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Ghana has affirmed its commitment to ensure that no child is left behind in education as required by Sustainable Development Goal 4.

“The government in pursuit of its commitment will therefore continue to develop programmes and interventions aimed at ensuring that the right of children to education is realised.

“Ghana will ensure that more girls and boys enroll and remain in school. We will also continue to equip the educational system with skill teachers, teaching and learning materials to enhance the quality of education provided to Ghanaian children,” Nana Oye Lithur Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, said at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Nana Oye Lithur, stated at Permata International Conference high level forum on quality education to shape a nation’s future on behalf of the Mrs Lordina Mahama the first lady of Ghana.

The High Level Forum was hosted by Mrs Datin Paduka Seri Hjh Rosmah Mansor, Wife of the Prime Minister of Malaysia and was attended by other First Ladies across the world and Representatives of Heads of State as well as representatives of civil society and non-governmental organisations.

The forum was to discuss different efforts by various countries to ensure children have quality education that would in turn shape the future of the nation for the better.

Nana Oye Lithur noted that the Government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, has introduced various social protection interventions in education, which has led to impressive improvement in school enrolment.

She said retention, especially for girls who would have dropped out of school due to the challenges they face have also improved due to government’s initiatives in the education sector and other social protection interventions.

The Gender Minister said from 2013 - 2015 Pre-School enrollment has increased from 1,645,541 to 1,766,715 which represent 7.36 per cent; at the level of primary education there has been an increment from 4,117,152 to 4,342,315, which also represents 5.47 per cent from 2013 to 2015.

Increment in enrollment at the senior high school and technical education level stands from seven 7 per cent to nine 9 per cent from 2013-2015.

Nana Oye Lithur said the government considers teachers and education service providers as central pillars within the country’s educational system as a result it has ensured that they are trained to deliver quality education.

Over the period 13,637 teachers, in the Ghana Education Service, received various in-service training to upgrade their skills under Science, Technology, Mathematics and Innovation Education (STMIE) programme.

Additional 1,500 mathematics teachers have also been trained on innovative approaches in the teaching of mathematics.

The Gender Minister said the Government has also ensured that there are quality teach and learning materials for both teachers and school children.

She said a total of 42,000 Teachers Note Books, 98,736 Class Attendance Registers and 1,195,250 boxes of white chalk were supplied to all public basic schools across the country.

In addition other supplementary reading materials were procured and distributed as well to supplement Teaching and Learning Materials provided by schools under the Capitation Grant scheme.

Nana Oye Lithur explained that under the Ghana Partnership for Education Grant (GPEG), 14,642 pieces of furniture were procured by the districts for selected public basic schools.

The Gender Minister however noted that notwithstanding the progress Ghana has experienced, there are some challenges that need to be addressed to ensure “we are able to sustain the gains made”.

She also acknowledged government’s limited resources to continue most of the interventions which she concede poses as a key challenges to the country and threatens the sustainability of the achievements in ensuring that children have access to quality education and remain in school.

“There are still socio-cultural beliefs and economic challenges that hinder children from staying in school after enrollment.

“Girls especially face issues with child marriage, the need to support their parents in economic ventures during school hours and sexual and physical abuse,” Nana Oye Lithur said.

The Permata International Conference was on the general theme: “Children Beyond Tomorrow,” aims to create greater awareness and understanding on the development of young individuals and their optimal growth through sharing.

It also seeks to draw attention to global developments and efforts that impact children and childhood today; how childhood experience contributes to the sustainability and well-being of communities and nation building; and the importance of innovation, collaboration, and best practices in promoting positive childhood outcomes.