The role and contribution of Regional Directors of Education to the success of the Ghana Education Service cannot be overstated. Their leadership at the regional level forms the backbone of effective supervision, quality assurance, and the overall progress of teaching and learning across the country. It is in recognition of this critical responsibility that the continuous capacity-building and training for these officers remain dear to the heart of the management of GES. Management convened the 2025 week-long Regional Directors Retreat and Training at Ho from 2nd to 5th December.

The retreat brought together Regional Directors of Education and key national officers for a week of reflection, capacity-building and strategic dialogue. It aimed at strengthening leadership competencies, improving understanding of the legal and policy frameworks that guide education delivery, fostering cross-regional collaboration, and enhancing the quality of support offered to schools.

During the engagement, the Director-General, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, acknowledged the tireless efforts of the directors. He also noted the onerous and demanding nature of their work. He indicated that the success of reforms, policies, and day-to-day school operations rest heavily on the dedication and strategic leadership they provide. He encouraged them to continue upholding professionalism, accountability and learner-focused leadership across their regions.

Participants took part in wide-ranging sessions covering:

- Governance, regulatory and legal frameworks

- Leadership standards and performance management

- Secondary education reforms and lessons from implementation

- Review and development of Regional Education Directorate Improvement Plans (REDIPs)

- Coaching and mentorship approaches for school leadership

- Public Financial Management Act compliance

- Welfare, equity and retirement considerations

A field visit to selected institutions and schools further enriched the retreat, offering directors practical insights and opportunities for peer learning.

The retreat concluded with a renewed resolve to strengthen regional leadership, reinforce communication between Headquarters and the regions, and drive improvements in teaching, learning and accountability across Ghana.

GES expresses profound appreciation to all directors and facilitators whose commitment and insights made the retreat a success. The Service remains dedicated to supporting its leaders to deliver equitable and high-quality education to all learners.