Deputy Education Minister: Shifts Blame for Ghana’s Bad Economy to Teachers, Not Finance Minister
In a surprising statement, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Technician and Vocational Education Training (TVET), Gifty Twum-Ampofo, has pointed fingers at teachers as the cause of the country’s struggling economy. According to her, Ghanaians should not hold Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta responsible for the economic downturn.
During the 175th-anniversary celebration of the Presbyterian College of Education in Akropong, Twum-Ampofo emphasized the link between a country’s gross tertiary enrolment ratio and its GDP. She argued that teachers play a crucial role in increasing the enrolment ratio, which in turn positively impacts the economy.
“If the economy is not doing well, it is not the finance minister, it is not the economist, it is the teacher because the performance of the economy depends on the country’s gross tertiary enrolment ratio,” stated Twum-Ampofo.
The deputy minister highlighted the importance of a high gross tertiary enrolment ratio, citing countries with rates above 40 percent as having a “fantastic” GDP. Conversely, countries with lower enrolment ratios tend to struggle economically.
This bold assertion puts the spotlight on the role of educators in shaping the country’s future and suggests that the responsibility for economic performance rests heavily on the education system. While Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has often been the target of blame during challenging economic times, Twum-Ampofo’s remarks challenge this conventional narrative.
It is important to note that this statement reflects the perspective of the Deputy Minister of Education and may not necessarily reflect the views of all stakeholders. However, it sparks a conversation about the crucial role of teachers in shaping the nation’s educational landscape and their potential impact on Ghana’s economic development.
As the nation grapples with economic challenges, this unexpected shift of blame raises questions about the factors influencing Ghana’s economic growth and the role of various sectors in driving prosperity. It is crucial to engage in a balanced dialogue that takes into account the contributions of multiple stakeholders and considers comprehensive solutions for sustainable economic development in Ghana.
