Parents should guide, not dictate courses as children select SHS and TVET programmes – Osman Salifu
Educationist and private researcher, Osman Salifu, has advised parents to avoid dictating courses of study to their children as candidates select schools following the release of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results.
Mr. Salifu, CEO of Osu Research and Tech Solutions, said parents have an important role to play in helping children make informed decisions, but should not impose programmes based solely on their own preferences or perceptions about which courses offer better career prospects.
He encouraged parents and their wards to discuss the available options together, taking into account the child's interests, abilities, strengths and long-term career aspirations.
Speaking on Info Radio's Info Weekend Watch, Mr. Salifu said Ghana's education system is undergoing significant reforms aimed at producing young people who possess not only academic qualifications but also practical and employable skills.
He also clarified the distinction between second-cycle institutions under the Ghana Education Service and those under the Ghana TVET Service.
Mr. Salifu who is also the Acting Vice Principal of Nakori Chansa Technical Institute, explained that Senior High and Senior High Technical schools under the Ghana Education Service prepare students for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Technical and vocational institutions under the Ghana TVET Service, meanwhile, prepare students for the National Certificate II examinations.
He said understanding the distinction is important because students and parents sometimes make school choices without fully considering the examination and certification pathway associated with a particular institution.
Mr. Salifu further explained that Ghana has introduced new curriculum approaches across the two education systems.
He said GES schools are implementing the Standards-Based Curriculum, while Ghana TVET Service institutions use the Competency-Based Training (CBT) curriculum.
According to him, the reforms seek to move education away from excessive reliance on rote learning and memorisation towards learner-centred education, practical application and the development of hands-on skills.
He said this shift makes it increasingly important for parents and students to look beyond the name or perceived prestige of a school and consider the type of learning and skills the institution provides.
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