Africa has made great achievements in recent years to widen educational access, but there are still major issues that need to be resolved.

The absence of adequate planning is one of the major problems with education in Africa. 

In order to guarantee that all students have access to high quality education, the planning must entail creating a long-term strategy.

Lack of planning

Sadly, there aren't enough comprehensive education plans in many African nations that are adapted to their unique requirements and conditions.

Poor educational planning has serious repercussions. Ineffective education and low enrolment rates result from education systems that are fragmented and lack cohesion. 

Hence, the continent's progress and prosperity are hampered and poverty and inequality are sustained.

Priority

Governments and education stakeholders in Africa must give priority to education planning in order to address these issues. 

In order to do this, policies that promote the creation of comprehensive education plans must be established, and it is important to make sure that these plans are successfully carried out.

A thorough grasp of the community's needs and circumstances should serve as the foundation for education planning.

This includes parents, teachers and community leaders in the planning process along with other stakeholders. 

This makes education planning more receptive to community demands and ensures that children receive a specialised education that meets their needs.

Budgeting

Also, there needs to be more funds spent on education in addition to education planning.

Governments in Africa should devote a sizeable percentage of their budgets to education, making sure that classrooms are supplied with the necessary materials and staffed with skilled instructors. 

By doing this, you can raise enrolment rates and improve the standard of instruction.

In conclusion, planning for education is essential to enhance education in Africa. African nations should guarantee that all children have access to high quality education by creating long-term education plans based on local requirements and complemented by increasing funding. 

This will enhance people's quality of life while simultaneously advancing development across the continent.

The writer is Education Programme Officer
Ghana Commission for UNESCO