The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has revealed that 38% of learners in Primary 2 were able to read during the previous National Standardized Test (NST). The test which was conducted for both Primary 4 and 2 learners in all schools across the country assessed the young learners’ abilities in basic numeracy and literacy skills. In a speech dubbed “State of Education Address” delivered at the Accra International Conference Center by the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum on Tuesday, 30th July, 2024, he indicated that this performance was better than what was recorded in 2015.
The event was attended by many dignitaries, traditional leaders, celebrities, heads of agencies under the ministry of education and many others.
see photos below:
He outlined the government of Ghana’s plans and accomplishments in transforming education across the nation. The address highlighted some key initiatives and achievements, reflecting his government’s commitment to providing quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all Ghanaian children.
The Minister emphasized the transformative changes in kindergarten education, focusing on engaging play-based pedagogies that enhance early childhood development.
According to the Minister, schools in Ghana have now started enjoying advanced technologies like smart boards, projectors, tablets, LMS, IO Bots as well as Content Access Points in their learning classrooms. Modern teaching methodologies are also being implemented nationwide in both basic and senior high schools. The Minister gave example of these efforts as the Ghana Education Outcomes Project (GEOP), which has successfully reintegrated 17,340 learners through the Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP), earning prestigious accolades for Ghana.
The government of Ghana has made substantial investments in educational infrastructure at the foundational level. Schools like Ahafoman Basic School and APCE Demonstration School in Agogo have seen significant improvements, providing better learning environments for students.
Dr. yaw osei adutwum – minister of education, ghana
The Minister announced the establishment of Model STEM Academies, including the ongoing Accra STEM Academy project. He said these academies aim to formalize STEM education, ensuring that Ghanaian students are well-prepared for the demands of the future.
On the achievement of gender parity in secondary education, the Minister revealed that the inclusive, standard-based curriculum, coupled with national standardized tests and specialized curricula for SHS, SHTS, and STEM, ensures equal educational opportunities for both genders.
He also stated that Ghana has made impressive strides in achieving gender parity at the senior secondary school level, attaining a Gender Parity Ratio (GPI) of 1.
The Minister also spoke about the integration of education technology (EdTech) and digitalization initiatives. He mentioned Programs like the Ghana Learning Passport, the Ghana Smart Schools Project, and the “One Student, One Tablet” initiative which aim to make learning more accessible and effective through technology.
Expanding Complementary and Tertiary Education
According to Dr. Adutwum, Complementary Basic Education (CBE) in Ghana has brought over 66,821 children back into the formal system of mainstream schooling since 2020.
He further intimated that 219,849 adults, particularly women and the rural poor, have received literacy and functional skills training since 2017. The Akuffo Addo government has also introduced new policies and bills to enhance tertiary education. This according to the sector Minister has increased the Gross Tertiary Enrollment Ratio (GTER) from 16% in 2017 to 22% in 2023. Initiatives like the Pre-Engineering Programme and the establishment of new universities will soon push Ghana’s tertiary education landscape up the ladder in Africa and the world.
In his conclusion remarks the Minister assured Ghanaians of his government’s commitment to investing in education, believing in the potential of Ghanaian children to excel.
“The future of Ghana is ahead of us and not behind us,” the Minister declared. “Let us work together to make this dream a reality!”, he added.
Download the full Address Here 👇
