In a nation where educational resources are often scarce and the need for quality learning materials is paramount, the recent revelation of the Ghanaian government’s expenditure of over 68.5 million on photocopying past exam questions is not just disappointing, but outright shameful. This egregious misallocation of funds highlights a fundamental failure to prioritize education and invest in the future of Ghana’s youth.

Background: The government of Ghana spent GH¢68.5 million on photocopies of past questions for WASSCE candidates in 2020 and 2021. According to the Ministry of Education, GH¢33.6 million was spent for that purpose in 2020 and more than GH¢34 million in 2021. Both contracts were through single-sourcing.5 Mar 2024

Education should be a beacon of hope, a pathway to empowerment, and a tool for social and economic development. Yet, the decision to pour millions into photocopies of outdated exam questions instead of providing essential teaching and learning materials speaks volumes about the government’s misplaced priorities.

First and foremost, the focus on past questions demonstrates a backward-looking approach to education. While understanding previous exam formats can be beneficial, education should be about equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and critical thinking abilities necessary to tackle current and future challenges. By fixating on the past, the government is neglecting its duty to prepare students for the rapidly evolving demands of the modern world.

Furthermore, the staggering amount spent on photocopying could have been far better utilized to address the pressing needs of Ghana’s education system. Imagine if those funds were allocated towards providing schools with up-to-date textbooks, laboratory equipment, digital resources, and teacher training programs. These investments would have a lasting impact, empowering both educators and students to excel in their pursuit of knowledge.

Moreover, investing in teaching and learning materials goes beyond mere academic success; it fosters innovation, creativity, and critical thinking—the very qualities needed to solve the complex problems facing society. By failing to prioritize such investments, the government is not only shortchanging the current generation but also jeopardizing the future prosperity of Ghana.

Additionally, the decision to spend such a vast sum on photocopies raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. Taxpayer money should be allocated judiciously, with careful consideration of its impact on the populace. Squandering millions on a shortsighted endeavor like photocopying past questions is a disservice to both taxpayers and students alike.

The government’s lavish spending on photocopies of past exam questions is a stark reminder of its failure to prioritize education and invest in the nation’s future. It is a betrayal of trust, a squandering of resources, and a disheartening reflection of misplaced priorities. As citizens, we must demand better from our leaders and advocate for investments that truly empower our youth to thrive in the 21st century and beyond.

We are concerned citizens of Ghana. Africa is born in us.

Signed

William Boadi
Executive Director of EAI, Educationist, Political analyst, and Social Worker.
+233541935106.

EAI: Promoting Quality Education and Ensuring Social Justice.