KG-Primary curriculum review must strengthen national values – Haruna

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, says the review of the curriculum for Kindergarten (KG) to Basic Six must strengthen our national values.

Addressing the committee, the Minister for Education stated that future successes of the nation depend on education, adding that “if we get it right in education, we will get it right as a country”.

“It is my considered view that the exercise that you are going to undertake will result in the production of ethical and responsible leaders for our country.

“To succeed in the current new world and to build the Ghana we want and envision, our children will need more than academic knowledge,” Mr Iddrisu said.

According to him, children need to acquire holistic skills that would empower them to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, work in teams, and navigate uncertainties with confidence.

“It is time our children learn that Africa always has something to offer, not only in terms of its survival but brilliance, culture, and innovation. We will expect that your curriculum review will reflect real life.

“I should add that we expect you to develop a curriculum that will strengthen our national values of honesty, respect, integrity, and patriotism, and, more importantly, civic responsibility,” he said.

The minister further charged the committee to settle the debate over who was the founder of the country.

“Your review of the curriculum must end this matter,” he emphasised, adding that “I don’t want Ghanaian children to grow up not knowing who the nation’s founding fathers are or who its foundational leader was.

“I expect that your review will settle the debate on this matter,” he said.

The committee, which is made up of experienced individuals familiar with the education system in the country, is chaired by Professor Amina Plummer.

Other members are Mamle Andrews, Chief Director, Ministry of Education (MoE); Prof. George K.T. Oduro, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Education; Prof. Yayra Dzakadzie, Director-General, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, Director-General, Ghana Education Service (GES); Prof. Azeko Salifu Tahiru, Inspector of Schools, and Prof. Christian Addai-Poku, Registrar, National Teaching Council.

The rest are Dr Eric Adzore, Director-General, Ghana TVET Service; Nana Baffour Awuah, Director of Pre-Tertiary Education, MoE; Rejoice Dankwa, Director, Technical, Vocational Education and Training, MoE; Insah Shirzu, Director, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation, MoE; Mavis Asare Donkor, Director-General, Administration; and Dr Samuel Awuku, an Education and Development consultant.