Madam Alice Abeera-Inga, the Upper West Regional Director of Education, has raised alarm over what she describes as a growing trend of young people abandoning their education in pursuit of quick financial gains through activities such as illegal mining and commercial transport operations.
Speaking at a teachers’ award ceremony organised by the Member of Parliament for Sissala West, Mr Mohammed Adams Sukparu, at Gwollu, Madam Abeera-Inga urged students to remain focused on their academic goals rather than sacrificing their future for short-term income.
She noted that the desire for instant wealth was pushing many young people away from the classroom and into risky ventures that could derail their long-term prospects.
“Concentrate on your education now. When you become who you want to be, you can earn the money you desire,” she advised.
The Regional Director stressed that discipline, patience and education remained the surest path to sustainable success, cautioning that shortcuts to wealth often come with long-term consequences.
Beyond her warning to students, Madam Abeera-Inga also turned attention to growing concerns about examination malpractice, describing it as a serious threat to Ghana’s education system.
She cautioned teachers against engaging in any form of malpractice and warned that anyone found culpable would face legal consequences.
“Any teacher found engaging in exam malpractice should be ready to face the full rigours of the law,” she said.
She also appealed to parents not to attempt to bribe teachers to influence examination outcomes, stressing that integrity must be upheld throughout the education system.
Madam Abeera-Inga further urged parents to play a more active role in their children’s education by monitoring their academic performance and supporting teachers’ efforts.
She also advised job seekers to be cautious of fraudsters distributing fake appointment letters, clarifying that the Ghana Education Service had not begun any new recruitment exercise.
She called on chiefs, parents and community leaders to support efforts aimed at improving basic education outcomes in the region.
