Deputy Education Minister, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has stressed the need to empower adolescents nationwide to help achieve national development goals.
While giving the keynote speech at the National Launch of the Education Plus Initiative at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, Dr. Apaak referred to the programme as “an integrated and transformative approach that ensures learners are not only in school, but are safe, healthy, informed, supported, and empowered.”
He clarified that the initiative combines education, health, gender equality, youth development, and social protection to foster an environment where adolescents, especially girls, can reach their full potential.
Pointing out Ghana’s educational advancements over the last twenty years, Dr. Apaak highlighted successes like achieving gender parity at the basic level, the Free Senior High School policy, and providing sanitary pads for girls in schools.
Nevertheless, he recognized ongoing issues: “Transition rates from junior high to senior high school are still lower for girls in some regions.
Learning outcomes are inconsistent. Social issues such as early marriages, teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence, and harmful stereotypes continue to hinder our collective efforts to improve futures through education.”
He emphasized that the Education Plus Initiative is meant to support Ghana’s Education Strategic Plan and align with the wider national development goals.
“Most importantly, it highlights that empowering young people needs teamwork across different areas and real involvement from the youth themselves,” he stated.
Dr. Apaak emphasized that empowered young people can be change-makers who improve not just their own lives but also those of their families, communities, and the country.
He urged stakeholders to take strong actions after the launch: “Let us enhance safe and welcoming school settings, broaden access to comprehensive services, and ensure that every girl can finish her education and confidently transition into adulthood.”
He affirmed the Ministry of Education’s dedication to fully implementing the initiative, saying, “Together, we can turn this initiative from policy into action and make its promise a reality for every young person in Ghana.”
The launch of Education Plus marks a significant advancement in Ghana’s unified efforts to empower adolescents and eliminate obstacles to education, especially for young girls.