UNGA81: Ghana open to global partnerships to strengthen foundational education – Dr. Apaak

Ghana has opened its doors to international organisations and development partners willing to support the country’s efforts to strengthen foundational learning.

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, said Ghana remains open to new ideas, expertise, and partnerships that can help improve teaching and learning outcomes, particularly at the foundational level.

Speaking at an education-focused event on the sidelines of the ongoing 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), Dr. Apaak acknowledged the contribution of organisations working to improve education in Ghana but stressed that more support was needed.

“We can’t pretend that we have all the wisdom, so all these good ideas and ideas that you are yet to generate, please, when you generate the new ideas, come to Ghana,” he said.

He specifically acknowledged the work of organisations such as Library Miles and Right To Play in supporting education initiatives in Ghana.

“You are doing a lot. Library Miles, you are doing a lot. Right to Play, you are doing a lot. All the organizations, you are doing a lot, but you know a lot more needs to be done.”

Dr. Apaak cautioned development partners against considering their work in Ghana complete because of the interventions already undertaken.

“So don’t think that because you’ve done quite a bit in assisting us, that is enough. We still need your partnership.”

He consequently extended an open invitation to organisations interested in education to partner with the government, particularly in foundational learning, which he said has become a major priority for the government.

“So let me use this opportunity to give an open invitation to all who want to come to Ghana and to partner with us in education and foundational learning in particular, because that is where we are pushing resources as a government.”

According to Dr. Apaak, investing in foundational learning is critical because getting the early stages of education right can reduce future costs while giving more children the opportunity to succeed.

“We believe that you get it right at the foundation. It saves cost, it is economically viable, and it allows for everyone to have an opportunity.”

The government’s renewed focus on foundational learning forms part of broader efforts to improve learning outcomes at the basic level, including the integration of play-based approaches into teaching.

Dr. Apaak earlier disclosed that play-based education has been incorporated into Ghana’s newly reviewed basic school curriculum, which has been submitted to Cabinet for approval.

The remarks also come as education-focused organisations continue to support Ghana’s efforts to strengthen teaching and learning through innovative approaches, including play-based education.