In a bold and timely intervention, the Executive Director of the Mother of All Nations Foundation (MOANF), Mr. Ishaq Abubakar Newton Zico, has issued a clarion call for the removal of political interference from Ghana’s education sector. He emphasized that lasting transformation in basic education can only be achieved when the system is anchored in merit, integrity, and competence.
Mr. Zico made this passionate appeal while delivering his chairperson’s address at the recent Conference of Heads of Basic Schools held at the Emmanuel Presby Church in Madina. The conference, held under the theme “Transforming Basic Education in Ghana—Challenges and Opportunities,” convened heads of all basic schools within the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipality, alongside key education stakeholders including policymakers, officials from the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Municipal Chief Executive, and the Member of Parliament for Madina.
In his address, Mr. Zico affirmed that basic education is the bedrock of national development—shaping the values, capabilities, and aspirations of future generations. He acknowledged the persistent challenges facing the sector: inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, low learning outcomes, and limited teaching and learning resources. Yet, beyond these visible barriers, he warned of an insidious and growing concern—the creeping politicization of the education system.
“It is disheartening to witness instances where dedicated and deserving headteachers—men and women who have given their all—are denied the promotions they have earned, not because they lack merit, but because of perceived political affiliations,” he lamented.
Mr. Zico advocated for a professional and meritocratic education service, where career progression is based on competence, dedication, and performance—not political loyalty. He underscored that education must remain a sacred national institution, free from partisanship and protected from political manipulation.
Calling for urgent systemic reform, he noted that Ghana must invest in transparent and performance-based frameworks within the Ghana Education Service to protect educators and restore public trust in the system.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Zico expressed optimism about the future of basic education in Ghana. He cited opportunities such as the integration of new technologies, policy innovations, community-school partnerships, and learner-centered teaching methodologies as powerful tools to revitalize the sector.
“Transformation cannot be achieved in isolation,” he remarked. “We need the collective will of educators, parents, civil society, policymakers, and traditional leaders to drive change. Together, let us take one more step toward the Ghana we envision—where quality basic education is not a privilege, but a right enjoyed by every child.”
The conference served as a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and commitment building among education actors. Participants unanimously agreed on the urgent need for reforms that ensure equity, inclusivity, and a depoliticized education environment.
As an organization that has long championed access to quality education for marginalized communities, the Mother of All Nations Foundation reaffirms its commitment to advocating for educational justice. MOANF stands in solidarity with all stakeholders working tirelessly to safeguard Ghana’s future through a transformed and accountable education system.
