Ghana’s Education Sector Has Made Significant Strides Since Independence, but Challenges Remain – CDA-Ghana Executive Director

Executive Director of the Community Development Alliance (CDA-Ghana)

Ghana’s education system has experienced remarkable progress since the country gained independence from colonial rule, according to Mr. Salifu Issifu Kanton, Executive Director of the Community Development Alliance (CDA-Ghana). Speaking on Info Radio’s Weekend Watch program in celebration of Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary, Mr. Kanton highlighted improvements in both access to and quality of education across the nation.

“Education in Ghana has advanced considerably since independence, surpassing many of our regional counterparts,” he stated. “Today, most communities are equipped with facilities where children can access formal education.” He reminisced about the colonial era, recalling that schools were scarce, and only privileged children in select communities had the opportunity to attend school. He shared stories of children walking several miles from Tumu to Lawra, or from Upper West communities to Tamale, simply to access education.

However, Mr. Kanton acknowledged that challenges persist within the sector. He pointed out the difficulty in attracting and retaining teachers in rural areas, a situation that perpetuates educational inequalities between urban and rural communities. “Many teachers refuse or are reluctant to accept postings to remote areas, which limits educational opportunities for children in those regions,” he lamented.

Ghana celebrated its 69th Independence Anniversary on March 6, 2026, marking nearly seven decades of political independence from Britain. While significant progress has been made, Mr. Kanton emphasized the need for continued efforts to address remaining challenges and ensure equitable access to quality education nationwide.