The Central Regional Directorate of Education says that an increasing number of boys in Gomoa East are turning to Okada riding and other economic activities, a trend that is eroding their commitment to formal schooling and contributing to a decline in the district’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination results.
Dr Juliet Dufie Otami, the Central Regional Director of Education, warned that the problem is compounded by infrastructure deficits in senior high schools, including inadequate boarding facilities and poor learning environments. She urged parents, school authorities, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to collaborate to keep boys focused on their studies.
“Most of the boys are engaged in the Okada business, so I urge parents to be intentional about our male children enrolling in school,” Dr Otami said. She added that many boys stay in hostels or rented apartments, making monitoring difficult, but that efforts are underway to secure boarding facilities.
Education officials see the Okada trend as one of several factors behind the district’s slipping academic outcomes, and they call for a coordinated response to safeguard students’ futures.
