Mfantsipim @147: Redefine educational strategies - Dr Ofori-Adjei to govt
Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast has held its 147th Speech and Prize giving Day with a call on the government to redefine strategies to sustainably deliver quality education to the country's youth.
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The Head of the Intensive Care Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Yaw Ofori-Adjei, who made the call as guest speaker for the occasion, noted that if the nation was going to survive and compete in the ever-changing world, then its leadership would need to "pause, think, and redefine how we can sustainably deliver quality education to our future leaders".
Dr Ofori-Adjei, who is a member of the 1993-year group, said the redefinition should seek approaches where teachers were teaching not just to get their learners to pass examinations and learners were also not learning just to pass examinations.
Rather, he said the education received must provide learners with the capabilities required to become economically productive, develop sustainable livelihoods and contribute to peaceful democratic societies that enhance individual well-being.
Speaking on the theme for the occasion, "The role of digital technology in redefining quality and sustainable education," Dr Ofori-Adjei said the country must urgently adopt modern digital technologies to enable the human resource products to be abreast of modern world advancement.
Bridge digital divide
However, he noted that “as we embrace those technological advancements, it was essential to address the digital divide that still existed in the country.”
"Not all students have equal access to the Internet and digital devices.
Some of the MOBA ’93 members at the programme
We must work together to extend these opportunities to all, leaving no one behind,” he said and called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders, including government, private sector, teachers, parents and students to redefine sustainable quality education in Ghana.
He stated that like many other nations, Ghana must embrace digital technology to bridge educational gaps, enhance the quality of learning, and ensure the sustainability of educational programmes.
A renowned Ghanaian chartered accountant based in South Africa who was guest of honour, Charles Larbi-Odam, said it was impressive that government introduced digital technology at the early stages of education to ensure that their educators were prepared to nurture their mind.
Mr Larbi-Odam, who is the Chairman of Adamantem Chartered Accounts in Johannesburg and a member of the MOBA 1973-year group, added that it was not enough to simply introduce technology in the classroom, saying educators must also be equipped with the tools and training necessary to maximise their potential through comprehensive training programmes.
Infrastructure needs
The Headmaster of the School, Rev. Ebenezer Kobina Aidoo, expressed concern over electricity bills, saying though the government had paid GH¢89,000 of their electricity bills owed, the school still owed GH¢115,000 on electricity bills and called for support to install solar panels for the school.
The Board Chairman of the school, Most Rev. Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, for his part, added that the Methodist Church believed that education was the best leveller in all and was conscious of helping provide quality education wherever they found themselves.
The Chairman of the occasion, Kwaku Frimpong Kumah, a member of the 1983-year group, pledged that he would work to ensure that the school had potable water for the students.
