Minister of Education Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has emphasised that comprehensive efforts to overhaul the education sector is progressing according to plan and are yielding positive results.
Speaking at the ‘State of Education in Ghana Address’, organised by the Education Ministry, he highlighted that the government’s initiatives aimed to bring about holistic transformation in the education system, with focus on enhancing learning outcomes, equipping students with essential 21st-century skills and fostering innovation in teaching methods.
“The past seven years have seen a significant overhaul of our education sector policies, and I am proud to say that these efforts are now bearing fruit. Our commitment to providing inclusive and quality education for all Ghanaian children is unwavering, and we will continue to build on this progress,” he said.
Dr. Adutwum further emphasised the critical importance of education in shaping the future of the country, underscoring the need for a modern and dynamic approach to teaching and learning as a way to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving global landscape.
He reiterated that the Free Senior High School (FSHS) programme, Ghana Smart Schools Programme (GSSP) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) schools infrastructure investment initiatives, among other ongoing reforms, are designed to create a learning environment that is conducive to nurturing creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
“As the education sector undergoes a holistic transformation, I assure you that the government of President Nana Akufo-Addo remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence and equity in education, with a vision to empower every student to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society,” he reiterated.
He acknowledged the challenges ahead, but emphasised the resilience and dedication of all stakeholders involved in realising the vision of a fourth industry revolution, inclusive and forward-thinking education system.
The Education Minister urged continued support and collaboration from all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the reform initiatives.
Key transformative initiatives
The education Minister outlined some of the key initiatives implemented to achieve this holistic transformation. These include curriculum enrichment. The revision of curricula across all levels to align with the latest educational standards and best practices. The updated curriculum for SHS, for instance, places a greater emphasis on STEM subjects, digital literacy and critical thinking to prepare students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.
Teacher Development: Comprehensive programmess to enhance teacher training and professional development to ensure that educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality instruction has now shown impressive pass rates in BECE and WASSCE.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Investment in improving school infrastructure and facilities to create a conducive learning environment for students. This includes upgrading classrooms, libraries, laboratories and other educational facilities to support modern teaching and learning practices, as well as establishment of new STEM schools.
Implementation of FSHS to cater for the diverse needs of learners, including academic assistance and non-academic, is a major transformation that has significantly improved access to universal secondary education. It also promoted gender parity at the second cycle level.