Ghana urges evidence-based investment in education for children affected by emergencies

Ghana has called on West African nations and their development partners to prioritize evidence-based investments in education for children affected by emergencies. Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Apaak made the plea at the Second High-Level Conference on Scaling Education Initiatives in Emergencies (ACCELERATE+) in Accra. Dr Apaak warned that acting without evidence in emergency situations could lead to inefficient use of scarce resources.

He highlighted the multiple crises facing West Africa, including insecurity, climate-related disasters, displacement, public health emergencies and economic pressures, all of which disrupt education. Girls, children with disabilities, rural communities and vulnerable households are often the hardest hit. Dr Apaak urged stakeholders to rely on research and data to determine effective interventions, their beneficiaries, costs and optimal conditions.

He cited Ghana's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where radio, television and online platforms sustained learning, but noted that children lacking digital devices, electricity or internet connectivity fell further behind. Dr Apaak emphasized that foundational learning, such as literacy and numeracy, must remain central to emergency education interventions.

He also stressed the importance of building resilience before crises, scaling up proven interventions, ensuring equity for marginalized groups, and strengthening domestic financing and regional cooperation. The conference aims to explore evidence and strategies for scaling education interventions in crisis-affected communities across West Africa.