Haruna Iddrisu,Education Minister-designate, has committed to bridging the educational divide between northern and southern Ghana, with a focus on enhancing access, equity, and quality. Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 20, 2025, Iddrisu highlighted the significant infrastructure and participation gaps that have long existed between the regions.

Iddrisu, who represents the Tamale South constituency, pointed out the historical disparity, noting that the first school in southern Ghana was established in 1876, while northern Ghana’s first school was not founded until 1951. This delay, he argued, has created a persistent gap that needs to be urgently addressed.

“The education divide between the north and south is a critical issue that must be rectified,” Iddrisu said, underscoring the need for reforms to ensure equitable access to education across all regions.

Iddrisu also discussed the higher participation rates in northern Ghana under the Free Senior High School policy, attributing it to the high poverty levels that have previously restricted access to quality education. He emphasized that the current focus must be on improving the quality of education and ensuring fairness in opportunities for all students.

The Minister-designate further revealed that northern Ghana, along with the Oti and Western North regions, faces significant infrastructure shortages, with an estimated shortfall of 5,000 educational facilities across basic to senior high schools.

In his pledge to address these challenges, Iddrisu outlined plans to implement affirmative action measures aimed at closing the gap and improving the education system in underdeveloped regions. “We must focus on equitable distribution of resources and improving educational outcomes for all,” he concluded.

Source:TheDotNews