A lecturer at the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), Professor Sampson Anomah, has raised concerns about the performance of the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, arguing that the responsibilities of the ministry may be bigger than the minister’s imagination.
Speaking on the Wontumi Morning Show hosted by Oheneba Nana Asiedu, Professor Anomah alleged that the Education Minister may be relying heavily on reports from his office rather than visiting educational institutions and engaging directly with stakeholders on the ground.
He contrasted Hon. Haruna Iddrisu’s approach with that of the former Education Minister, Hon. Osei Yaw Adutwum, whom he said was more actively involved in addressing challenges within the education sector.
“Haruna Iddrisu is the opposite of Adutwum. He doesn’t understand the work, and I don’t think it is his area to manage the education sector. I think they appointed him because there was no one else, and he has no proactive plan for education”.
He further criticized what he described as the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s approach to appointments, alleging that individuals are sometimes appointed without the necessary expertise before solutions are sought when challenges arise.
“This is how the NDC government works. They don’t care who they appoint, they just appoint anyone, and if it results in difficulties, they come together to find a solution. The NDC has no one now to manage the education sector. Haruna Iddrisu has no idea about how to manage the education sector”.
Professor Anoma also addressed concerns over government funding for education, particularly allegations that the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is not investing adequately in the sector.
“Yes, indeed, the finance minister is not funding the education sector, but that shouldn’t be an excuse. Therefore, the education minister should not use inadequate financial resources as an excuse for the challenges within the sector.”
He alleged that the finance minister is not investing adequately across several government ministries and urged the education minister to demonstrate proactive leadership in addressing challenges facing Ghana’s education system.
