Nyeya Yen, a social justice advocate, has raised alarm over what he describes as the collapse of public basic education in the Upper East Region.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Monday, September 16, Yen said the decline in the quality of public schools has forced many parents to make sacrifices to enrol their children in private institutions.
“If you look at education, let’s start at the basic level. The basic level of education has completely collapsed in the region. Public schools are underfunded, so everybody takes their children to private schools. It is only the privileged, or those who can access resources, that can enrol their children in better schools.” He explained.
Yen attributed the situation to the failure of duty bearers to manage the sector effectively over the years, warning that the trend will continue to widen inequality by favouring the privileged class at the expense of the poor.
Touching on examination malpractices among pupils, the advocate called for reforms in the country’s assessment system. He suggested combining examinations with continuous assessment to ensure integrity and fairness.
“I think we should have a combination of exams with integrity together with continuous assessment. Not everyone should pass through the exam ladder. For example, in agriculture, students could be evaluated on how they tender crops and earn marks for it.” He proposed.
Yen stressed that urgent reforms are needed to restore quality and fairness in basic education, which he described as the foundation of national development.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
