Reduce subjects at basic level to improve learning outcomes – Gomoa Wassa Gyasehene
The Gyasehene of Gomoa Wassa in the Central Region, Nana Francis Essel Okyeahene, has called on the government and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to reduce the number of subjects taught at the basic school level, arguing that the current curriculum places excessive pressure on pupils. According to the traditional ru...
The Gyasehene of Gomoa Wassa in the Central Region, Nana Francis Essel Okyeahene, has called on the government and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to reduce the number of subjects taught at the basic school level, arguing that the current curriculum places excessive pressure on pupils.
According to the traditional ruler, who is also an educationist, the existing curriculum requires basic school pupils to study too many subjects at a stage when they are still developing academically.
He contended that asking young learners to study up to 10 subjects is unreasonable, particularly when students at the tertiary level often handle fewer courses despite being more mature.
Nana Okyeahene said the heavy academic workload, coupled with the scheduling of multiple examination papers within a single week, contributes significantly to the poor performance of candidates in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
He therefore urged the Ministry of Education to review the curriculum to make learning more effective and less burdensome for pupils.
The educationist also advocated a shift away from what he described as the country’s “chew and pour” system of education, calling for greater emphasis on practical and skills-based learning.
According to him, equipping students with practical skills from an early stage will better prepare them for the job market and help tackle the growing problem of graduate unemployment.
Nana Okyeahene, who is also the Director of Onua Francis School, made the call after receiving the Excellence in Leadership and Quality Basic Education Award at the Ghana Academia Summit and Awards.
Meanwhile, Team Lead for the Ghana Academia Awards, Ernest Lartey, appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Education to increase investment in educational infrastructure in rural communities.
He said improving facilities in underserved schools would help bridge the gap between rural and urban education, ensure equal learning opportunities for all children, and reduce the vulnerability of young people to social vices.