The Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has emphasized the urgent need to upgrade the nation’s educational infrastructure, pledging to replace outdated classrooms with modern, effective learning environments.

Addressing a clergy gathering in Kumasi, Dr. Adutwum pointed out that dilapidated classrooms severely impact learning and called for accelerated infrastructure improvements to align Ghana’s education with modern needs.

“It is unacceptable for children to study in dilapidated classrooms today. We cannot educate 21st-century children in 19th-century buildings and expect 21st-century outcomes,” Dr. Adutwum stressed.

He also presented photos of new classroom projects under construction, aimed at creating a conducive environment for Ghana’s students.

Dr. Adutwum underscored the necessity of learning from successful education models, citing the achievements of countries like Singapore and South Korea.

“We cannot continue to discuss how Asian Tigers like Singapore and South Korea used education to change their fortunes without taking deliberate steps to improve the infrastructure of our education system,” he remarked.

In line with these goals, Dr. Adutwum highlighted the government’s expansion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) education. He revealed that two new STEM Colleges of Education are being constructed in Tepa and Karaga to equip Ghana’s youth with the skills needed for the fourth industrial revolution. These institutions, he explained, are part of a strategy to build a workforce that is competitive on the global stage.

Dr. Adutwum also appealed for the government to be given a renewed mandate to continue its educational reforms.

“Since 2017, extensive investments have been made to ensure Ghana’s educational system is adaptable to modern needs,” he noted, stating that another term would allow the government to fully implement its vision for education.

The clergy present were quick to commend the Minister’s vision and the government’s efforts.

Most Rev. Daniel Yinkah Sarfo, Retired Bishop of the Kumasi Diocese of the Anglican Church, said: “Education remains the bedrock for national development, and any government that prioritizes education needs to be supported to ensure accelerated development.”

Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng, Founder of Power Chapel Worldwide and host of the forum, praised the government’s commitment to educational reform, describing the Minister’s presentation as both “revealing” and “inspiring.”

“The government is investing hugely in the education of our young ones, and if it continues this way, the sky will be the limit for our children,” he stated, urging his fellow clergy to support policies that enhance educational outcomes for Ghanaian youth.