During his address at the 61st Annual Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), President Nana Akufo-Addo asserted that the record and investment of his government in the education sector are unparalleled in the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the substantial allocation made to the education sector since assuming office in 2017. He stated, "The total allocation to the education sector since I came into office in 2017, is GH¢114,500,612,135, of which GH¢12,961,284,548 has been spent on senior high schools."
The President emphasized his government's steadfast commitment to education, leading to significant achievements in the areas of access, quality, and relevance. Consequently, Ghana has become a beacon of progress in the sector.
President Akufo-Addo outlined the numerous projects initiated by his government in Senior High Schools, including classroom blocks, science laboratories, dormitory blocks, toilet facilities, and nine newly constructed model STEM senior high schools. He highlighted the distribution of resources such as laptops for teachers, buses, pick-up vehicles, motorcycles, and furniture to enhance education delivery. Additionally, he announced the imminent distribution of 450,000 tablets as part of the 1-laptop-1-student policy.
In the realm of kindergarten, primary, and Junior High Schools (JHS), the government has made significant investments. In kindergarten schools, teachers have been equipped with modern teaching methodologies, age-appropriate learning materials, play equipment, and interactive resources. The President also mentioned the ongoing infrastructure projects supported by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) that will elevate early childhood education.
READ ALSO: World Bank President Cautions Over Prolonged High Interest Rates
At the primary school level, the government has prioritized the provision of learning materials and infrastructure upgrades to create conducive learning environments. President Akufo-Addo highlighted the implementation of National Standardized Tests for pupils in Primary 2 and Primary 4, which have yielded improved reading proficiency among students.
President Akufo-Addo further discussed the Model Junior High Schools project, aimed at constructing modern schools with optimal learning environments. He also mentioned the Ghana National Digital Literacy Project (NDLP), which equips students to thrive in the global digital economy through SMART LABs in public schools.
Phase I of the initiative involves establishing SMART LABs in 700 public schools nationwide. Equipped with tablets for students, laptops for teachers, projectors, robotics kits for STEM education, and storage facilities, these labs facilitate digital learning experiences.
President Akufo-Addo announced that Phase I successfully delivered Smart Lab hardware to 485 schools across all 16 regions of Ghana. Building upon this achievement, Phase II aims to expand the project's impact. Depending on the success of Phase I, the goal is to establish SMART LABs in all 27,064 schools in Ghana, accompanied by comprehensive training for two teachers per school. Looking ahead to Phase III, the President outlined plans to establish a local plant dedicated to assembling and manufacturing devices required for SMART LABs. This initiative not only bolsters technological capabilities but also creates opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
At the Senior High School (SHS) level, the President highlighted the e-Transform Ghana project, which invests $97 million to enhance service delivery through ICT. The e-education component focuses on establishing computer laboratories in 305 public SHSs across all regions of the country. These labs, equipped with cutting-edge technology, create an environment where students can actively engage in the digital realm. Efforts are underway to bridge the digital divide by equipping more schools with the necessary equipment through ongoing tender processes.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the government's commitment to preparing students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution through initiatives such as the "One Student One Tablet" program. The transformative power of technology shapes the educational system and equips future generations with skills essential for economic prosperity.
Regarding Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the President highlighted the comprehensive modernization and expansion drive of TVET education. New state-of-the-art facilities are under construction while existing ones undergo renovation and upgrading. The Dual TVET Method combines classroom learning with practical, on-the-job training, revolutionizing skills development and ensuring learners are well-prepared.
Follow Us On Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/bfmnetwork
The curricula of TVET programs have undergone a comprehensive review to align them with industry demands and emerging technologies. Collaboration with industry stakeholders has been crucial in identifying the skills and competencies needed to meet evolving job market requirements. The revised curricula aim to equip students with practical, job-ready skills that are in high demand.
Regarding tertiary education, the President noted the establishment of new institutions that cater to a diverse range of academic disciplines. Strategically located, these institutions aim to provide equitable access to higher education opportunities for students from all regions. Examples include the University of Engineering and Applied Sciences in Akrodie (Ahafo Region), Mampong University (Ashanti Region), and Bunso University (Eastern Region).
President Nana Akufo-Addo highlighted the establishment of the University of Health, Culture, and Life Sciences in Kintampo as a testament to his government's commitment to fostering excellence in education. This university is the product of merging the Kintampo College of Health and Well-being with the Kintampo Research Institute. The President emphasized that these new institutions not only provide high-quality education but also serve as catalysts for economic growth and development in their respective regions. The aim is to create vibrant environments that encourage collaboration between academia and industry, promoting innovation and learning.
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo discussed the government's "No Guarantor" policy under the Student Loan Trust Fund, which removes financial barriers for students seeking higher education. By eliminating the need for a guarantor, the policy empowers students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations without undue financial burden.
To ensure that tertiary education aligns with the needs of the job market, the government has facilitated partnerships between tertiary institutions and industries. These collaborations provide students with practical training, internships, and research opportunities, enabling them to graduate with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills directly applicable to their chosen fields.
 |
| (Photo Credit: thecustodianghonline.com) |
President Akufo-Addo reiterated his government's commitment to promoting excellence in tertiary education, breaking down financial barriers, and bridging the gap between academia and industry. These efforts aim to equip Ghanaian students with the skills and knowledge necessary for personal growth, economic prosperity, and national development.
The President finally expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in the education sector and expressed optimism for the future. He reaffirmed his government's commitment to ensuring access to quality education for all Ghanaian students.
SOURCE:
-MYJOYONLINE- "My government’s record, investments in education unmatched in 4th Republic – Akufo-Addo"
Comments
Post a Comment