
Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh
FOUNDER AND CEO
A Visionary Leader Driving Significant Educational Advancement
Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh is a distinguished leader in education, with over two decades of experience driving meaningful advancements in the field. As the Founder and CEO of The Orpington Group, and through his impactful tenure as the Deputy Director-General for Quality and Access at the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr. Tandoh has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to enhancing educational quality, access, and outcomes.
His visionary approach and strategic acumen have positioned him as a key figure in shaping educational policy and driving significant positive change on a national and international scale.
A History of National Impact:
Dr. Tandoh’s legacy in shaping Ghana’s educational landscape is profound and far-reaching, marked by his instrumental role in the design and implementation of the groundbreaking Double Track School System. This innovative approach, a cornerstone of the Free Senior High School Policy, directly addressed the burgeoning demand for secondary education, opening doors for countless Ghanaian students who might otherwise have been excluded. By strategically optimizing existing resources and infrastructure, the Double Track system has demonstrably increased access to senior high school enrollment, providing a crucial pathway for young Ghanaians to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the nation’s future.
Beyond expanding access, Dr. Tandoh’s capacity for large-scale project conceptualization and execution is evident in his leadership of the $218.7 million Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP). This ambitious initiative, supported by the World Bank, underscores his commitment to not just access, but also to improving the quality of education and learning outcomes across the country. The sheer scale of this project speaks volumes about his ability to translate vision into tangible results with national significance.
During his tenure at the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr. Tandoh provided strategic oversight for an extensive network of over 40,000 public pre-tertiary schools. His leadership extended across a diverse portfolio of critical areas, including spearheading impactful initiatives in research and assessment, strengthening the foundations of early childhood education, championing girls’ education, and driving advancements in curriculum development and teacher training.
His proactive approach to addressing educational challenges is exemplified by his pivotal role in developing Ghana’s Education in Emergency Policy. This crucial framework provides a roadmap for ensuring the continuity of learning during crises, demonstrating his foresight and commitment to the well-being and educational progress of students even in challenging circumstances. Furthermore, his championing of technology-driven solutions led to the successful implementation of the GES PLC App. This innovative platform has fostered vibrant professional learning communities among educators, facilitating collaboration, knowledge sharing, and ultimately, the continuous improvement of teaching practices across the nation.
Dr. Tandoh’s influence also extended to the international arena. As a key member of the Ghanaian delegation, his negotiation skills were instrumental in securing the significant funding for the GALOP project at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C. This successful negotiation underscores his ability to articulate Ghana’s educational needs and build crucial partnerships to support national development goals.
Through these multifaceted contributions, Dr. Tandoh has not only shaped policy but has also directly impacted the lives and educational trajectories of countless Ghanaian students, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s educational system.
Global Expertise and Vision:
Dr. Tandoh’s expertise extends beyond national borders, as shown by his extensive consulting experience and international engagements. As the Founder and CEO of The Orpington Group, he has provided strategic advisory services to governments, institutions, and individuals across various educational areas, including change management, policy development, and school improvement.
His academic and professional journey includes significant roles at esteemed institutions such as Saint Louis Community College, Saint Louis University, and the University of Connecticut Health Center. His academic qualifications, including a PhD in Higher Education Leadership and Administration from Saint Louis University, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut, support his deep understanding of educational theory and practice.
A Champion of Educational Excellence:
Dr. Tandoh’s dedication to educational excellence is reflected in his numerous professional appointments, including his membership on the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). His active participation in international conferences and his role as a resource person on national media platforms further demonstrate his commitment to advancing educational discourse and practice.
Key Achievements and Contributions:
- Implementation of Ghana’s Double Track School System: Significantly increasing access to Senior High School education.
- Leadership in the $218.7 million GALOP project: Driving improvements in learning outcomes across Ghana.
- Development of the Education in Emergency Policy in Ghana: Ensuring continuity of education during crises.
- Implementation of the GES PLC App: Enhancing teacher professional development.
- Strategic leadership at The Orpington Group: Providing expert consulting services to drive educational improvement.
- Accreditation Expertise: successfully led multiple institutions through accreditation processes, including the Goodwin College Ghana accreditation with the National Accreditation Board of Ghana.
- International Engagement: Actively participated in global education conferences and served as a technical advisor for educational reforms in Kenya.
A Leader for the Future:
Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh’s unwavering dedication to educational excellence, coupled with his strategic vision and proven track record, positions him as a leader poised to shape the future of education. His ability to connect theory and practice, coupled with his commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships, makes him an invaluable asset to any organization or initiative seeking to drive sustainable educational impact.