Education – MNP

Metascholar News Portal
Education News , News
February 19, 2025
366 views
3 minutes Read

Education Minister Reveals: 5,000 Schools in Ghana Still Operate Under Trees

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has revealed that approximately 5,000 schools across Ghana are operating without officially approved infrastructure.The government has acknowledged a significant infrastructure deficit in the education sector, revealing that approximately 5,000 schools across the country still operate under trees due to inadequate classroom facilities. Speaking at a public forum on education in Accra on Monday, February 17, 2025, the Tamale South legislator emphasized the urgent need to bridge the infrastructure gap to create a conducive learning environment for students. He assured the public that the upcoming 2025 budget, which is yet to be presented, will make substantial allocations to the education sector to address these pressing challenges. According to him, the government is committed to making massive investments in education infrastructure, and the first phase of this initiative will be unveiled in the 2025 budget statement. He reiterated that efforts will be made to close the infrastructure gaps that have persisted over the years, ensuring that students and teachers across the country have access to well-equipped and safe learning environments. The issue of schools under trees has been a long-standing challenge that several governments have attempted to address over the years. The term “schools under trees” refers to basic educational institutions that lack approved infrastructure, forcing pupils and teachers to conduct lessons in open spaces, particularly under tree sheds. This situation has largely been attributed to a shortage of formal school buildings, limited access to educational facilities, and an underfunded education system in certain regions. In many instances, makeshift classroom structures have deteriorated to the point of being unusable, compelling school authorities to hold lessons in open spaces where students are exposed to harsh weather conditions. Over the years, the absence of proper classroom facilities has had a negative impact on the quality of education, as students struggle to concentrate in these unfavorable conditions. The lack of walls, roofs, and basic furniture affects both teaching and learning, making it difficult for educators to effectively deliver lessons. Furthermore, during the rainy season, academic activities are often disrupted, further widening the learning gap for students in affected communities. To address these persistent challenges, the government has rolled out various initiatives aimed at improving school infrastructure and access to quality education. Among these initiatives is the establishment of a National Education Reform Committee, which has been tasked with collecting public recommendations on how to improve the education sector. The committee is expected to assess existing challenges and propose…

Metascholar News Portal
Education News , News
December 26, 2024
226 views
2 minutes Read

Legal Action Filed Against Wesley Girls’ High School Over Religious Discrimination

A legal case has been initiated against Wesley Girls’ High School and the Ghana Education Service (GES) over allegations of religious discrimination. The matter, which has sparked widespread debate, centers on the school’s policies regarding religious practices and freedoms. Shafic Osman, a concerned citizen, has petitioned the Supreme Court, seeking a ruling on the school’s mandatory participation policy for students in Methodist religious activities. This policy includes compulsory attendance at chapel services, which has reportedly caused dissatisfaction among students and parents of different religious backgrounds. Osman argues that the policy infringes on the constitutional rights of students, particularly their freedom of religion and belief as guaranteed by Ghana’s Constitution. He contends that students from diverse faiths should not be compelled to partake in religious practices that conflict with their personal beliefs. The issue of religious freedoms within educational institutions in Ghana has long been a sensitive topic. Critics of the Wesley Girls’ High School policy assert that such practices amount to religious intolerance, creating an atmosphere that may alienate non-Methodist students. On the other hand, supporters of the school’s stance argue that it is a long-standing tradition rooted in the institution’s Methodist identity and serves as a unifying activity for students. This legal challenge has reignited discussions about the balance between maintaining institutional traditions and respecting the diversity of Ghana’s multi-religious society. Advocates for religious tolerance are calling for policies that foster inclusivity without undermining the unique values of faith-based institutions. The Supreme Court is now tasked with addressing this contentious issue, which could set a precedent for how faith-based schools in Ghana navigate the intersection of tradition and constitutional rights. The outcome of the case is expected to have far-reaching implications for religious freedom, educational policies, and the operations of faith-based institutions across the country. As the case unfolds, Ghanaians are closely watching for a resolution that upholds both constitutional freedoms and the principles of inclusivity in the country’s educational sector.