BY Daniel Bampoe
Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, has called for the strengthening of school leadership across Ghana, emphasizing that empowered heads of basic schools are central to improving educational outcomes nationwide.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour at the 2nd Quadrennial Elective Conference of the Conference of Heads of Basic Schools (COHBS) at the Kibi Greenery Site Auditorium on 20 November 2025, Dr. Agyemang underscored the transformative role of headteachers in shaping the future of the nation’s children.
Addressing school leaders under the theme, “Empowering Heads, Enhancing Education Leadership for Quality Basic Education,” the MP highlighted the personal and professional significance of the event.
“Whenever I stand before teachers, I do not simply meet professionals; I come face to face with the very origins of discipline, humility, and service that shaped my path,” Dr. Agyemang said, reflecting on the influence of his late mother, a trained teacher from Agogo Presbyterian Women’s Training College.
He recounted his long-standing engagement with the educational sector, noting that most of his invitations to speak at national and regional events in 2025 have come from schools and educational organizations.
He further highlighted a recent experience addressing the Federation of African Law Students at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, which reinforced his belief in the power of educational gatherings to inspire leadership and innovation across the continent.
Dr. Agyemang also shared examples from his constituency, noting the Abuakwa South practice of inviting pupils from all twenty-four electoral areas to visit Parliament House.
“These visits allow our children to walk through the chambers where national decisions are made, observe proceedings, ask questions, and meet their leaders,” he said.
He described the moments as transformative, both for pupils and educators, emphasizing the importance of connecting young learners to real-life experiences beyond the classroom.
Highlighting the theme of the conference, Dr. Agyemang explained that “empowering heads” involves equipping school leaders with the skills, resources, and institutional clarity necessary to exercise both administrative and instructional leadership.
He noted that global studies, including research by Leithwood et al. (2020) and UNESCO (2023), emphasize that effective school leadership is crucial to improving learning outcomes, teacher effectiveness, and student well-being.
He also addressed the evolving role of heads in modern educational systems. Drawing from his own experiences at Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary, Dr. Agyemang recalled how disciplined and visionary leadership shaped students’ values and aspirations.
He argued that today’s headteachers are not merely administrators but instructional leaders, counsellors, and community anchors who must balance educational excellence with social, technological, and moral responsibilities.
The MP acknowledged the challenges faced by headteachers, including resource limitations, teacher management, community engagement, and the pressures of digital transformation.
Despite these constraints, he lauded Ghanaian school leaders for demonstrating resilience, ingenuity, and a commitment to transforming lives.
“Where infrastructure is limited, you build community support. Where learning materials are inadequate, you innovate. Through these efforts, you keep the educational flame burning,” he said.
Dr. Agyemang also emphasized the importance of aligning school leadership with national education policy.
He cited the Education Strategic Plan, which prioritizes decentralization, data-driven management, continuous professional development, and accountability frameworks.
According to him, effective translation of policy into classroom practice depends on visionary school heads who can motivate teachers, safeguard standards, and nurture students’ holistic development.
The MP further stressed the need for continuous capacity building for school heads.
He highlighted initiatives by the National Teaching Council and the National School Inspectorate Authority, including mentorship, ethical leadership training, and programs to enhance instructional, managerial, and digital competencies.
“A well-trained headteacher becomes a force multiplier. Your competence elevates teachers, your clarity improves systems, and your vision uplifts children,” he stated.
He also used the occasion to celebrate local educational initiatives in Abuakwa South, including the Kingsley Spelling Bee, the Kingsley Science and Mathematics Quiz, and the upcoming Akosua Agyeiwaa Memorial Municipal Teacher Awards 2025, named in honor of his late mother.
According to Dr. Agyemang, these programs thrive because of the active involvement and support of school heads, who embrace collaboration and innovation to improve pupils’ learning experiences.
In conclusion, Dr. Agyemang called on school leaders, teachers, policymakers, and stakeholders to uphold principled, imaginative, and compassionate leadership.
“The destiny of our nation is written every day in our classrooms. Leadership that is principled and visionary ensures that no child’s dreams are limited, but expanded,” he said, urging all to continue investing in school leadership as the cornerstone of Ghana’s educational transformation.
The event brought together heads of basic schools across the Eastern Region to discuss strategies for enhancing educational leadership, sharing best practices, and strengthening the professional community of school leaders.
