The government has appointed Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, the Provost of the College of Education at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), as the new Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES). His extensive academic and administrative expertise positions him as a transformational leader in Ghana’s education sector.
Prof. Davis succeeds Dr. Eric Nkansah, who was recently relieved of his duties as Director-General.
Academic and Professional Background
Prof. Davis holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from Hiroshima University in Japan. He earned his Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Mathematics from UCC in 1999.
Throughout his academic journey, Prof. Davis has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including:
• Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS) – 2007
• British Academy Visiting Scholar Award – 2011
• Inter-Departmental Research Support Grant from UCC’s Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Consultancy (DRIC)
Leadership and Professional Memberships
Prof. Davis has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as the Vice-President of the Ghana Education Research Association (GERA-Ghana) in 2018. He is also an active member of multiple professional organizations, such as:
• Ghana Mathematics Society
• Mathematics Association of Ghana (MAG)
• World Education Research Association (WERA)
• University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)
• Southern African Association of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (SAARMSTE)
UCC Provost and Beyond
On August 1, 2022, Prof. Davis assumed the role of Provost at UCC’s College of Education Studies for a three-year term. His tenure has been marked by a focus on innovation, research, and capacity building in education.
A New Era for GES
As Director-General of GES, Prof. Davis is expected to bring fresh perspectives and effective solutions to the challenges facing Ghana’s education system. His appointment reflects the government’s confidence in his ability to drive innovation, enhance education standards, and foster excellence at all levels of learning.
The education community and stakeholders are optimistic about his leadership, hoping for significant improvements under his tenure.