Govt to introduce coding, artificial intelligence from basic level

The government will introduce coding and artificial intelligence into basic education as part of an ongoing review of the national curriculum.

Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak said the initiative forms part of efforts to equip learners with digital and technological skills needed for the future world of work.

Dr. Apaak disclosed during Coderina’s donation of IT kits to the Ministry of Education, and the items were handed over to the Ghana Education Service (GES), where he commended the organisation’s contribution to expanding access to STEM education across the country.

Dr. Apaak said the curriculum review, which spans kindergarten to junior high school, is aligned with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of transforming education through innovation and technology.

“You may know that we are reviewing our curriculum from kindergarten to junior high school. And part of that review is to introduce coding, artificial intelligence, automation, and ICT to our learners, even at the basic level,” he said.

He stressed that the government is determined to ensure that technology education is not limited to a few urban schools but reaches every learner across the country.

“Essentially, we want to decentralize and domesticate STEM. And we see you as a worthy partner in that effort,” he stated while acknowledging Coderina’s role in advancing digital learning.

The Deputy Minister particularly welcomed the organisation’s decision to support schools in Ghana’s geographic north, describing it as a crucial step toward addressing disparities in educational opportunities.

“Many schools and many learners in the geographic north are disadvantaged when it comes to STEM and even the basics for them to learn STEM,” he said.

Dr. Apaak also highlighted the importance of introducing temporary interventions while the government works to improve school infrastructure nationwide.

He noted that many existing school buildings were not designed to accommodate ICT and STEM laboratories, making alternative solutions necessary.

“But the question is, do we have to wait to do all of that before we introduce these very important subjects to all our learners? And the answer is no,” he said.

He assured Coderina of the government’s support and said the Ministry would provide letters of recommendation and introduction to help the organisation secure partnerships and additional resources from the private sector to expand its programmes nationwide.