President Mahama Unveils ‘Zero to Hero’ Initiative to Enhance Basic Education in #SONA2025

President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled the “Zero to Hero” initiative, a new educational program designed to address foundational literacy and numeracy within Ghana’s basic education sector. The initiative aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of education, especially at the early stages of schooling.

Delivering his first State of the Nation Address (#SONA2025) on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Parliament House, President Mahama discussed the need to strengthen Ghana’s educational framework. He acknowledged that the objectives set by the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) policy, although well-intentioned, had not been fully achieved. He emphasized his government’s commitment to redefining basic education and improving its effectiveness to meet the country’s growing educational demands.

“The Zero to Hero initiative is designed to build a solid foundation in education, starting with early childhood learning,” the President stated. A key feature of this program will be integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the basic school curriculum. Over the next three years, the government plans to implement ICT training in at least 300 classrooms across the country. Additionally, the plan includes the establishment of 30 centres of excellence dedicated to educational innovation and teacher training, with a goal to train 1,000 educators to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in these schools.

In a move to promote inclusivity in education, the President also revealed plans to introduce a standardized national sign language program for hearing-impaired students, which will be taught from kindergarten through to senior high school (SHS). This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities, are given equal opportunities to succeed in the education system.

As part of the broader educational reform, President Mahama announced that the curriculum for kindergarten and primary school would be reviewed and updated to reflect modern learning standards and prepare students for the future. This update is intended to make education more relevant to the needs of today’s students and better align with the demands of the rapidly changing global environment.

The President also highlighted the government’s commitment to improving access to education, particularly for students in underserved areas. In line with this, the administration will expand existing social intervention programs. These programs include the capitation grants, which help reduce the financial burden on families, as well as the school feeding program, which ensures that students are nourished and able to focus on their studies. Additionally, the government will provide full support for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) registration fees, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent students from taking this important examination.

“Our goal is to ensure that Ghana’s education system is not only accessible but also relevant and responsive to the needs of the 21st century,” the President said. “We must equip our young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” He emphasized that the Zero to Hero initiative would play a pivotal role in achieving this vision, providing a strong educational foundation for future generations.

Through the Zero to Hero initiative, President Mahama is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, forward-thinking, and accessible education system in Ghana. This initiative reflects his government’s commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of background or ability, receives a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the modern world.