Reactions as President Mahama appoints new Director of Ghana Education Service

Reactions as President Mahama appoints new Director of Ghana Education Service

In a move that has sparked mixed reactions across Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, the Provost of the College of Education at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), as the new Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES). This appointment comes as Dr. Eric Nkansah, the former GES Director-General, has been relieved of his duties.

The decision has ignited debates among Ghanaians, with some hailing Prof. Davis’s vast experience and others questioning the choice of an older candidate for such a pivotal role in the nation’s educational reforms.

One social media user expressed concerns about the age and energy required for the position, saying, “How can we go for an old man? GES at this point needs an energetic, up-and-running individual to facilitate the robust face of the new MIS. Come on, Mr. President, with all due respect, don’t repeat the last 12 years.”

Others, however, believe Prof. Davis’s expertise and leadership in the education sector will bring much-needed transformation. A different commenter lauded the appointment, stating, “What a competent leader with lots of experience in the educational sector. Ghana’s education and teachers will soar high this time. Teachers, it’s your time to have your freedom to excel. No more under oppressors’ rule. Second Ghana’s independence indeed. JDM.”

Prof. Davis’s tenure as Provost at UCC has been marked by a dedication to teacher training and the introduction of innovative programs aimed at improving education delivery in the country. Supporters of his appointment argue that his background aligns well with GES’s current needs, particularly in implementing policies like the new Management Information System (MIS) aimed at digitizing education administration.

This appointment comes at a time when the GES is grappling with numerous challenges, including teacher morale, student performance, and curriculum implementation. The choice of leadership, therefore, carries significant weight in shaping the future of Ghana’s education system.

For many Ghanaians, the question remains whether Prof. Davis will be able to address these pressing issues while balancing the expectations of both skeptics and supporters. As the new Director-General takes office, the spotlight will be on his ability to lead with both vision and vigor in what many consider a pivotal moment for Ghana’s education sector.