President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated that the principle that education is a fundamental instrument of justice is firmly rooted in Ghana’s national constitution.
He said Article 25 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana provided that, “All persons shall have the right to equal educational opportunities and facilities and with a view to achieving the full realization of that right. Basic education shall be free, compulsory and available to all.”
He emphasised that this foundational Article captured the soul of their national commitment that education was not a privilege nor was it an afterthought of government policy but an inherent right, a necessary condition for the dignity, empowerment and full realization of every citizen.
“This constitutional declaration reflects the universal truth that education is the purest expression of justice, especially in times of crisis,” President Mahama said in his remarks at the 2025 Doha Forum on the theme “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress”.
The President said the 2025 Doha Forum was taking place in a world that was confronted with multiple overlapping crises, conflicts, economic shocks, climate instability, pandemics and growing social and economic inequalities.
He said these crises did not only disrupt economies, they disrupt childhoods, destroy infrastructure and the dreams of children.
He said in such times, education must become the battleground for justice.
“Education is justice when it ensures that a child uprooted by conflict does not lose her dreams or her future. Education is justice when a child living with disability receives targeted support in order to thrive,” President Mahama stated.
“Education is justice when learning continues despite pandemics, economic hardship or climate disasters.
“Education is justice when young people are equipped to rebuild their communities and lead global transformation.”
The President said in every crisis, education stands as the first line of protection, the most reliable social stabilizer and the foundation on which long-term recovery can be built.
“And this is why education in emergencies must be seen as life-saving and not optional.”
GNA
