Education

Formal education in Ghana preceded colonization. The first schools were established by European merchants and missionaries. During the colonial period, a formal state education structure was modeled on the British system. This structure has been through a series of reforms since Ghana gained its independence in 1957. In the 1980s, further reforms have brought the structure of the education system closer to an American model.

The first nationalist government, headed by Nkrumah, accelerated plan for education. With legislation, he made primary education free and compulsory. Before this time, most of the schools belonged to religious bodies or the communities themselves and parents paid for school. Government took over the management of schools. The 1961 Education Act made elementary schools (junior secondary or middle) free and compulsory. Students began their 6 year primary education at the age of six. They then moved on to 4 years elementary/middle school. They then moved on to a 5 years secondary education, followed by 2 years of college preparatory education. It took 17 years to complete the pre-university education, however, some were allowed to complete it earlier, if they were academically ready. At the time of independence in 1957, Ghana had only one university and a handful of secondary and primary schools.

Ghana's educational System is highly centralized. The Ministry of Education and its agencies are responsible for the entire educational system in the country. Entrance to universities is by examination following completion of senior secondary school. A National Accreditation Board began in 1990. It is in charge of accrediting programs in all national institutions. This does not affect the university because the university has had a very long existence. It is particularly responsible for polytechnics. The programs must be the right ones and accredited...or the program can't be run. Ghana has 12,130 primary schools, 5,450 junior secondary schools, 503 senior secondary schools, 21 training colleges, 18 technical institutions, two diploma-awarding institutions and five universities.

PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SECONDARY

Public schools are often better than private because they receive funding from the state and therefore, have more equipment and supplies. Private schools depend on tuition and receive no government aid. Primary and junior secondary education is tuition-free and mandatory. However, there is no way to enforce attendance since, there are not enough teachers and facilities available to accommodate all the students. Students begin their 6-year primary education at age six. There are 12,130 primary schools in Ghana. There are 5,450 junior secondary schools in Ghana. Under educational reforms implemented in 1987, the students, after primary school, pass into a new junior secondary school system for 3 years of academic training combined with technical and vocational training.

SECONDARY EDUCATION

There are 503 senior secondary schools in Ghana. Secondary schools are 99% public but some are better than others. However, this is bias against those educated in the rural areas. Prior to the restructuring, students went for 5 yrs for all who entered and then 2 more years for the best achievers, at the end of the 5 yrs. These two years are used to prepare students for the entrance into the university. Now, since 1987, the students go for 3 years and from there they go to the university. Accra Academy is a public secondary boarding school for boys. The school motto: "To be is better than to seem to be" or be what you are. Don't pretend to be what you are not. Alumni are encouraged to give back by sponsoring something for the school after graduating from college. Therefore, with such a strong tradition and alumni, the school does better than some other public or private schools.

POST SECONDARY EDUCATION

Entrance to universities is by examination following completion of senior secondary school. There are five universities in Ghana. Many students who do not attend secondary school or the university attend one of the 18 major technical institutions in Ghana.

Francine Wright, George Washington HS