The Conference of Heads of Basic Schools (COHBS) has called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to allow various schools to set their terminal examination questions rather than the Education Directorate setting the questions for the schools. This appeal was made by the conference’s National President, Nicholas Nii Kpakpo Addo, at the Mfantseman Municipal Maiden Quadrennial Conference held on Friday in Mankessim.
He emphasised that allowing schools to set their own terminal exam questions would enable teachers to assess their learners’ knowledge more effectively. He noted that teachers are more familiar with the syllabus and what has been covered in class, making them better equipped to set relevant questions.
Speaking under the theme “Networking: A Powerful Tool for the 21st Century Head Teacher”, the National President also used the opportunity to advise head teachers to be more visible and accessible to their students and teachers. He cautioned against the “office madam” syndrome, where head teachers are often seen sitting in their offices rather than being out in the field, working alongside their teachers and learners.
Mr. Addo further stressed the need for head teachers to build strong relationships with their teachers, parents of the pupils, opinion leaders, and traditional rulers in their respective host communities, rather than being seen as distant figures.
He emphasised that this approach would help them build networks with these stakeholders, enabling them to seek help when needed to improve the overall performance of students and enhance the quality of education in the country.
In his remarks, the Chairman for the ceremony, Ernest Degraft Egyir, Founder and CEO of Chief Executives Network Ghana, called on head teachers to avail themselves to well-to-do individuals, organisations, and groups in their environs, such as alumni groups, MMDCEs, chiefs, CEOs, and MPs. According to him, “Leadership success in the 21st century depends on relationships.” He added, “Leaders succeed not in isolation, but through strategic networks.”
He therefore charged Head teachers to be proactive in building relationships with influential individuals and groups in their communities, as this can open doors to opportunities and resources that could support the growth and development of their schools.
Recounting how a head teacher of his alma mater, Saltpond Methodist “A” Basic School, had approached him to renovate their over 100-year-old school building, which was in a dilapidated state, Mr. Egyir said despite living near the school, he had never thought to offer assistance until the head teacher’s strategic approach. He added that head teachers, as CEOs of the schools, do not need to wait for government projects, saying, “With the right network, you can make your school a model of transformation.”
The maiden conference served as an opportunity to present reports from the past officers, dissolve the old officers, and swear in the newly elected ones.
The following individuals were elected as the new officers to manage the affairs of the conference for the next four years: Peter Fiifi Acquah as Chairman, Paul Kingsley Eduah as Vice Chairman, Kwaku Addo as Secretary, Hagar Beechem as Assistant Secretary, Jennifer Eduah as Treasurer, Shadrach Kobina Acquah as Financial Secretary, and Maama Acquah as Public Relations Officer.
The Conference of Heads of Basic Schools (COHBS) was established in the year 2000 with the aim of bringing headteachers in basic schools together for a common goal. As a professional organisation, COHBS seeks to promote collaboration, innovation, and excellence in basic education, ultimately enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in Ghanaian schools.
By: Kojo Ata Kakrah Abrowah/anthonyabrowah@gmail.com/newsalertgh.com
