Excerpt
The Ghana Education Service (GES) is a pivotal government agency under the Ministry of Education, responsible for implementing national policies to ensure that all Ghanaians of school-going age receive quality formal education. Established in 1974 by the National Redemption Council Decree (NRCD 247), GES has undergone several legislative amendments, including Act 506 (1994) and Act 778 (2008), to enhance its mandate and operations.
Constitutional Mandates
GES is tasked with providing and overseeing basic, senior high, technical, and special education. Its functions encompass registering and supervising private pre-tertiary institutions, maintaining professional standards among personnel, and advising the Minister of Education on educational policies and programs.
Leadership and Organizational Structure
The service is governed by a fifteen-member council known as the GES Council. The leadership hierarchy includes the Director-General, supported by Deputy Directors-General responsible for various divisions such as Management Services and Quality and Access. GES operates through 16 regional and 260 district education offices, managing over 15,000 kindergartens, 15,600 primary schools, and 11,700 junior high schools nationwide.
Divisions and Units
GES comprises several specialized divisions and units to effectively execute its mandate:
Basic Education Division:
- Oversees early childhood, primary, and junior high education.
Secondary Education Division:
- Manages senior high education policies and programs.
Technical and Vocational Education Division:
- Focuses on pre-tertiary technical and vocational training.
Special Education Division:
- Ensures inclusive education for learners with disabilities and special needs.
Guidance and Counselling Unit:
- Provides support services to help students develop educational and vocational potentials.
School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Unit:
- Promotes health and nutrition education in schools.
Recruitment and Appointment
GES recruits both teaching and non-teaching staff through a structured process that includes public advertisements, examinations, and interviews. Appointments are based on qualifications, experience, and adherence to professional standards. The service maintains a register of all teachers in the public system to uphold quality education delivery.
Oversight and Partnerships
While GES operates under the Ministry of Education, it collaborates with various international and local partners to enhance educational outcomes. Key partners include UNICEF, USAID, the World Bank, and the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DfID), among others. These collaborations support programs such as the Complementary Basic Education (CBE) initiative and the Secondary Education Improvement Project (SEIP).
Operations and Job Roles
GES is responsible for curriculum development, teacher training, and the supervision of educational institutions. Job roles within the service range from classroom teaching to administrative and supervisory positions at various levels. The service also implements policies aimed at improving access, quality, and equity in education.
Historical Reforms
Over the years, GES has implemented several reforms to enhance the educational system:
- 1987: Introduction of the Junior Secondary School (JSS) system, replacing the middle school structure.
- 1995: Launch of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) program to improve access and quality.
- 2003: Implementation of the Capitation Grant to abolish school fees at the basic level.
- 2017: Introduction of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy to increase enrollment at the secondary level.
References
- https://ges.gov.gh/about-us/
- https://coverghana.com.gh/overview-of-new-structure-of-ghana-education-service-ges/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana_Education_Service
- https://ghanaeducation.org/17-education-policies-and-reforms-in-the-last-56-years/
- https://coverghana.com.gh/ghana-education-service-ges-vision-mission-statements-mandate-objectives-functions-stakeholders/
- https://educationghana.org/challenges-prospects-and-achievements-of-the-ghana-education-service-ges/
- https://ges.gov.gh/ghana-education-service-development-institute/
- https://www.bcp.gov.gh/acc/registry/docs/GHANA%20EDUCATION%20SERVICE%20ACT%2C%201995%20%28ACT%20506%29.pdf
- https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Ghana_Education_Service
- https://educationcommission.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2020-EC-Country-Report-Ghana.pdf