Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has initiated the distribution of tablets under the Ghana Smart Schools project.
The first batch was handed over to students at Opoku Ware School.
During the event, Bawumia also inaugurated the first smart school block at Opoku Ware School and observed the initial lessons in Kumasi classrooms.
“The handover of the tablets and the commissioning is in fulfilment of a pledge by the government to provide an ICT-driven environment for teaching and learning for the next generation of Ghanaians by providing each student with an educational tablet,” Bawumia said.
President Akufo-Addo launched the Ghana Smart Schools project on March 24, 2024, with a promise to distribute 1.3 million tablets to students nationwide, aiming to revolutionize education in 30 senior high schools across the country. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with KA Technologies, has set up 274 support centers for the tablets.
However, the initiative has faced criticism. NDC flagbearer John Mahama condemned the allocation of funds for free tablets, describing it as a vote-buying strategy and pointing out that there are more urgent educational issues, such as the neglect of ongoing projects.
Mahama has promised to address the challenges with the free SHS program if elected, accusing the current administration of poor implementation.
Minister of Education Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum had hinted at this development during a surprise visit to the school on June 2, 2024.