Following the deeply regrettable violent incidents at Bawku Senior High School and other schools, which tragically resulted in the loss of student lives, I am heartened by the prompt action taken by the leadership of the Ghana Education Service (GES) in activating measures to safeguard learners and staff.
On the morning of July 28, 2025, in response to the Bawku SHS tragedy, I published an article titled “Bawku’s Unfinished Lessons: The Urgent Call to Activate Ghana’s Education in Emergency Plan for Continued Learning.”
This article emphasized the critical need for the immediate implementation of the “Education in Emergency Contingency Plan (2023-2026),” a comprehensive framework designed to ensure educational continuity amidst crises.
I am greatly encouraged by the statement released by the Ghana Education Service last night, July 30, 2025, which clearly indicates that my calls and several proposed recommendations have been heeded. The commitment to ensuring the safety and continued learning of students and staff, particularly the final-year students facing imminent examinations, is refreshing, especially in the face of adversity.
The “Education in Emergency Contingency Plan (2023-2026)” is a vital document, meticulously developed by the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service. It outlines robust strategies for coordination, preparedness, response, and recovery, emphasizing equitable access to learning, safe learning spaces, mental health and psychosocial support, and systemic resilience. Its activation is a crucial step towards mitigating the impact of emergencies on Ghana’s educational landscape.
To further support the GES in these critical efforts and to ensure widespread access to this essential guide, I am pleased to share a copy of the “Education in Emergency Contingency Plan (2023-2026)” with both the Ghana Education Service leadership and the general public.
While I am confident in the GES’s capabilities, I offer this document as a readily available resource, should copies not be immediately accessible to all relevant personnel. I have also taken the initiative to provide copies directly to key leadership within the GES for their immediate reference.
I stand ready to collaborate with the Ghana Education Service, the Ministry of Education, and all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of this plan, thereby safeguarding the academic future and well-being of all Ghanaian learners and educators.
