The Member of Parliament representing the South Dayi constituency, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor , has raised concerns over the government’s decision to paint public schools in Ghana in blue and white colors. These colors closely resemble the official colors of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Dafeamekpor argues that the move appears to be politically motivated.
Opposition voices, such as Dafeamekpor’s, suggest that the proposed color change could politicize education in Ghana, making it less inclusive and alienating those who do not align with the NPP. Despite these criticisms, the government stands by its decision, emphasizing the aesthetic benefits of the change.
Dafeamekpor and other critics argue that schools should be neutral spaces where all students feel welcome, regardless of their political affiliations. They call for a re-evaluation of the decision and suggest alternative ways to improve the appearance of public schools without associating them with political parties.
The Minister of Education says he wants to paint school buildings in NPP colours. That is NPP colours.
He just has to add the red to it and that is it. They will now say every roof of every school in Ghana should be red and that is it. They want to name, reclassify, and put everything in their emblem,” he remarked.
Background: Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum Announced Govt to paint public schools in Ghana
The government’s initiative, announced by Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, aims to paint new public school buildings with the blue and white color scheme. According to the minister, this change is intended to improve the aesthetics of the schools and enhance the educational environment for students. However, Dafeamekpor sees this choice of colors as an attempt to promote NPP branding within the education system.
We are switching to blue and white. We are painting all the schools to give them an attractive outlook. This is the transformation Ghana deserves and it is coming, Minister Adutwum remarked.
Minister Adutwum’s plan extends beyond just new school buildings; he aims to repaint all public schools, transitioning from their current brown and yellow colors to the proposed blue and white palette. The minister unveiled this initiative during a forum titled “The Free SHS Story,” held in Accra on April 23, 2024.
This debate over the repainting of public schools highlights broader concerns about the role of politics in Ghana’s education system. As the conversation continues, many hope for a resolution that balances the government’s objectives with the need to maintain neutrality in education.
The situation underscores the importance of involving multiple stakeholders in decisions that impact education. As the government pursues its vision for revitalizing basic education in Ghana, it remains to be seen how this particular initiative will play out and what adjustments, if any, will be made to address the concerns of critics.
