Ghana’s basic school curriculum is set for major changes, with computing, coding, citizenship education and ethics becoming key parts of classroom learning under new reforms introduced by the Ministry of Education.
The revised curriculum, developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), also places greater emphasis on Ghanaian languages as the main language of instruction from kindergarten to Primary Three.
In addition, Chinese will be introduced as an optional foreign language, while Arabic will now be taught using a standardised curriculum.
The reforms follow a detailed review of the current curriculum, which revealed learning gaps in Mathematics, Ghanaian Languages and other core subjects.
Speaking at the presentation of the new curriculum, NaCCA Executive Secretary, Professor Samuel Ofori Bekoe, said the reforms are designed to prepare learners with the knowledge, values and practical skills needed in today’s fast-changing world.
He explained that the review resulted in four major structural changes, including the introduction of Citizenship Education as a standalone subject.
“We did the curriculum mapping to identify what we have to do. Four major structural changes have been brought into this new curriculum,” he said.
Professor Bekoe noted that civic education had previously been spread across several subjects, making it less effective. Instead of adding many new subjects, NaCCA decided to combine civic knowledge, values, attitudes and practical skills into one course.
“We were looking at a subject that can hold all these competencies, being the knowledge, the attitudes, the values, and then the skills that learners need to become effective civic participants in the Ghanaian economy.”
He added that the subject would also include history and other areas that help develop responsible and active citizens.
“We are proposing… that Citizenship Education should be the subject that will consolidate all these civic competencies and learnings that will make our learners functional.”
Another key feature of the revised curriculum is the introduction of coding and computational thinking to prepare pupils for emerging technologies.
Professor Bekoe said learners will study these concepts through both Computing and Mathematics lessons.
“With computing and mathematics, we deliberately have introduced aspects of coding. In computing it’s called computational thinking, in mathematics they call it quantitative thinking.”
He said the new approach will equip pupils with the basic understanding needed for coding, automation and artificial intelligence.
“These are the basic skills that learners need to grasp the concept of coding and then automation and AI going forward.”
The curriculum also introduces Chinese as an optional language in selected schools.
Professor Bekoe said the decision reflects Ghana’s growing trade relationship with China.
“Now Ghana’s major trading partner is China. Many people go to China to do all kinds of trade.”
He stressed that the language will not be compulsory and will only be offered in schools with trained teachers and the required resources.
The Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast has already worked with NaCCA to develop the curriculum and has agreed to support a pilot programme in 10 schools.
