Ghana Accelerates Foundational Learning Through Teacher Training
Ghana is intensifying its focus on foundational learning by expanding teacher training, a move officials say is central to improving student outcomes. Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Clement Apaak announced the strategic shift during the launch of the 2025 Foundational Learning Action Tracker (FLAT) in Accra, underscoring the government’s commitment to getting the basics right in early education.
What FLAT Does and Why It Matters
The FLAT is a digital monitoring tool developed in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Hempel Foundation. It provides real-time insights into progress across literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills for children nationwide. By tracking these metrics, Ghana’s education system can identify gaps and accelerate improvements to meet national education targets and the Sustainable Development Goals.
From Curriculum Reform to Classroom Reality
Dr. Apaak noted that Ghana has strengthened its foundational learning framework by revising the curriculum from kindergarten through Primary Six. “Now we know that to succeed means that we need to provide a needed human resource, as far as education is concerned. The most important resource is the teacher, so we continue to invest in the training of teachers for positive outcomes,” he said. The emphasis on teacher capacity is paired with a broader policy push to support learners from the earliest years.
Mother Tongue as a Tool for Early Literacy
The Deputy Minister highlighted a policy allowing teachers to use the mother tongue to teach from kindergarten to primary three. Advocates argue that mother-tongue instruction strengthens early literacy and makes learning more accessible in diverse communities. The policy aligns with broader efforts to improve retention and comprehension as learners build foundational skills.
Rural Education and Teacher Incentives
In a bid to attract and retain qualified teachers in rural areas, Ghana’s President launched the ‘‘Teacher Dabre’’ policy in March. The initiative includes incentives and improved infrastructure for teachers in deprived communities, a 20 percent allowance for such teachers, and plans to build dedicated teacher housing in new basic schools. These measures aim to motivate postings to rural districts and ensure teachers can deliver quality instruction where it is most needed.
UNICEF Perspective and Global Context
Dr. Pia Rebello Bristol, Global Director of Education and Adolescent Development at UNICEF, emphasized that FLAT monitors national efforts within the foundational learning framework. The framework concentrates on five action areas: reaching every child and keeping them in school, assessing learning levels, prioritizing the teaching of fundamentals, increasing instructional efficiency, and supporting psychosocial health and well-being. The 2025 findings draw data from 124 low- and middle-income countries, reinforcing the need for accelerated progress to ensure all children learn effectively.
Global Trends and Local Implications
Globally, progress in foundational learning remains uneven. The FLAT findings show that, in many low- and middle-income settings, a concerning portion of children struggle with basic reading by age 10. The World Bank has warned that learning poverty can have long-term economic costs, potentially impacting future GDP. Ghana’s approach, combining curriculum reform, teacher training, and supportive incentives, seeks to translate commitments into measurable gains for students.
A Call to Action for Governments
Anders Holm, CEO of the Hempel Foundation, stressed the need for action beyond rhetoric. He urged governments to invest in teacher training and move from commitments to concrete measures that expand foundational skills. The collaboration among government, UNICEF, and philanthropic partners signals a shared belief that sustained investment in teachers is the cornerstone of improved literacy, numeracy, and well-being for Ghanaian children.
Looking Ahead
With FLAT providing ongoing accountability, Ghana aims to translate policy into practice that reaches every child. The focus on foundational learning, backed by resources, training, and supportive incentives, suggests a roadmap toward better learning outcomes and a stronger foundation for the country’s future workforce.
