Positive Move: Haruna Iddrisu Pledges to Bridge North-South Education Divide as Education Minister

By
Ellis Ferdinand
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Haruna Iddrisu Appointed as Education Minister: What You Need to Know

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  January 22|Positive Move: Haruna Iddrisu Pledges to Bridge North-South Education Divide as Education Minister

 Haruna Iddrisu commits to addressing disparities in education access and infrastructure between northern and southern Ghana. Learn about his plans for equity and quality education reforms.

 

Education Minister-Designate Haruna Iddrisu Pledges to Bridge North-South Education Divide

Haruna Iddrisu, the Education Minister-designate, has committed to addressing the longstanding disparities in educational access and infrastructure between northern and southern Ghana.

Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 20, 2025, the Tamale South MP emphasized the need for equity, quality, and inclusivity in Ghana’s education system.

 

Historical Gaps in Education Access

Haruna Iddrisu highlighted the historical inequities that have contributed to the current disparities in education access:

“It’s important to recognize that as a country, there is a north-south divide when it comes to access to education. The first school was established in the south in 1876, but in the north, we only got ours around 1951. This historical gap has created a deficit that must be addressed,” he stated.

 

Impact of Free Senior High School Policy

The Minister-designate acknowledged the positive impact of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy in Northern Ghana, noting higher participation rates in the region compared to the south. He attributed this to poverty being a significant barrier to accessing education in the north:

“Even for the implementation of the Free SHS policy, it is noted that the participation rate is very high in Northern Ghana. This explains that poverty likely hindered many from accessing education. The focus now should be on quality, equality, and equity,” he added.

 

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Infrastructure Deficits in Northern Ghana

Haruna Iddrisu revealed alarming statistics about the infrastructure shortfalls in northern Ghana and other underserved regions like Oti and Western North. He estimated a deficit of approximately 5,000 educational facilities across basic, junior high, and senior high schools in these areas.

“We will work to close that gap. Affirmative action interventions will be necessary to correct historical imbalances and ensure equitable distribution of resources,” he said.

 

Commitment to Equity and Quality Education

With a focus on improving education across all levels, Haruna Iddrisu outlined his plans to:

  1. Improve Infrastructure: Prioritize the construction and upgrading of schools in underserved regions.
  2. Promote Equity: Implement affirmative action measures to address historical disparities in resource allocation.
  3. Enhance Quality: Focus on delivering high-quality education through better teacher training and curriculum development.

 

A Vision for Inclusive Education

Haruna Iddrisu’s pledge to bridge the north-south education divide reflects his broader vision for an inclusive education system that benefits all Ghanaian students. By addressing these disparities, he aims to create a foundation for equitable development and national progress.

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