking and problem-solving in daily classroom interactions.

For Students and Learners

Seek Practical Application: Students should look for opportunities to apply what they learn. Engaging in science fairs, entrepreneurship clubs, and community service can bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Digital Literacy: As the system aligns with global standards, proficiency in digital tools will become non-negotiable. Students should utilize available resources to build digital competence.

For Parents

Support Holistic Development: Parents are encouraged to look beyond grades. Supporting extracurricular activities that build leadership and commercial acumen will be vital for their children’s future employability.

Engage with Policy: Parents should utilize town halls and community meetings to provide feedback on how reforms are being implemented at the local level.

FAQ

Conclusion

Haruna Iddrisu’s recent statements serve as a definitive rejection of internal discord and a strong affirmation of the government’s commitment to educational transformation. By framing his appointment as a strategic tool to inject “daring and decisive capital” into the sector, he has set a high bar for performance. The proposed shift from rote memorization to critical thinking and entrepreneurship represents a necessary evolution in Ghana’s human capital development strategy. As the administration moves to align local standards with global demands, the success of these reforms will depend on rigorous implementation and the collective buy-in of all educational stakeholders. The message is clear: the time for incremental change is over; the era of comprehensive overhaul has begun.