The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has called on mothers across Ghana to take a more active role in shaping the education, discipline and overall development of their children.
Speaking as Guest Speaker at the 2026 MomCo Conference in Accra on Saturday, August 22, Dr. Apaak said the success of Ghana’s education system could not be achieved without meaningful involvement from mothers and families.
He described mothers as “the child’s first teacher” and stressed their importance in early childhood education, particularly in developing literacy, nutrition, positive parenting and school readiness.
Dr. Apaak said the Ministry of Education was intensifying efforts to strengthen early childhood and lower-primary education through the use of Ghanaian languages, urging mothers to speak, read and tell stories to their children in their mother tongue.
He explained that rather than hindering learning, the use of a child’s first language provides a strong foundation for literacy and cognitive development.
The Deputy Minister also identified mothers as critical partners in advancing inclusive education, particularly in addressing stigma against children with disabilities and special learning needs.
According to him, an informed and supported mother is more likely to advocate for her child’s right to education and ensure that the child is not excluded because of disability or other learning challenges.
Dr. Apaak further linked maternal empowerment to gender equality, arguing that empowered mothers are better positioned to keep girls in school, encourage them to pursue leadership and professional opportunities, and raise boys who respect women.
However, he expressed concern about growing indiscipline among learners, insisting that schools alone could not resolve the problem.
“Discipline cannot be enforced by schools alone. It begins at home,” he said, urging parents to reinforce respect, responsibility, honesty and accountability in their children.
He called on MomCo groups across the country to work with schools and communities to support efforts to address indiscipline and promote positive values among young people.
Dr. Apaak also announced the Ministry’s readiness to deepen collaboration with MomCo Ghana by exploring links between MomCo community leaders and district-level Guidance and Counselling Coordinators and Special Education Officers.
He said the Ministry was also prepared to share relevant materials on inclusive education, adolescent health, mother-tongue literacy and positive, non-violent discipline with MomCo networks.
The Deputy Minister praised MomCo Ghana for its growing reach, noting that the organisation has more than 150 groups and over 3,000 mothers across the country, making Ghana its largest community outside the United States.
He described the organisation’s work as more than a church-based programme, saying it constitutes an important contribution to national development.
“Behind every child who reaches their full potential is usually a mother who refused to give up on them,” Dr. Apaak said, urging mothers to recognise the profound role they play in shaping Ghana’s future.
He concluded by assuring mothers that the government recognises and values their contribution to education and national development, declaring the conference officially open.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com |102.7 MHz | Bolgatanga
