Foundational learning reforms must centre every child by age 10 – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, says Ghana’s foundational learning reforms must ensure every child acquires essential skills by age 10.

Speaking at the Foundational Learning KG1-B3 Consortium kick-off meeting on June 17, Dr. Apaak said the government, under President John Dramani Mahama, has adopted a clear vision to transform the country’s education system by prioritising foundational learning from the early years.

He said the objective is to ensure children are proficient in language literacy, mathematics literacy, scientific literacy and cultural literacy by the age of 10 to prepare them for future learning and national development.

“The Government of Ghana, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, has set out a clear and compelling vision for Foundational Learning, that Ghana’s education system must ensure that our learners, by age 10, are well-grounded and proficient in language literacy, mathematics literacy, scientific literacy and cultural literacy as the foundation for their future learning,” he said.

Dr. Apaak noted that Ghana’s long-term ambition is to achieve 90 per cent proficiency in foundational learning by the end of Basic Three, describing the target as central to the country’s transformation agenda.

“Achieving 90% proficiency by the end of Basic 3 remains Ghana’s defining ambition,” he stated.

He explained that the reforms are built on four pillars comprising language literacy, mathematics literacy, scientific literacy and cultural literacy, which collectively aim to equip children with critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.

Dr. Apaak said achieving the government’s vision would require strong coordination among policymakers, teachers, communities and development partners.

“Realising President Mahama’s vision of a four-pillar literate child by age 10 is an ambitious but achievable goal and one that demands coherence across policy, curriculum, teacher development, assessment, and community engagement,” he said.

He also stressed that all interventions must prioritise children regardless of their background or location.

“Above all, this effort must centre the child, ensuring that every girl and boy, regardless of geography, background, or ability, has the opportunity to arrive at age 10 well-grounded, confident individuals, who are ready to learn and thrive,” Dr. Apaak said.

He further urged consortium members to work through existing government structures, adopt evidence-based approaches and collaborate closely with the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to ensure successful nationwide implementation.