Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has hailed Ghana’s current academic calendar as the best in a decade. He urged stakeholders to protect this improved schedule, which ensures predictability and smooth transitions for students.
The Minister highlighted that the current calendar effectively synchronizes academic activities across all levels, from pre-tertiary institutions to universities. This alignment aims to reduce delays for students progressing through the education system. The government has also invested significantly in student welfare, spending GHS 917 million on the No-Fees-Stress policy for 321,807 students.
This focus on calendar stability and student support comes after periods of disruption, including a recent two-week teachers' strike. A stable academic calendar is crucial for Ghana's human capital development and economic productivity. It ensures that students complete their education on time and enter the workforce or higher education without unnecessary delays, contributing to a more skilled national workforce.
Mr. Iddrisu made these remarks on October 12 during a visit to Osu Presby Boys’ Primary School. His visit aimed to assess the situation following the suspension of the teachers' strike. He stated, “In the last five to 10 years, we have never had a good academic calendar like we have now,” underscoring the progress made.
Maintaining this stable academic calendar is essential for Ghana's educational future and economic growth. It will help ensure that lessons are completed as scheduled and examinations are held on time. Decision-makers must continue to prioritize dialogue with teacher unions and invest in educational infrastructure to sustain these gains. A predictable education system supports long-term economic planning and reduces uncertainty for families and businesses.
The alignment between Senior High School (SHS) and university schedules is particularly important. It allows students to enroll in the next level of education promptly after receiving their results. This efficiency prevents gaps in learning and ensures a continuous flow of talent into various sectors of the economy. The government's commitment to addressing teachers' conditions of service, including validating 51,000 teachers' promotion arrears for October payment, further supports calendar stability.
A consistent academic calendar also impacts parental planning and household finances. Parents can better anticipate school fees and other educational expenses when the school year follows a regular pattern. This stability contributes to overall economic confidence and reduces financial stress on families. The GHS 917 million spent on the No-Fees-Stress policy demonstrates a significant financial commitment to supporting student access and progression.
The Minister's call for protection of the calendar implies ongoing vigilance against disruptions, such as future industrial actions. Sustained collaboration among the Ministry of Education, teacher unions, and other stakeholders remains vital. This collective effort will ensure Ghana continues to benefit from an efficient and predictable education system, which is a cornerstone for national development and economic prosperity.