In recent days, a statement made by Vincent Ekow Assafuah, a Ghanaian politician and member of the New Patriotic Party, has stirred up considerable controversy. The comment, “It is better to learn under trees than not be educated,” has sparked a heated debate among Ghanaians, revealing divergent opinions on education, government priorities, and the overall well-being of the country’s youth.
The initial reactions on social media reflect a mix of disbelief, frustration, and anger. Many individuals questioned the wisdom behind Assafuah’s statement, emphasizing the need for proper infrastructure, resources, and a conducive environment for effective learning. Comments such as, “Use taxpayers’ money to build schools and provide necessary materials,” underscore the sentiment that education should not be compromised for expediency.
Some critics argue that the statement is emblematic of a political strategy employed by the New Patriotic Party to keep the population in poverty, making them grateful for whatever little is provided. This perspective suggests a lack of trust in the government’s commitment to addressing the fundamental issues within the education system.
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Educational Standards and Global Commitments: Alhaji Adams Rahman’s response draws attention to global commitments, such as the UN Education Charter and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He highlights the need for politicians to align their perspectives with international standards, especially in the 21st century, where resources and opportunities for quality education should be accessible to all.
Some comments express personal experiences with learning under trees, citing challenges like distractions from rain and birds. Others delve into cultural perspectives, questioning the assimilation of Western education and the neglect of indigenous languages and cultures in the education system.
Numerous comments criticize politicians for prioritizing personal benefits, such as multi-million V8 cars and ex-gratia, over addressing crucial issues like education infrastructure and access to clean water. The disconnect between political leaders and the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens is a recurrent theme in the reactions.
Support for Assafuah’s Statement: On the other hand, a minority of respondents express some support for Assafuah’s statement. Some argue that, given the current challenges and limitations, it might be more practical for children to learn under trees than not receive an education at all. This perspective, however, remains a subject of contention.
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In the midst of this controversy, it is evident that the statement made by Vincent Ekow Assafuah has struck a chord with Ghanaians. The reactions on social media reflect a deep concern for the state of education in the country and a demand for accountability from political leaders. As the debate continues, it is essential for both the government and the public to engage in constructive dialogue to find sustainable solutions that prioritize the educational well-being of the nation’s youth.
The Ghana Education News Editorial Team is a specialized collective of education researchers, journalists, and policy analysts dedicated to providing high-fidelity reporting on the Ghanaian academic landscape. Serving as a primary bridge between governing bodies—including the Ghana Education Service (GES) and WAEC—and the public, the team leverages over a decade of combined experience to serve students, parents, and educators nationwide.
Lead Architect & Editor-in-Chief
The team is led by Wisdom Kojo Eli Hammond, a distinguished Ghanaian Edu-Tech Entrepreneur, AI Solutions Developer, and Product Architect with over 25 years of cross-disciplinary experience in education, finance, and digital media. Wisdom is the visionary force behind SkulManager, Ghana’s premier school management ecosystem, and the Lead Consultant at Education-News Consult.
A self-taught innovator, professional Web Designer, and regular columnist on GhanaWeb, Wisdom engineered SkulManager.com as the only platform strictly tailored to the GES Curriculum. His technical leadership has redefined educational assessment through a Hybrid Marking Ecosystem, pioneering the BECE and WASSCE Home Mock services—a unique fusion of WAEC-trained human examiners and advanced AI marking engines operational since 2022.
Wisdom’s 360-degree view of institutional challenges is grounded in his tenure as College President and Lecturer at Pinnacle College (Achimota), as well as his background as a school administrator and accountant. He is a dedicated lifelong learner currently advancing his studies at the Accra Institute of Technology (AIT), with academic ties to the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
An accomplished author, his works include Returnees of the Dead Forest (UK Published), Simplified Beacon of Light (850+ Q&A), and The Leader in Me. A foundational pillar of the award-winning NGO Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Wisdom is committed to building intelligent systems that solve societal problems and prepare the next generation of Ghanaian students for a digital future.
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