A Legacy of Leadership: An impactful public service journey!

To whom much is given, much is expected.

This saying applies to Dr. Eric Nkansah, the former Director General of GES. He faced high expectations during his tenure.

Advocacy

In October 2022, I joined an advocacy group called Concerned Citizens Against Discrimination. We supported Dr. Nkansah's appointment as Director General despite opposition from Teacher Unions. He proved his critics wrong and gained widespread support.

I followed his social media posts closely during his time in office. Before his appointment by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, I had never met him.

Reflections

As Dr. Nkansah's term ended recently, it's time to reflect on his achievements. On January 27, 2025, he posted a farewell message after leaving office. Many well-wishers commented on this post.

One comment came from Mr. Bruce Senam McBrian, a teacher: "You gave it your best shot! Thank you."

On January 1, 2025, Mr. Edward Honest Polley responded to Dr. Nkansah’s New Year post with gratitude for his support of Saviour Children Foundation Home.

He expressed appreciation for Dr. Nkansah's kindness towards the less privileged and orphans.

Rising Above Discrimination

After reviewing Dr. Nkansah's achievements as Director General, I felt compelled to write this follow-up article. Our nation must rise above discrimination in public appointments based on tribe, politics, religion, gender, or age.

Dr. Nkansah was the youngest Director General of GES and succeeded a seasoned professor. His appointment faced age discrimination challenges.

We should not hesitate to appoint younger leaders with potential for our nation's future success.

I commend President John Dramani Mahama for appointing younger individuals into leadership roles.

Impact

Under Dr. Nkansah’s leadership, GES aimed to build a modern education system for all Ghanaian children without discrimination.

He focused on four key strategic pillars:

1. Improving staff working conditions.
2. Enhancing internal processes for efficiency.
3. Advancing data management through technology.
4. Establishing strong performance management at all levels.

Dr. Nkansah collaborated with stakeholders in education to achieve these goals successfully.

Success Story

Some highlights of Dr. Nkansah’s successes include:

1. Data Management Using Technology: He developed the Ghana Education Service Management Information System (GESMIS). This platform improved educational data management and streamlined tracking of essential metrics.

By December 2024, over 300,000 staff were onboarded onto GESMIS.

The Minister for Education officially launched it in December 2024.

2. Gender Parity: A March 2025 report showed Ghana achieved gender parity in pre-tertiary education levels under his leadership.

Girls outnumbered boys in senior and junior high schools by the end of his term.

3. Self-Posting Recruitment Module: In 2024, GES introduced a new recruitment module for newly trained teachers from public Colleges of Education.

This allowed them to choose their preferred regions and schools while reducing language barriers and economic strain.

For more details on Dr. Eric Nkansah’s successes as Director General of GES visit www.drericnkansah.com.

During his tenure as Director-General, significant progress was made in educational reforms and administrative efficiency across pre-tertiary education in Ghana.

Dr. Nkansah's leadership has left a lasting impact on education and governance in our country; thus we celebrate his legacy today as former Director General of GES.