Africa must shape its education system to solve local problems – Veep Naana Opoku-Agyemang

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has urged African countries to develop education policies that tackle their own challenges instead of adopting foreign models.

Speaking at a meeting on March 14  2025 with representatives from the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), she said education reforms should be designed with long-term goals in mind and reflect Africa’s unique realities.

She called for stronger teacher training, a balance between quality and access, and the use of research to guide policy decisions.

"Key priorities must include strengthening teacher preparation, ensuring that quality aligns with quantity, conducting proper research, and integrating African languages into teaching and learning to enhance comprehension and educational outcomes,"she noted

She also stressed the importance of incorporating African languages into teaching to improve understanding and learning outcomes.

The ADEA and AfDB delegation welcomed their inclusion in Ghana’s National Education Forum and supported calls for African countries to finance their own education systems rather than depend on external funding.