We need a paradigm shift in leadership skills – Minister of Education

General News of Monday, February 11, 2019

Source: Ministry of Education

2019-02-11

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, noted that today's global complexities require critical and in-depth decision-making. They therefore call for a paradigm shift in the leadership skills needed to navigate society in these complex waters.

Prempeh made the remarks at the inaugural conference of the Danquah Institute's lecture series on "World-Clbad Education: A Imperative for the Next Generation of Leaders" at the Alisa Swiss Hotel in Accra. Ms. Akua Kuenyehia, former judge of the International Criminal Court, presided over the event.

Paying tribute to Dr. JB Danquah, who died in custody 54 years ago this month, he observed that in his capacity as a lawyer, writer and philosopher, he had led many intellectual battles to defend what he ardently believed in leadership. The Minister noted, however, that within a generation, science and technology have transformed our lives in a way that has not been recognized, especially over the past two or ten years: "Opportunities and the challenges that today's world offers us with knowledge are increasingly complex and include cybercrime, climate change, governance, artificial intelligence, social inequalities and social conflicts. These are increasingly challenging our traditional lifestyles, and hence our traditional understanding of leadership, "said Dr. Prempeh.

Tomorrow's leaders, he said, must be people who adapt to new challenges, who are flexible, sustainable and self-reflective, and who possess team skills with a global consciousness and intelligence. cultural activities. We need people who can build and maintain strong institutions, stay intact and communicate effectively. To this end, the government must strive to ensure that its current education system meets the anticipated needs by providing its young citizens with these essential skills.

Presenting the reforms pursued by the NPP government in the area of ​​education, the Minister of Education spoke of increasing access to upper secondary education through the Free High High School program, a revision of the pre-tertiary program, the integration of technical and vocational training. training and education, reforms of teacher training and professionalization and strengthening of the regulatory framework of school inspection, among others.

In concluding his lecture, Mr. Prempeh said, "President Akufo-Addo's government believes in the pursuit of excellence beyond academic work, because a life without academic excellence does not make sense. I believe in our ability, as a nation, to overcome our challenges and seize the opportunity to bring change and dynamism to the public service, inspired by the many patriotic sons and daughters of this glorious nation who, over the years, years, raised his flag with excellent leadership. skills. "

The conference drew a representative sample of Ghanaians from the public sector, civil society organizations, universities and youth groups, and included an interactive roundtable.