From SHS to university, spelling crisis hits Ghana’s education system
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has raised concern over weak literacy skills among some university students. He said some students struggle to spell basic English words.
He gave examples during a public engagement. Some students spelled March as much. Others spelled urgent as agent.
The remark triggered public debate. The concern focuses on how students progress through the system without mastering basic skills.
These students passed multiple stages. They passed the Basic Education Certificate Examination. They passed Senior High School. They gained admission into universities. They passed internal university assessments.
The situation raises questions about assessment standards at every level.
Education sector observers point to several factors. Mass promotion at basic school level. Overcrowded classrooms. High teacher workload. Exam malpractice and leaked questions. Pressure on schools to record high pass rates.
These factors allow learners to move forward without strong foundations.
Free SHS expanded access to education. Access improved across the country. Learning outcomes did not improve at the same pace. Weak supervision and rushed assessments affected quality.
Employers already report challenges. Job applications contain spelling errors. Reports lack clarity. Sentence construction remains poor.
Some companies now rely on aptitude tests and writing assessments. Degrees no longer guarantee competence.
The issue traces back to early education. Weak literacy at basic level affects performance at higher levels. Universities inherit problems created years earlier.
The minister’s comments reflect concerns many teachers and employers already share. The system promoted numbers over mastery. Oversight failed at critical points.
Education stakeholders face pressure to respond. Stronger supervision. Clear promotion standards. Better teacher support. Focus on reading and writing from early grades.
The problem spans the full education pipeline. Solutions require action at every stage.