Analysis of Ghana’s adult learning and education policy environment and governance framework: towards meeting the goal of lifelong learning for all

Adult learning and education (ALE) has gained increased attention since 2009 because of the Belem Framework for Action (BFA). Indeed, ALE is an essential component of lifelong learning and is vital to achieving Goal 4 of the Social Development Goals (SDGs). Implementing and improving ALE in Ghana across the three areas of the BFA, namely, adult literacy, policy and governance, may be described as minimal. Although the Education Sector Plans (ESPs) capture specific objectives and strategies for the non-formal sub-sector, the sector continues to receive the least money. Weak governance structure has resulted in many providers of ALE working in silos. A coordinated effort will foster strong advocacy and diffusion of the BFA and the Recommendation on Adult Learning and Education (RALE) guidelines as a relevant framework for providing ALE. Ghana must begin developing a national indicator framework for the non-formal sub-sector to ensure that no one is left behind.