Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has challenged Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to provide answers to his claim that Ghana’s education sector is facing a crisis over school placements.

Speaking on TV3’s “New Day” morning programme, monitored by Gordon Sackitey, Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged that the government is under significant pressure to respond to the needs of students and parents, particularly regarding school placements.

He, however, cautioned against describing the situation as a crisis, arguing that similar challenges existed under previous administrations.

“Inadequate, for example, I’m struggling with placements. I am. As Minister, I would accept that we have come under overwhelming pressure to respond and be responsive to the needs of Ghanaian students and parents. But it does not mean we should exaggerate it as a crisis.”

Mr. Iddrisu, a former Minority Leader, also took issue with the current Minority leadership, saying the office is an important one that requires careful communication and consultation.

He praised Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s performance but urged him to consult more widely and work with a team in discharging his responsibilities.

“The Honourable Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin is doing well but on a few enterprises of the Minority leadership, he needs to be doing more consultation and work with a team.”

The Education Minister further questioned whether the challenges being described as a crisis were new to Ghana’s education system.

“So when the Honourable Afenyo says crisis, did the crisis start one and a half years ago or…? He should provide answers.”

Mr. Iddrisu also defended Ghana’s democratic credentials, describing the country as a beacon of hope in Africa and stressing the importance of protecting the country’s democratic ethos.

He said the Office of the Minority Leader carries significant responsibility and should be guided by facts and truth.

“The Office of the Minority Leader is a very important office. So when you are not sure, don’t speak.”

The comments come amid renewed political debate over challenges confronting the education sector, particularly the placement of students into Senior High Schools.