Former Ministry of Education Public Relations Officer, Kwesi Kwarteng Esq., has called for a balance between quality and access to education, following concerns over the placement of thousands of BECE candidates into senior high schools.
Speaking on Atinka TV News with Cynthia Akans, Mr. Kwarteng said although some students did not perform well in English and Mathematics, the bigger concern was the government’s new school placement policies.
He said the focus should not only be on the academic performance of students but also on ensuring that every child gets the opportunity to continue their education.
According to him, quality education is important, but access is equally necessary if education is to contribute meaningfully to the country’s socio-economic development.
Mr. Kwarteng questioned the decision to leave more than 55,000 children at home because of their performance in English and Mathematics.
He welcomed the decision by the government to allow affected students to use the self-placement system to find schools with available spaces.
He, however, called for additional support systems for students who may struggle academically after gaining admission.
“If a child has failed both subjects, then he or she should resit,” he said, adding that extra classes and other academic support could help such students improve.
His comments come amid calls for the government to provide immediate school placement for 54,985 BECE candidates and support for 183,233 WASSCE graduates.
Mr. Kwarteng maintained that the country must pursue both quality and access to ensure that no child is unnecessarily left behind in the education system.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu
