President Mahama Assembles Expert Committee To Plan National Education Forum

President Mahama sets up committee to plan educational forum

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed an eight-member committee tasked with organizing a National Education Forum, highlighting a significant commitment to educational reform and stakeholder engagement.

The committee, announced on Sunday, February 2, 2025, will be chaired by Professor George K. T. Oduro, former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast. The distinguished panel includes prominent academics and educational experts: Professor Goski Alabi, Professor Rosemary Bosu, Samuel Awuku, Ph.D., Professor Smile Dzisi, Kofi Asare, Stephen Owusu, and Inusah Shiraz.

Comprehensive Planning with Precise Objectives

The committee's terms of reference demonstrate a meticulously structured approach to educational policy development. Key objectives include:

1. Developing a strategic theme and sub-themes to guide stakeholder discussions
2. Identifying a comprehensive range of educational stakeholders, spanning students, parents, teachers, researchers, civil society organizations, and international development partners
3. Creating a detailed stakeholder engagement agenda with precise time allocations
4. Proposing specific forum logistics, including venue and dates
5. Establishing a documentation secretariat
6. Developing a comprehensive budget
7. Producing an in-depth report with actionable recommendations

Ambitious Timeline and Strategic Vision

With just two weeks to submit their report and plan, the committee faces an ambitious timeline. Most notably, they are required to draft a national education policy framework and propose an implementation action plan within three weeks following the forum's conclusion.

Broader Implications for Ghana's Educational Landscape

This initiative represents more than a procedural exercise. It reflects the Ghanaian government's commitment to collaborative, inclusive educational policy development. By bringing together diverse educational stakeholders, the forum aims to create a forward-looking strategy that addresses contemporary challenges and prepares the nation's educational system for future opportunities.

The comprehensive approach—engaging academics, researchers, civil society, and educational professionals both domestically and in the diaspora—underscores a holistic vision for educational transformation.

Official Communication

The announcement was officially communicated by Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP), Acting Spokesperson to the President, lending significant governmental weight to this educational initiative.

As Ghana prepares for this critical national dialogue, educators, policymakers, and citizens await the forum's potential to catalyze meaningful educational reform.