Minority Urges Education Minister to Prioritize Rebranding Basic Public Schools to Address Critical Needs

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority in Parliament has vehemently urged the Minister of Education to shift the focus from rebranding public schools towards addressing the critical challenges plaguing basic education in the country. In a statement issued by Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament Education Committee and NDC Member of Parliament (MP) for Bulsa South, the Minority emphasized the urgency of prioritizing the most pressing issues facing public schools.Dr. Apaak highlighted several key challenges crippling the education system, including the lack of adequate furniture, delayed release of capitation grants, infrastructural deficits, and shortages of textbooks from kindergarten to junior high school, despite the introduction of reforms several years ago. He underscored the severity of these challenges by pointing out that over one million public basic school pupils still lack access to essential furniture, hindering their ability to learn effectively.Moreover, Dr. Apaak drew attention to the delayed release of capitation grants, which are essential for the smooth operation of public schools. He noted that these grants have been in arrears for eight terms, significantly affecting the financial stability of schools and compromising the quality of education provided to students.Furthermore, the statement highlighted other critical issues such as poor toilet facilities, lack of security personnel, unpaid utility bills leading to disconnections, and challenges with waste disposal in urban schools due to financial constraints.In light of these pressing challenges, Dr. Apaak criticized the Minister of Education for considering cosmetic changes, such as repainting schools in blue and white colors and introducing new uniforms, as misplaced priorities. He emphasized the need for the Ministry of Education to allocate resources effectively towards addressing these urgent needs, rather than diverting attention and funds to unnecessary initiatives.The Minority’s call to action resonates with the broader goal of ensuring equitable access to quality education for all Ghanaian children. By addressing the critical challenges facing public schools, the government can lay the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous society.