Dr. Apaak Urges Increased State Investment in Public Basic Education
Dr. Clement Apaak, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Education Committee, has called for greater state investment in basic education in Ghana.
He expressed concern over the decline in funding for basic education, noting that secondary education receives more attention while tertiary education remains stagnant.
Dr. Apaak highlighted the lack of facilities for early childhood education in many public basic schools, stressing its importance for children aged 3 to 5 as they begin formal education and develop social skills.
Speaking at the BPI Annual Public Lecture on the theme “Reflections on the State of Education in Ghana: Diagnosis and the Way Forward,” he emphasized the need to prioritize education, particularly at the basic level where foundational learning begins.
“The state must invest in education; we must prioritize education. If it were up to me, the bulk of education sector funding would go to basic education because that is where it all begins. The state needs to invest more in public basic education,” Dr. Apaak stated.
He also addressed the challenges facing rural basic education, advocating for incentives to attract and retain teachers in underserved communities.
“When you agree to take up a posting in an underserved rural community, the state should provide you with accommodation, and you should receive your salary plus an additional 20%. This would make a significant difference in areas like where I come from,” he said.
Additionally, Dr. Apaak proposed a partnership with the carpentry and furniture industry to address the shortage of furniture in schools, noting that about 1.3 million students currently lack access to adequate seating.
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Source: Felix Nyaaba // ExpressNewsGhana.com
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