By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, Nov.21, GNA – Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, the Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, has urged parents to refrain from engaging in unethical practices to advance their children’s education.
These practices include aiding in examination malpractices to ensure their children achieve top academic accolades.
Prof. Kaufmann made the remarks during the second Festival of Education, held in Accra.
The festival, on the theme “Breaking Limits,” featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, exhibitions, and various interactive sessions, all aimed at promoting educational growth and development.
The event brought together key stakeholders, educators, and students to celebrate the progress of education in Ghana, while also discussing its challenges, innovations, and the future direction of the sector.
Prof. Kaufmann stressed the importance of parents instilling a culture of hard work and discipline in their children.
She urged parents to refrain from aiding their children in cheating or resorting to bribery to advance their education.
“I am speaking to a parent here,” Prof Kaufmann stated. “We have the idea that we want our children to succeed so badly that we are willing to do unethical things for them.
“There are parents who are paying teachers to help their children cheat in examinations. How did we get here?
“If your child is getting into these schools based on protocol, will they use protocol to make a difference in the world?” she questioned.
Prof. Kaufmann stated that parents must ensure that their children gain the skills and knowledge they need at all levels of education, pointing out that such skills are needed to address challenges in the contemporary work environment.
Mr. Bernard Avle, a media practitioner, urged teachers to adopt a value-based approach to teaching.
He said that the focus of Ghana’s education system should go beyond merely passing examinations and should also include instilling values that are critical for national development.
He also called for more capacity-building programmes for teachers and encouraged them to share best practices and improve their teaching methods.
Mr. Grant Bulmuo, Lead Convenor of the Africa Education Gateway, urged teachers to take the initiative in learning and implementing reforms to enhance education in the country.
He echoed the call for regular capacity-building programmes to help teachers advance best practices in teaching and learning across Ghana.
GNA