The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced plans to adopt the newly completed Asuogyaman model basic school as the standard model for basic education infrastructure across Ghana.
According to the Minister, the government intends to replicate the model from 2027 as part of efforts to address infrastructure deficits in basic schools across the country.
Speaking at the commissioning of the model school project for South Sechi Junior High School in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region on Monday, Mr. Iddrisu said the government would mobilise additional resources of about 200million US dollars to finance the construction of similar facilities nationwide.
He said the proposed model would comprise a 12-unit classroom block, including facilities for kindergarten, primary and junior high school, as well as a dining hall and kitchen.
It would also include a STEM and computer laboratory, a 14-seater toilet facility and a changing room for girls.
He announced that his ministry would formally communicate the adoption of the model to regional and district education directors and District Chief Executives to guide future basic education infrastructure projects.
Mr. Iddrisu said the government would bear the full cost of implementing the model, stressing the need to provide learners with quality and equitable access to basic education infrastructure.
He commended the Asuogyaman District Assembly and the contractor for completing the facility, which he said cost approximately GH¢910,000 with support from the Assembly.
The Minister also disclosed that Ghana is revising its curriculum from kindergarten to Primary Six, with greater emphasis on digital skills.
He said robotics, electronics, artificial intelligence and coding would be introduced as part of foundational learning to prepare children for the demands of the digital age.
The Education Minister expressed concerned over the scale of the infrastructure deficit facing basic education, noting that 3 millions of pupils in 10,900 Basic Schools across the country continue to learn under trees but assured that President Mahama will fix it.
“I’m reliably informed by the Auditor General that in Ghana today, about three million children in 13 regions, in 10,900 basic schools are sitting under threes. That challenge, President Mahama will fix it and fix it adequately with this model of the basic schools” the Minister said.
Mr. Iddrisu said the government would also roll out interventions next year to improve digital learning and access to digital skills.
He stressed that learners in Ghana deserve the same quality of learning environment and opportunities as their counterparts in advanced countries.
The Minister will commission similar classroom block projects in communities such as Tetebo, Adome, Aboasa, Asempanaye, and Asikuma.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
