FLAT: Education Ministry prioritizes literacy, numeracy in reform agenda – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to improving literacy and numeracy skills as central pillars of Ghana’s ongoing education reform agenda.

Delivering the keynote address at the global launch of the 2025 Foundational Learning Action Tracker (FLAT) at the Accra College of Education on behalf of the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, Dr. Apaak said foundational learning remains a national priority for sustainable educational transformation.

“Foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional learning are crucial for children’s lifelong development and participation in society,” Dr. Apaak stated. “Without strong foundations, progress at higher levels of education becomes difficult.”

Representing the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, Dr. Apaak said Ghana’s hosting of the FLAT launch underscores the country’s leadership in advancing foundational learning in Africa. He said the initiative complements reforms such as the new standards-based curriculum, enhanced teacher training, and digital learning strategies being rolled out nationwide.

“We have prioritized foundational learning through curriculum reforms and teacher capacity development,” he said. “These reforms are designed to ensure that every child in Ghana, regardless of location, acquires the skills to read, write, and reason effectively.”

Dr. Apaak stressed that teachers remain at the core of education delivery and must be adequately supported. “It is vital to center teachers in our tracking efforts,” he noted. “Their professional development directly determines learning outcomes.”

He further explained that the Ministry is leveraging data and innovation to strengthen policy implementation. “The FLAT platform allows us to track progress and identify areas needing attention,” he said. “It moves us from mere measurement to real action.”

The Deputy Minister commended UNICEF, the Hempel Foundation, and other partners for their collaboration in improving learning outcomes. “We deeply appreciate our partners’ commitment to education reform,” he said. “Together, we can ensure that every child learns and no child is left behind.”

Dr. Apaak also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to building a strong educational foundation for all Ghanaian children.