GES Council 2025: Steering Ghana’s Pre-Tertiary Education Forward
The Ghana Education Service (GES) Council plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of pre-tertiary education in Ghana. In 2025, the council continues its crucial work, providing strategic direction and oversight to ensure quality education for all Ghanaian children. This article delves into the significance of the GES Council, its recent inauguration, its core functions, and its membership.
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Inauguration of the GES Council (2025 Context)
In a significant development for the education sector, the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, inaugurated a 12-member Council for the Ghana Education Service (GES). This event, which took place in 2025, underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the management and effectiveness of the pre-tertiary education system.
The newly inaugurated council is under the esteemed leadership of Prof. Mawutor Avoke, the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). His extensive experience in academic administration positions him well to guide the council in its important mandate.
The composition of the council reflects a broad spectrum of stakeholders within the education landscape:
- Chairperson: Prof. Mawutor Avoke (former Vice Chancellor, UEW)
- West African Examinations Council (WAEC): Dr. Rosemond Wilson
- National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NASIA): Prof. Azeko Tahiru Salifu
- National Teaching Council (NTC): Mr. Adam Adu Marshall
- National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NACCA): Prof. Yayra Dzakadzie
- Teacher Association (Rotational): Rt. Rev. Paa Solomon Grant-Essilfie
- Ministry of Education (Chief Director): Mrs. Mamle D. Andrews
- Local Government: Mrs. Felicia Dapaah Agyeman-Boakye
- Faith-Based Organizations in Ghana: (Representative)
- Non-Teaching Staff of GES: Adamu Bintu Fati
- Female Educationist: Florence Bobi
- Director-General of the Education Service: Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis
This diverse membership ensures that various perspectives and interests are considered in the council’s deliberations and decisions, ultimately contributing to a more robust and inclusive education system.
The Mandate of the Ghana Education Service Council
Established under section 4(1) of the Ghana Education Service (GES) Act 1995 (Act 506), the GES Council serves as the governing body of the Ghana Education Service. Its core mission is to ensure that the GES is adequately and effectively resourced to deliver high-quality education to all children of school-going age across Ghana.
Key Functions of the GES Council
The Ghana Education Service Act, 1995, (Act 506) outlines the primary functions of the Council, which include:
- Exercising general control over the management of the Ghana Education Service.
- Ensuring the effective implementation of the functions of the GES.
- Submitting recommendations to the Minister of Education regarding pre-tertiary educational policies and programs.
- Promoting strong collaboration and synergy between the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service.
- Providing expert advice to the Minister of Education on matters related to pre-tertiary education, as requested.
- Complying with all functions assigned to it under Act 506 and any subsequent amendments, such as those prescribed in the Education Act 778.
Membership Composition (Statutory Basis)
As stipulated in Section 4(2) of Act 506, the composition of the GES Council is as follows:
- A Chairman with extensive academic and administrative experience.
- One representative from the Public Services Commission.
- Two distinguished Educationists, with at least one being a woman.
- Two eminent Citizens, with at least one being a woman.
- Two representatives from Christian groups (Christian Council, Catholic Secretariat, Ghana Pentecostal Council).
- One representative from Muslim groups (Federation of Muslim Councils, Ahmadiyya Mission).
- One member from the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT).
- One member from the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU).
- One member from the National Council for Tertiary Education.
- One representative from the Association of Proprietors of Private Educational Institutions.
- The Chief Director of the Ministry of Education (Ex-officio).
- The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (Ex-officio).
All members of the Council are appointed by the President of Ghana in consultation with the Council of State, ensuring a high level of oversight and legitimacy.
Operational Procedures and Focus
The GES Council typically holds monthly meetings to deliberate on key issues and make strategic decisions. Emergency meetings can also be convened when urgent matters arise. The Council has the authority to co-opt individuals with specific technical expertise to provide advice during meetings; however, co-opted members do not have voting rights.
Looking ahead in 2025, the GES Council will likely focus on critical areas such as:
- Improving learning outcomes across all levels of pre-tertiary education.
- Enhancing teacher professional development and welfare.
- Strengthening educational infrastructure and resource allocation.
- Promoting inclusivity and equitable access to quality education.
- Implementing and monitoring the impact of national education policies and reforms.
The Ghana Education Service Council remains a vital institution in Ghana’s quest to provide quality pre-tertiary education. The inauguration of the 2025 council, with its experienced leadership and diverse membership, signals a continued commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities within the education sector. By effectively executing its mandate and functions, the GES Council will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping a brighter future for Ghanaian students.
Remember, these questions are asked in promotion examination for GES Staff.
