Government Refocusing Attention on Basic Education – Haruna Iddrisu

Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced a significant policy shift by the government to prioritise basic education, with a strong focus on foundational learning. This renewed emphasis is aimed at equipping Ghanaian children with critical early learning skills that will influence their future academic and personal development.

Speaking during the signing of a new education support agreement with key international and local partners, Mr. Iddrisu underscored the value of early childhood education as a cornerstone for lifelong success. He emphasised that strengthening foundational learning at the basic level would serve as a predictor for a child’s long-term prospects.

“We firmly believe that if a child gains the right literacy and numeracy skills by age six, we can accurately predict how the next 18 years will unfold in their educational journey and beyond,” he stated. “That is why this initiative is vital, and we are especially grateful for the support that makes this possible.”

The newly signed partnership brings together the Ministry of Education, the System Change Architecture for Learning Excellence (SCALE), the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), the World Bank, and several other stakeholders. Collectively, the agreement unlocks a total grant of $118.8 million dedicated to improving foundational learning across Ghana.

SCALE and its partners are contributing $40 million, while the GPE is providing a further $40 million. In addition, a multi-donor trust fund is supporting the effort with $7.4 million, and a GPE systems transformation grant adds $31.4 million to the total package.

Reforming Early Learning Methods

The Minister revealed that the government is adopting a holistic approach to early childhood education, one that incorporates not only academic skills but also social and emotional learning. He noted that research has shown the importance of these areas in shaping a child’s cognitive and emotional well-being.

“Government is taking deliberate steps to improve phonological awareness among early learners, including phonetics and language comprehension. Evidence suggests that when children are taught in their native languages during early stages, it significantly improves their learning outcomes,” Mr. Iddrisu explained.

He highlighted that this approach is central to the goals of the SCALE initiative, which aims to introduce innovative, inclusive, and impactful methods for strengthening foundational learning throughout Ghana’s basic education system.

Launching a New Era of Educational Reform

According to the Education Minister, this partnership marks a turning point for Ghana’s education sector. It signals a bold move toward a more resilient, equitable, and inclusive system. He explained that the government is positioning itself to lead the next generation of reforms that are driven by innovation and anchored in measurable outcomes.

“This initiative will enhance inclusivity and ensure that all Ghanaian learners, regardless of their background or geographical location, have access to high-quality education,” he said. “We are focused on delivering education that truly transforms lives.”

Acknowledging Development Partners

Mr. Iddrisu took the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Ghana’s development partners, especially the GPE, which he said has played a vital role in supporting educational improvements in low and middle-income countries. He also commended the Jacobs Foundation for its strategic leadership and commitment to quality education.

“Ghana has benefited significantly from your support since 2017,” he said. “What we are seeing now is not just financial assistance—it is a historic commitment to deliver education that is meaningful and results-driven.”

He gave assurances that the government remains fully committed to the successful implementation of the SCALE initiative and the next phase of the Ghana Learning for Results Programme (GALLOP II). He stressed that collaboration with partners such as the World Bank and the GPE Secretariat will be key to achieving the goals outlined in the country’s Education Strategic Plan.

With this renewed focus on foundational learning, the government hopes to lay a solid foundation for the transformation of Ghana’s education system, ensuring that future generations are well-equipped to succeed in an increasingly complex and competitive world.