Gov’t eyes nationwide rollout of early childhood model

The government is preparing to scale up its early childhood development model nationwide, Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has announced.

Dr. Apaak disclosed this on Thursday, March 27, 2026, during a GES–Lively Minds programme meeting in Accra after a field visit to the Upper East Region.

He said the government is confident the model will significantly improve foundational learning outcomes as it expands across the country.

“As Ghana prepares for nationwide scale-up, we are confident that this model will play a critical role in transforming foundational learning outcomes across the country,” he stated.

According to him, the initiative stands out because it is not a limited pilot but a system-driven intervention embedded within state structures.

“What distinguishes this model is that it is designed for sustainability, scale, and long-term national impact,” Dr. Apaak explained.

He emphasised that the model’s effectiveness lies in its simplicity and strong community involvement, which allows it to deliver measurable results.

“This model works because it is simple, inclusive, and community-driven,” he said, noting that it improves learning through play-based methods and active parental participation.

Dr. Apaak further indicated that the programme strengthens collaboration between institutions, including the Ghana Education Service and partners, ensuring coordinated delivery at all levels.

He also positioned the initiative as a potential blueprint for other African countries seeking to improve early childhood outcomes.

“What you have seen is not just a Ghanaian innovation, it is an African solution,” he said, adding that it is adaptable and scalable across different contexts.

The Deputy Minister stressed that Ghana remains committed to sharing its experience while learning from other countries to enhance implementation.

“We are equally committed to sharing our experiences, learning from others, and strengthening collaboration across borders,” he noted.

He urged stakeholders to prioritise early childhood development as a foundation for long-term national growth, insisting that getting the early years right would reshape the country’s future trajectory.