Education, Choosing of School, etc

TOPIC: EDUCATION, CHOOSING SCHOOLS AND COURSES, AND CAREER PATHWAYS

PANELIST ONE: OPOKU KODUAH FRANCIS

Opening Points

Professional courses can be done by everyone.

Business or establishing a business is one of the surest ways to prosperity.

Never too late to learn.

On Academic Path: SHS and University Admission in Ghana

No single score fits all. Admission depends on BECE (for SHS) or WASSCE (for University), plus cut off points that change yearly based on demand.

SHS Key Targets:

Aggregate 36 or better equals general automatic placement.

Aggregate 30 or better gives a stronger chance at preferred schools.

Aggregate 35 plus grade 5 in English and Math equals self placement, where space allows.

Science and Business programs often require grade 5 or better in Integrated Science, English, and Math.

University Key Targets:

Minimum is credits (A1 to C6) in 6 subjects, 3 Core and 3 Electives, aggregate 24 or better.

Competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering need aggregate 6 to 12, for example at the University of Ghana.

Postgraduate requires at least Second Class Lower or GPA 2.0.

Course specific subjects matter:

Sciences require credits in English, Math, Integrated Science, plus 3 science electives.

Non sciences require credits in English, Math, Social Studies, plus 3 relevant electives (plus Integrated Science).

On Discovering Your God Given Interests and Career Fit

There are 6 interest categories, each with career examples:

Building or Making, hands on work such as Engineer, Chef, Carpenter.

Thinking or Exploring, curious and analytical work such as Scientist, Analyst, Developer.

Creating or Expressing, artistic work such as Designer, Writer, Musician.

Helping or Developing, people focused work such as Teacher, Nurse, Coach.

Leading or Persuading, strategic work such as Lawyer, Entrepreneur, Manager.

Organizing or Data, detail oriented work such as Accountant, Auditor, Actuary.

Two practical tips to find your fit:

Look at your hobbies, they reveal your natural interest zone.

Consider your work style, solo or team, routine or variety.

On Solo Versus Team Work

If you prefer solo work, you value deep focus, autonomy, and minimal interruptions.

Careers include Developer, Data Scientist, Writer, Graphic Designer, Accountant, Researcher, Freelancer.

The tip is to look for individual contributor roles.

If you prefer team work, you value collaboration, brainstorming, and shared wins.

Careers include Project Manager, Physician or Nurse, Teacher, Marketing Manager, Lawyer, Entrepreneur, Event Planner.

The tip is to look for collaborative in job descriptions.

On How to Choose SHS in Ghana, 2026 Rules

Pick after results. Now you choose after seeing your BECE grades, so you can match schools to your score.

Choose 8 schools total. Rank them number 1 to number 8, most wanted first. Maximum 5 boarding, at least 3 day schools.

Follow the category limits.

Category A, top schools, pick no more than 2, that is 1 boarding plus 1 day.

Category B, pick up to 3.

Category C, pick at least 3 to complete your 8.

Placement isn't just aggregate. The system also considers your programme choice, Science or Business and so on, boarding versus day preference, and available spaces.

Final tips: put your real dream school at number 1, consider TVET as a great option, and never pay anyone, placement is completely free.

On Professional Skills Outside Formal University

There are many professional skills you can learn outside of a formal university. In Ghana, these pathways are often grouped into traditional apprenticeships or modern online certifications, with options for everyone from beginners to professionals.

Modern Tech and Business (Online)

These are 100 percent online, self paced, and can be done from a phone. They are great for global careers.

Tech Skills: Cybersecurity, AI, Data Science, and IT Support, offered by Google, IBM, AWS.

Business Skills: Digital Marketing, Project Management, and Supply Chain, offered by HubSpot, Google, edX.

Example: a Certified Supply Chain Analyst (CSCA) credential can give you a globally recognized edge.

Traditional Hands on Trades (In Person)

These are structured apprenticeship programs where you learn directly from a master.

National Apprenticeship Program (NAP): a government initiative teaching trades like fashion, cosmetology, hospitality, agriculture, and renewable energy. It includes free training, a monthly stipend, and startup tools when you graduate.

Structured Trades: formal pathways to become a certified electrician, tailor, or automotive technician through CTVET.

Formal Online Certificates

For those who want university level knowledge without the full degree commitment, platforms like edX offer MicroMasters or professional certificates that can even count towards college credits later.

PANELIST TWO: MADAM ROSEMOND OTUBIA

Currently doing a course I prefer because I was not given the opportunity to choose, Madam Rosemond said.

Professional courses are necessary, mainstream education is not sufficient.

A friend has completed a masters program without getting a job, going on 11 years now.

A skill, trade, or professional course is important in the absence of a job.

Office work is not everything.

Once you learn a trade or skill you become a mentor.

PANELIST THREE: MADAM JANNEY APPIAH KUSI

Teaching was my love and I got it, Madam Janney says.

Teaching is a great profession. My community admires me and I am well respected by everyone including the kids in my community whom I often engage with when I need someone to run an errand.

Do the course you love. Assess yourself. See your strengths and weaknesses and choose boldly.

If you are not patient with people don't venture into nursing or medicine, because that field requires a lot of patience.

For teaching, the only problem currently is the salary, so I am currently furthering my course.

Know what course you need to do in order to get the career you want.

PANELIST FOUR: MRS VICTORIA KUSI

Wanted to do nursing but couldn't get that opportunity. My father decided I should do fashion, so this created some frustrations. I wasn't happy in class. Eventually I entered into teaching.

So my advice is that you talk to your parents. Be honest with them. Let them know your interest so that they consider that when choosing a course for you.

Humorously she said that she is a disappointed nurse.

PANELIST FIVE: BRIDGET AKOMEA

The don'ts. Mistakes that you shouldn't make.

Don't follow peers.

Don't choose a school because of hype.

Don't choose a course you are incapable of.