Government’s determination to create an efficient transportation system for the education sector has so far led to the distribution of about 1,108 vehicles and motorcycles to schools and educational authorities across the country in the last five years.
These comprise 415 pick-up trucks, 200 buses as well as some 493 motorcycles, with some more expected to be added by the end of the year to enhance the educational sector’s transportation system.
According to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, while the ongoing efforts strengthen access to education for every Ghanaian child, the provision of necessary infrastructure and logistics creates a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
He observed that an efficient transportation system in the education sector is important, particularly in light of the flagship Free Senior High School (FSHS) programme, and pledged government’s commitment to doing even more.
Addressing heads of second cycle institutions and other stakeholders at the handing-over ceremony of the vehicles, he observed that the availability of good transportation for students positively impacts quality education delivery.
“An efficient transportation system in our schools increases student enrolment and encourages many students to stay in school. Indeed, it has been said that a dependable transportation system in schools improves the safety of students and makes teachers and students more productive.
He also added that: “An efficient transportation system in schools is also key to hastening the economic transformation and development of our country as envisioned by this government led by President Nana Akufo-Addo”.
Against this background, he indicated that government has committed to increasing access to quality education and providing vehicles to secondary schools to support the transportation of our growing population in these schools.
The quest to provide quality, accessible education to Ghana’s youth remains on course, and everything necessary to achieve this will continue to receive serious government attention, Dr. Bawumia emphasised.
The Vice President recalled that in March 2020, on behalf of government, he handed over 365 Isuzu Double Cabin pick-up trucks out of a total 840 procured. These were given to all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Directorates of Education, as well as selected agencies under the Ministry of Education.
“I also handed over 493 out of a total 2,000 motorbikes to aid the work of circuit supervisors and to further enhance their supervisory roles in the education sector.
“I further announced that government had procured 350 buses for our Senior High Schools in this country, and we distributed 100 of those buses in July 2020.”
It is in line with this promise that he handed over the additional 150 vehicles – made up of 100 buses and 50 pick-up vehicles – for use in secondary schools.
The Minister for Education, Yaw Osei Adutwum, maintained that the transformation of any nation begins with the transformation of its educational system.
He said: “If your education system does not demonstrate quality, access and relevance, it cannot change your fortunes,” and recognised that other countries in this modern era have transformed their fortunes due to the transformation of their education system.
Given this, he lauded President Akufo-Addo for his continued efforts to actualise his vision of a Ghana full of confident, educated youth ready to make a mark on the world.
He entreated heads of the beneficiary second cycle institutions to use such contributions from government to also help realise its vision of transforming the education sector.
The Minister for Education was hopeful that the vehicles will be put to the strict use for which they were provided, while ensuring their good maintenance.
The President of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), Alhaji Yacoub Abubakari, on behalf of the beneficiary schools expressed gratitude to government for the provision of logistics.
He recognised that providing means of transportation will help in effectively running schools, which goes to support effective implementation of the Free SHS programme.