Mahama pledges improved quality of education, stronger technical training

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving the quality of education in Ghana, with particular emphasis on technical and vocational training, scientific research and digital skills.

He said the government’s priority was not only to expand access to education but also to ensure that students acquire practical skills and relevant knowledge to prepare them for employment and their broader responsibilities as citizens.

President Mahama made the remarks in Moscow, Russia, during a ceremony at which Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) conferred an honorary doctorate on him.

He highlighted several policies introduced over the years to widen access to education and increase enrolment, including the School Feeding Programme, the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme and the No-Fee Stress policy.

According to him, such initiatives have played an important role in making education more accessible to Ghanaians, but improving the quality and relevance of learning must remain a central priority.

“We are committed to strengthening technical and vocational training, scientific research and digital skills. Expanding access must go hand in hand with improving quality and ensuring that what students learn equips them for the demands of work and citizenship,” he said.

The President also stressed the need for university education to go beyond the acquisition of academic qualifications, arguing that graduates must be equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address real-world challenges.

“A university qualification should give its holder the confidence to ask certain questions and the ability to solve real-world problems,” he added.