Gov’t has made foundational learning a core priority – Dr. Apaak

Government is committed to ensuring Ghanaian children achieve foundational literacy and numeracy by age 10, Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak has said.

Dr. Clement Abas Apaak said this at the Policy Dialogue on Leadership for Foundational Learning at the Tomreik Hotel in Accra recently.

He stated that foundational learning has become a central priority for the government under President John Mahama.

“It is therefore a timely reminder for us why the Government of H.E. President John Mahama has made foundational learning a core priority,” he said.

According to him, the government is determined to ensure that children develop proficiency and confidence in key learning areas at an early stage.

He outlined that by age 10, children are expected to be proficient in language literacy, mathematics literacy, science literacy, and cultural literacy.

These, he explained, are the essential building blocks for further education, participation in the world of work, and responsible adulthood.

Dr. Apaak emphasised that achieving this goal requires deliberate policy direction and sustained commitment across the education sector.

He noted that the government’s focus on foundational learning reflects a broader effort to improve learning outcomes and ensure that no child is left behind.

The Deputy Minister explained that foundational skills are critical not only for academic progression but also for equipping young people with the competencies needed in life.

He stressed that the emphasis on early learning is intended to address gaps that have persisted within the system.

Dr. Apaak also highlighted the importance of aligning policies and interventions with measurable outcomes to ensure that the focus on foundational learning translates into real improvements.

He reiterated that the commitment to education remains strong, but results must be evident in classrooms across the country.

“Our success will not be measured by the policies we design, but by the learning gains of the children we serve,” he said.