Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has called on stakeholders to prioritise enhancing access, relevance, and quality within Ghana’s higher education system to promote inclusivity and equitable opportunities for all.

He underscored the importance of collective efforts to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder marginalised groups, including girls, children, and persons with disabilities, from accessing quality education.

Speaking on the government’s commitment to transforming education, the Minister described it as a powerful tool for personal and national development. He stressed the need to address historical inequalities within the system to ensure no group is left behind.

“Education is the cornerstone of national development and personal empowerment. To achieve meaningful progress, we must eliminate barriers that restrict access for the most vulnerable groups in our society,” Mr. Iddrisu said.

The Minister highlighted Ghana’s alignment with global frameworks, citing the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, which mandates nations to make education universally accessible. He reiterated Ghana’s dedication to improving access and quality in education while adhering to international standards.

“The Convention on the Rights of the Child clearly stipulates that higher education must be accessible to all. In Ghana, we prioritise access, relevance, and quality in higher education. Agenda 2030 further recognises education as a cornerstone for the success of all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he stated.

Mr. Iddrisu also emphasised the critical role of education in achieving the SDGs, noting that sustainable development hinges on a strong educational foundation. He called for collaborative action involving the government, private sector, international organisations, and local communities to address the challenges facing the sector.

“Only through strong partnerships can we address these challenges and create a truly inclusive educational system,” he emphasised.

His comments come in the wake of the 2024 Global Youth Development Index Update Report by the Commonwealth Secretariat, which ranked Ghana’s education system 125th out of 183 countries.

The report highlighted significant challenges, including infrastructural deficiencies, teacher shortages, and inadequate funding, which continue to hinder progress in the sector.