Wisdom Koudjo Klu: Educationist Calls for Mandatory Leadership Training for School Heads in Ghana

A Ghanaian educationist, Wisdom Koudjo Klu, has called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to introduce mandatory leadership training for all school leaders, arguing that rank-based appointments alone are insufficient to ensure effective school management.

According to him, while the current system of promoting teachers into leadership roles based on rank and years of service recognizes experience, it fails to adequately prepare individuals for the complex demands of school leadership.

“Leading a school today requires more than experience in the classroom. It demands strategic thinking, instructional leadership, resource management, and the ability to drive measurable improvements in learning outcomes,” he stated.

He explained that many school leaders assume office without formal training in leadership and management, thereby creating a gap between promotion and preparedness. This, he noted, often results in weak institutional performance, low teacher motivation, and limited progress in student achievement.

Wisdom Koudjo Klu, therefore, emphasized the need for a policy shift from a purely rank-based system to a competency-driven leadership model.

“As long as rank remains the pathway to leadership, then rigorous training must become the standard for readiness,” he stressed.

He proposed that leadership certification should be made a prerequisite for appointment as a headteacher or school leader.

Additionally, the Educationist recommended the development of a national school leadership competency framework to guide recruitment, training, and performance evaluation.

Furthermore, he called for continuous professional development programmes, structured mentorship systems for newly appointed leaders, and performance-based accountability measures to ensure that leadership translates into improved educational outcomes.

“Leadership should not be assumed—it must be prepared for,” he added.
He concluded by urging policymakers to act with urgency, noting that the quality of school leadership directly impacts teaching effectiveness, student success, and national development.

“When school leaders are properly trained, schools improve. When schools improve, learners succeed. And when learners succeed, the nation prospers,” he said.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh