Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum
The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has highlighted the government’s significant strides in transforming the country’s education system.
The minister noted that Ghana has made remarkable progress in improving the quality of education, with a focus on creating a more inclusive and innovative learning environment as well as developing critical minds and improving public schools.
Speaking on the current state of education in Ghana, Dr. Adutwum pointed to the government’s efforts in upgrading infrastructure, improving teacher training, and promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, which are yielding positive results.
He praised President Nana Akufo-Addo for delivering more in the education sector than he promised during his campaign.
According to him, the President’s achievements in education have surpassed his initial promises, transforming the sector and improving access to quality education for Ghanaians.
Education Provisions
He cited the government’s commitment to education as evidenced by the construction of new schools, refurbishment of existing ones, and provision of computers and robotics kits to schools.
The Accra STEM Academy was cited as an example, with its state-of-the-art facilities and modern equipment.
The minister showcased various projects, including the Bosomtwe STEM Academy, which was built with a million-dollar grant by the government in each constituency across the country.
According to him, the school also features state-of-the-art facilities, including a science lab, music class, and library.
Dr. Adutwum also highlighted the government’s efforts to promote equity and inclusion in education, particularly for girls and marginalised communities.
“We believe that every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances,” the minister said.
He noted that the Akufo-Addo government has also invested in infrastructure development, including the construction of new schools, dormitories, and classrooms, and the provision of educational materials and equipment.
Some of the key initiatives mentioned by the minister include the construction of 200 new schools across the country, renovation of 1,000 existing schools, distribution of 100,000 computers and robotic kits to schools, training of 10,000 teachers in STEM education among others.
Additionally, the government has introduced programmes to improve teacher training and capacity building, leading to better learning outcomes, he intimated.
Critical Thinking
He also mentioned the implementation of a new curriculum that focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving.
The minister emphasised that the goal of the education system is to develop critical minds that can think creatively, solve problems, and innovate, highlighting the need for a shift from memorisation to more interactive and engaging learning methods.
Dr. Adutwum declared that the era of “chew and pour” – a phrase used to describe the memorisation and regurgitation of facts without understanding – is over in Ghana’s education system.
He intimated that the focus has shifted from mere memorisation to critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.
“We are moving away from the ‘chew and pour’ approach, where students are only required to memorise and reproduce facts without understanding the underlying concepts,” he said.
Furthermore, the minister announced plans to introduce gifted and talented education in Ghana, aimed at nurturing and developing the skills of exceptional students.
“We want our students to be able to compete globally, and that requires a different approach to education,” the minister said.
FSHS Achievements
According to him, the introduction of Free Senior High (FSHS) has brought several achievements to the education sector, and one of the key achievements is the performance of Ghanaian students in the West African examinations, where two out of the top three performing students were from Ghana, with two of them hailing from St. James Seminary and High School in Sunyani.
In addition, the minister emphasised the government’s commitment to making education more accessible and affordable.
The introduction of a no-guarantor policy for student loans was mentioned, as well as the establishment of new universities, the expansion of existing ones, and the implementation of the Free SHS policy, which has increased enrollment and reduced financial burdens on parents.
The Education Minister stressed the need for the country to enhance its STEM education to participate in the fourth industrial revolution.
The minister noted that Ghana missed out on the second industrial revolution and was not fully part of the third industrial revolution, which was the revolution of the computer.
However, the minister said the government was determined to ensure that Ghana is not left behind in the fourth industrial revolution, which is the merger between the physical, electrical, and biological.
He also highlighted the importance of STEM education in creating jobs and driving industrialisation.
According to the World Economic Forum, 85 million jobs will be lost due to the introduction of artificial intelligence, but 97 million new jobs will be created.
The minister argued that nations that educate their youth in STEM and related technologies will have a positive job growth.
He said this is the reason Ghana is taking steps to enhance its STEM education, with the establishment of STEM centres across the country.
Dr. Adutwum was excited about the progress being made and believes that Ghana can take the lead in software development in Africa.
“The government is committed to lifting up inequality and getting ahead of the world in STEM education,” he asserted.
The minister’s vision is clear: to show the world that the African child is capable of learning new skills and participating in the fourth industrial revolution.
With the evidence of progress being made, the minister is confident that Ghana is making great strides in STEM education.
By Ernest Kofi Adu