Accra, February 3, 2025 The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, welcomed a delegation from UNICEF at the Ministry of Education’s conference room. The courtesy visit underscored the long-standing partnership between UNICEF and the Ministry in advancing key educational policies and reforms in Ghana.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu acknowledged UNICEF’s vital role in shaping and supporting Ghana’s education sector, particularly in policy formulation and implementation. He highlighted UNICEF’s contributions to critical initiatives, including the ICT in education policy, the gender policy, and the inclusive education policy. While these policies have been under discussion, they are yet to be presented to Cabinet. The Minister assured the delegation that the drafts would soon be submitted for review and input to incorporate new perspectives.
“UNICEF has truly been like a big sister to the Ministry, providing continuous support in capacity building and driving policy reforms focused on gender equality and inclusive education,” Hon. Haruna Iddrisu stated. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring these policies are among his top priorities as he assumes leadership of the Ministry under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
The Minister also invited UNICEF to the upcoming National Education Forum, scheduled for February 17–21, 2025, to serve as a platform to assess the state of education in Ghana and discuss strategies to address the quality gap between rural and urban areas, as well as disparities between the Northern and Southern regions.
“One of the key challenges we face is the uneven distribution of quality education. While urban areas tend to benefit from more opportunities and better resources, many rural areas, especially in the north, remain under-resourced. We must bridge this gap to ensure equitable and quality education for all,” he emphasized.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) as outlined in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. He noted that a number of communities still lack schools, leaving many children without access to foundational
literacy and numeracy skills. He stressed the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “We have no excuse for not achieving this goal, and it remains a top priority moving forward.”
In line with President Mahama’s education agenda, the Minister highlighted the administration’s pledge to provide sanitary pads for girls in schools to ensure uninterrupted education during their menstrual cycles. He further pointed out the need to improve basic facilities in schools, including the provision of changing rooms for girls.
Addressing legislative priorities, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu assured the delegation that the inclusive education policy would be among his first submissions to Cabinet. Additionally, he expressed his commitment to advancing legislation related to the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences and the review of the legal framework governing the University for Development Studies.
The Minister emphasized the importance of integrating ICT into education, stating that the future of education is tied to digital skills. “We must mainstream ICT into our curriculum from an early age to prepare our young people for an innovative and technology-driven world,” he noted. He also called for a curriculum review to incorporate values such as integrity and ethics, ensuring students develop a strong sense of patriotism and national service.
UNICEF’s Head of Delegation, Osama Makkawi, congratulated Ghana on its exemplary democratic transition and expressed confidence in the country’s leadership in education. “Ghana deserves a high level of expectation and ambition. I am here today to pledge UNICEF’s unwavering support. We will be your right hand, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership in a more strategic and forward-thinking manner,” he said.
He assured the Ministry of UNICEF’s commitment to providing expertise beyond education, including support in education financing and policy development. “We have a dedicated team of professionals who can help shape policies and address critical financial challenges in the education sector,” Makkawi stated.
The meeting reinforced the shared vision of the Ministry of Education and UNICEF in advancing inclusive, equitable, and quality education in Ghana. As both entities continue to collaborate, stakeholders anticipate significant strides in policy reforms and implementation, ensuring that every child in Ghana has access to quality education and the necessary resources to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Mabel Delassie Awuku Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Education
