Education Ministry Launches Revamped Research Group to Drive Evidence-Based Reforms

The Ministry of Education has officially launched a revitalised Education Sector Research Group (ESRG) as part of efforts to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in Ghana’s education system.

The reconstituted ESRG, a key component of the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project Additional Financing (GALOP AF2), brings together a broad coalition of stakeholders from academia, civil society, development agencies, and government to ensure policies are guided by reliable data and research.

“This marks a new chapter for research and policy in our education sector,” said the Minister for Education. “Evidence harnessed for strategic decisions empowers us to allocate resources more effectively and equitably to improve learning outcomes.”

A Broader, More Inclusive ESRG

The revamped ESRG is designed to be more dynamic and inclusive than its predecessor, with expanded membership from universities, think tanks, NGOs, and international partners. The group will serve as a cornerstone for shaping policy through high-quality research.

“The previous ESRG served us well, but its scope was limited,” the Minister said. “This new structure ensures a wider range of perspectives inform our strategies, making them more responsive and impactful.”

Introducing GEEDLab: A Hub for Education Data Science

A standout feature of GALOP AF2 is the establishment of the Ghana Education Evidence and Data Laboratory (GEEDLab). This national centre will bring data scientists, researchers, and policymakers together to co-create practical, real-time solutions to pressing educational challenges.

“GEEDLab is more than a lab—it’s a collaborative ecosystem. It will bridge the gap between research and decision-making,” the Minister noted.

Focusing on Results and Accountability

The ESRG will take on several core responsibilities, including:

• Developing a national Research and Learning Agenda (RLA)

• Coordinating and synthesizing impactful research

• Monitoring how evidence is used in policymaking

The Minister stressed the urgency of the group’s role, especially in addressing challenges like learning loss, digital inequality, and education in emergencies.

“We don’t just need more data—we need smarter, faster decision-making based on that data,” the Minister said. “The ESRG must be bold in challenging assumptions and sharing insights across sectors.”

Transparency and Collaboration at the Core

The ESRG will meet quarterly and publish research protocols, datasets, and findings to encourage transparency and public accountability.

“Let’s make this group a model of collaborative action. The future of millions of Ghanaian children depends on the decisions we take today,” the Minister urged.

Support from Global Partners

The Ministry extended gratitude to international partners including the World Bank, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), and SCALE Funders for supporting the ESRG and the broader education transformation agenda.

“Our partners have shown deep belief in Ghana’s capacity to lead in education reform,” said the Minister. “Their support strengthens our resolve to build a system where research drives real change.”

With the new ESRG and GEEDLab now operational, the Ministry of Education aims to embed data and evidence at the heart of national education policy—ensuring reforms are both equitable and effective.