Listen to this articleEducation is a fundamental right that should be accessible to every citizen of Ghana. It is a vital tool for empowerment, development, and progress. In recent years, the Ghanaian government has made significant strides in improving the education sector. Here are some of the latest education news in Ghana that you should know about.
Free Senior High School Education Policy
One of the most significant developments in Ghana’s education sector is the implementation of the Free Senior High School Education policy in 2017. This policy aims to make secondary education accessible to all Ghanaian children, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The policy provides free tuition, textbooks, and other essential learning materials for all students in public senior high schools. Since its implementation, thousands of students who would have dropped out of school due to financial constraints have been able to continue their education.
Double Track System
The Double Track System was introduced in 2018 as part of the Free Senior High School Education policy to address the challenge of overcrowding in senior high schools. Under the Double Track System, students are divided into two groups – the Green Track and the Gold Track – and attend school on a rotational basis. This system has helped to reduce class sizes and improve the quality of education.
Ghana’s Performance in PISA
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a global assessment of the educational achievement of 15-year-old students in reading, mathematics, and science. In 2019, Ghana participated in the PISA for the first time and ranked 77th out of 79 participating countries. This ranking is an indication that there is still a lot of work to be done to improve the quality of education in Ghana.
COVID-19 Impact on Education
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on education worldwide, and Ghana is no exception. Schools were closed in March 2020 to curb the spread of the virus, and students had to rely on virtual learning platforms to continue their education. The government has since reopened schools, but students are required to adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols, such as wearing masks and observing social distancing.
National Education Policy Framework
In 2020, the Ghanaian government launched a National Education Policy Framework to guide the development and implementation of education policies in the country. The framework focuses on six key areas, including access, quality, equity, governance, finance, and partnerships.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): The government is also prioritizing TVET to equip students with skills that can help them succeed in the workforce. The government has launched several initiatives to promote TVET, including the establishment of a TVET Service and a TVET Council.
Teacher Education
The quality of education in Ghana largely depends on the quality of teachers. The government has launched several initiatives to improve teacher education and training, including the introduction of a new teacher education curriculum, the establishment of a National Teacher Education Forum, and the provision of incentives to attract and retain qualified teachers.
Infrastructure Development
The government has embarked on an ambitious infrastructure development program to improve the learning environment in schools. The government is constructing new classrooms, dormitories, libraries, and other facilities to ensure that students have access to modern and comfortable learning spaces.
Private Sector Involvement
The government is also encouraging private sector involvement in the education sector to increase access and improve the quality of education. The government has launched several initiatives to promote public-private partnerships in education, including tax incentives for private investors in the education sector.
