BONO REGION HOST ZONAL EDUCATION FORUM FOR BONO, BONO EAST, AHAFO AND WESTERN NORTH REGIONS

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Education is widely recognized as the cornerstone of progress, shaping the minds of future generations and driving sustainable development. The Zonal Education Forum, held on 24th February 2025 at Sunyani Technical University, provided a platform for stakeholders from the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions to engage in discussions as part of the broader National Education Forum. The event focused on the theme: “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future.”

The forum brought together key stakeholders, including the Regional Ministers for Bono and Western North, Hon. Joseph Addae Akwaboa and Hon. Wilbert Petty Brentum respectively, as well as educators, policymakers, students, and industry experts. Participants explored the evolving role of education in fostering a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and progressive.

Discussions at the event underscored the urgent need for a paradigm shift in the education system. Traditional approaches were highlighted as needing transformation to align with the dynamic demands of society, ensuring that education remains relevant, innovative, and impactful. Panel sessions, breakout discussions, and networking opportunities facilitated the exchange of groundbreaking ideas, research, and best practices.

On infrastructure, the participants advised the government to invest heavily in the country’s educational infrastructure and improve the conditions of service of teachers to enhance quality education.

The stakeholders, who bemoaned the huge infrastructure deficit in the country, said there were over 5,000 dilapidated school facilities, including schools under trees, scattered across the country.

The stakeholders also asked the government to decentralise the recruitment of teachers, explaining that it was important for heads of institutions to be involved in the recruitment of teachers.

They said the lack of access to school at the primary level still remained a challenge, explaining that there were some communities without schools, while others with schools had poor infrastructure.

The stakeholders also asked the ministry to prioritize digital infrastructure and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI) education, including zoom and online teaching and learning, in tertiary institutions.

A key takeaway from the forum was the collective commitment to redefining education as a tool for empowerment. The enthusiasm and innovative contributions from attendees reinforced the belief that collaboration can drive meaningful change through well-structured policies and practices.

Looking ahead, stakeholders were encouraged to continue advocating for transformative education—one that equips future generations with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to build a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world. The discussions emphasized the power of education in shaping the future and the collective responsibility to make it count.