A tax expert and Head of the Department of Accounting Studies at Akenten Appiah Minkah University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Dr. Frank Yao Gbadago, has advocated investment in quality education to provide a strong foundation for future generations.
According to him, quality education is not an option but a necessity to secure a brighter future for both students, their families, and society at large.
Speaking at the joint graduation ceremony of Onua Francis International School and Young Executive School on July 13 in Kasoa under the theme “Equipping the Younger Generation through Quality Education for a Better Future,” Dr. Gbadago emphasised the importance of quality education in fostering a prosperous society, driving economic growth, and promoting sustainable development.
“Quality education serves as the bedrock of a prosperous society, as it eliminates illiteracy, increases earning power, reduces ignorance, and, more importantly, eliminates poverty from within a society. It empowers individuals, drives economic growth, fosters social cohesion, and promotes sustainable development,” he said.
Dr. Gbadago, who is also the immediate past registrar of the Chartered Institute of Taxation Ghana, highlighted key factors that are essential to achieving quality education, including accessibility and inclusivity, curriculum relevance, teacher development, technological integration, and parental and community involvement.
He urged stakeholders, particularly the government, to reaffirm its commitment to enhancing quality education at both primary and secondary levels.
“Honourable Minister of Education, Honourable Deputy Minister, and the government at large, as we stand at this significant juncture, it is imperative that we renew our commitment to advancing quality education at both the basic and secondary levels. The future of our younger generation and the prosperity of Ghana depend on the investments we make today,” he stressed.
Dr. Gbadago called for more resources to be allocated to education to ensure schools are well equipped in terms of infrastructure, learning materials, technology, adequate teacher compensation, and the elimination of schools operating under trees.
He recommended the introduction of comprehensive programmes for the continuous professional development of teachers, adding that “well-trained and motivated teachers are essential for delivering quality education.” He was of the view that teacher licensure exams were not an effective method of assessing teachers since they encouraged “pen and paper assessment” and hence should be re-considered.
On curriculum development, Dr. Gbadago prescribed that the curriculum be regularly updated to cater to societal and economic changes, emphasising STEM education, digital literacy, and life skills to prepare students for the future.
He rallied support for schools in marginalised communities towards improving access to quality education.
In addition, the lecturer encouraged the establishment of robust systems to monitor educational outcomes while rooting for public-private partnerships (PPPs) to maximise educational opportunities and resources.
Dr, Gbadago congratulated the graduates and advised them to think of quality education as going beyond academic excellence.
He explained that “quality education is more than just academic excellence. It is about developing critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence. It is about fostering a sense of responsibility, integrity, probity, and accountability.”
He also lauded the efforts of parents, guardians, and teaching staff towards the development of the students and particularly praised the founder of the two schools, Dr. Francis Essel-Okyeahene, for his investment in education and commitment to impacting society.
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