Complementary Education Policy Awaits Parliamentary Approval

The Complementary Education Agency has completed work on the Legislative Instrument needed to implement the Complementary Education Agency Act 2020 fully and is awaiting parliamentary approval to commence operations.

The Acting Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency, Mr. Daniel Kwesi Ashiamah, disclosed this at the Greater Accra Regional staff durbar of the agency on Thursday in Accra.

He said the L.I, which will provide the legal framework for implementing the Complementary Basic Education Policy, has been completed by the agency and is currently with the Attorney General’s office.

“We have received assurance that the document will soon be forwarded to Education Minister Haruna Idrisu for laying before Parliament through the appropriate committees,” he added.

The Complementary Education Agency Act was passed in 2020 as Act 1055, establishing the legal foundation for providing alternative education pathways for those who have dropped out of the formal school system.

However, the agency cannot fully implement its mandate until Parliament approves the Legislative Instrument that will operationalise the Complementary Education Policy document.

Mr. Ashiamah explained that parliamentary committees will need to conduct a case-by-case analysis of the mandates contained in the policy before the agency can begin full operations.

“Once this process is complete, the agency will be positioned to fulfil its role of giving school dropouts a second chance at education,” he added.

The Acting Executive Director described his mission as ensuring that every child, brother, and sister who has left school has the opportunity to live a fruitful life as a citizen of Ghana.

He emphasised that his team is working together to make this vision a reality, recognising that the children they serve represent the future of the country.

Mr. Ashiamah expressed gratitude to both previous and current governments for their attention to the Complementary Education Agency, acknowledging the political commitment across administrations to address the needs of those outside the formal education system.

He said the agency exists specifically to help give people who have dropped out of school another opportunity to succeed.

The agency’s mandate focuses on providing alternative education pathways for those who cannot access or complete formal schooling, offering them practical skills and knowledge that can improve their life prospects.

This approach recognises that traditional classroom education does not work for everyone and that different learning methods can help people achieve their potential.

Mr. Ashiamah said he was encouraged by what he observed from his staff during his early days in the role, expressing confidence that the team will make a significant difference in the lives of school dropouts once the Legislative Instrument receives parliamentary approval and the agency can fully operationalise its programs.

On her part, the Acting Regional Director of CEA, Madam Rita Asombala, recognised the challenges brought by the restructuring and migration process, including salary increment, job security, placement errors, and delays in data processing.

She assured the agency’s staff that their concerns would be listened to and addressed transparently.

She urged staff to view the process as a chance to improve operations and better serve communities. She called for unity, patience, and constructive discussions to smooth transitions.

Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD