Ghana will introduce robotics and coding in its education at kindergarten and basic school levels, President John Dramani Mahama announced in his State of the Nation Address.
Delivering the address today before Parliament, President Mahama disclosed that the curricula for kindergarten up to basic 6 are being reviewed to incorporate robotics and coding and what he said is responsible integration of generative artificial intelligence.
The introduction of STEM education at the elementary level, the President indicated, forms part of a major policy shift to realign the country’s investment in education in favour of basic education.
“Government understands the importance of the basic sector and is therefore taking a major policy shift to rebalance our education investment in favour of basic education.”
“As part of this shift, the Standard-Based Curriculum for kindergarten to primary 6 is currently under review to incorporate robotics, coding, and the responsible integration of generative artificial intelligence,” he indicated.
He added that artificial intelligence education will be introduced at an age-appropriate and developmentally sensitive level, “with a strong emphasis on ethical views, digital responsibility, critical thinking, and human values.”
This is in recognition of the critical role of elementary education in shaping the minds and careers of human resources, he added.
“Basic education remains the critical entry point into our education system. It is at this level that children acquire foundational literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills upon which all future learning depends,” he stated.
He further announced that the government will construct a total of 600 kindergarten and basic school blocks nationwide to address infrastructural deficits and rid the country of schools under trees.
