Education Reforms in Ghana

Book excerpt: The decision to undertake this research was a pragmatic response to the debates, which followed the introduction of a new innovative secondary education system in Ghana. This book investigates the innovation during its formation since 1974, inception from 1987 and, in respect of field research, aspects of its operation from 1998 to 2002.The primary aim of the research was to monitor the implementation processes in as many aspects as possible. This was done in order to see what benefits might be gained, and what lessons in order to continue the innovation. In order to conduct this assessment, it was necessary to examine critically the characteristics of each element of the reform and their implications, using a variety of research methods to generate relevant data. This approach yielded a substantial amount of original evidence on the dynamics of educational change. While this evaluation specifically helps to deepen understanding of the said innovation, it also makes a contribution to the literature on educational innovation in developing countries.