President Akufo-Addo has outlined the advantages Ghana stands to gain from its education digitization efforts, as the government equips students with tablet computers.
Under the ‘One Student, One Tablet’ initiative of the Ghana Smart Schools Project, approximately 1.3 million Senior High School (SHS) students are set to receive tablets, each loaded with digital content to enhance research, teaching, and learning processes, aimed at fostering technical competence among students.
The primary goal is to provide students with cutting-edge learning tools, empowering them to compete globally in the 21st century and Fourth Industrial Revolution.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming the educational sector to meet modern demands, with a significant focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, as well as technical and vocational training.
Highlighting the pivotal role of education in national development, the President underscored the government’s dedication to enhancing the ‘Free SHS’ policy further, with a shift towards digitalization to improve online and offline teaching and learning experiences.
At the tertiary level, plans are underway to offer discounted tablets and laptops to students and lecturers to facilitate academic activities.
President Akufo-Addo justified the substantial investment in education, citing record-high enrollment figures in SHS and significant budgetary allocations aimed at ensuring educational transformation.
As part of the Ghana Smart Schools Project, the government is constructing 100 educational facilities equipped with solar panels and digital infrastructure, with 30 expected to be completed this year, fostering innovative and futuristic education.
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, expressed optimism about Ghana’s educational future, emphasizing the transformative power of education in nation-building and commending the President’s commitment to achieving the nation’s educational goals.
The program, attended by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumiah, education experts, technocrats, and members of the Diplomatic Corps, signals Ghana’s determination to harness the potential of digitization in education for sustainable development.
“Government continues to seek innovative ways to boost further the ‘Free SHS’ policy.
“As we gather here today, let us reflect on the crucial role education plays in shaping the destiny of our nation. Indeed, education is at the centre of poverty eradication,” he stated.