Basic school heads recognized as unsung heroes of Ghana’s education system

Theophilus Senyo Ackorlie, Finance Officer, University of Education, Winneba, has described heads of basic schools as the unsung heroes of Ghana’s education system.

In a keynote address on his behalf at the second Regional Quadrennial Conference of Heads of Basic Schools (COHBS), Volta Region held at Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall, Ho, he highlighted the crucial role these educators play in shaping the country’s future.

“Heads of Basic Schools are the unsung heroes of Ghana’s education system. You are not mere administrators; you are the moral compass of the nation’s educational future. When a policy reaches the classroom, its fate lies in your hands.

Dr Ackorlie underscored the importance of recognising and supporting these educational leaders, saying despite the challenges in the country’s education system including inadequate resources and infrastructure, heads of basic schools continued to work tirelessly to ensure learners received quality education.

He shared a story of visiting a friend who was the headteacher of a basic school in a rural community in the Eastern Region some years ago, going there unannounced and finding him sitting outside under a mango tree, typing a report on a very old laptop.

The friend explained his office door was locked, and the carpenter he called was out of town and would return the next day and that electricity was not stable to put on the fans in the staff common, but had to get the job done, adding “Senyo, in our situation, if you wait for perfect conditions, you will never lead.”

“This is the reality of many headteachers in Ghana. Despite challenges, they show up every day, guiding teachers, supporting learners, and keeping schools running. If education is the backbone of national development, then headteachers are the vertebrae. A strong, inspired, and empowered headteacher translates into a strong, transformational school environment,” Dr Ackorlie observed.

He said empowering the headteacher meant continuous professional development, supportive supervisory structures, autonomy to innovate, adequate and fair resources, recognition for extraordinary work, and a clear voice in policy discussions.

“When the head is empowered, the teacher is supported. When the teacher is supported, the learner thrives. When the learner thrives, Ghana’s future shines.”

He challenged headteachers to let their leadership be bold, learner-centred, to let their schools become a sanctuary of hope, teachers find in them a source of motivation, communities see them as partners in development and to let no child leave their schools feeling unseen, saying “You are not merely managing schools, you are shaping destinies.”

Mr Maxwell Ayivor, Volta Regional Vice Chairman, GNAT in a fraternal message read on behalf of the Regional Secretary said the theme: “Empowering Heads, Enhancing Education Leadership for Quality Basic Education” called for a moment of reflection and renewal, reminding of their shared mission, identity and responsibility in shaping the path of basic education in the region.

In your daily duties, remember that leadership is not only about instruction, but also about influence…As partners in educational enterprise, GNAT wishes to assure you our continuous collaboration and support…Let us remember that every child who walks into the classroom holds a future that depends heavily on the decisions we make.”

Togbe Adzie Lakle Howusu XII, Awafiaga of Asogli State, who chaired the conference, advised “Don’t just punish because you have to punish. Be fair to the children.”

The two-day event had Mr Stephen Vincent Gordor, Volta Region Chairman, COHBS present citations to a representative meant for Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza, Members of Parliament of Ho West, North Tongu and Adaklu respectively in recognition of their contributions to the growth of basic education in their constituencies.

Source: GNA

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