Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has recognized the need to modify the country’s education sector to meet the economic needs of the country for the desired socio-economic transformation and development.
He called for a review during a speech at the University of Cape Coast in the Central regions on September 5, 2024.
This review, he emphasized, should take place at all educational levels in the country.
“We need to reappraise the content from pre-tertiary to tertiary to see how far we go to meet the needs of the economy and society in this fast-changing world. There are many areas of the system crying for updating and many anomalies requiring correction.”
One instrumental suggestion he made was making the ongoing advocacy for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) accessible to all.
“The ongoing prioritisation of STEM education is a step in the right direction but it is necessary to caution about the risk of restricting to an elite class and leaving the broader system with no knowledge of these critical skills. For the sake of equity, we should ensure equal opportunities for all to acquire these vital skills in their education journey.”
Additionally, he mentioned the effective use of the education system to drive advocacy and awareness about climate change and environmental protection.
“Education must lead the nation’s response to incredible challenges of climate change. If we are to fully appreciate the gravity of the threat to our planet and come to terms with what needs to be done to alleviate the consequences, our education system must infuse in us from the pre-primary stage to tertiary, science and knowledge that should guide our actions.
“It is the only way, we are going to make it possible for our community to appreciate our forests and our river bodies and restore that which our forefathers had for their environment. We need to reflect seriously on how we refocus education to guide towards a sustainable world.”
Source: Manhyia Palace
