Eduwatch Wants KG, Primary Curriculum Rolled Out Gradually
Eduwatch, an education policy think tank, has called on the Ministry of Education to adopt a deliberate, adequately resourced, and phased approach to implementing Ghana's reviewed Kindergarten (KG) and primary school curriculum. The organisation welcomed the curriculum review by the Ministry and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), describing it as an opportunity to strengthen foundational learning, citizenship education, multilingualism, and competency-based learning.
Curriculum Review a Step in the Right Direction
Eduwatch said the revised curriculum could improve learning outcomes by moving classroom practices away from rote memorisation towards critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. However, the organisation cautioned that a well-designed curriculum alone would not guarantee improved learning outcomes without adequate preparation and support.
Implementation Challenges Must be Addressed
The organisation noted that persistent implementation bottlenecks limited the achievement of the 2019 curriculum reform's objectives. Eduwatch stated, "Although these objectives underpinned the 2019 curriculum reform, persistent implementation bottlenecks limited their achievement. The current review must therefore be accompanied by deliberate measures to address those constraints." The organisation outlined key conditions that should be met before nationwide implementation, including comprehensive teacher training on competency-based teaching methods and task-based assessment, stakeholder orientation, provision of adequate teaching and learning materials, and a strong monitoring and accountability framework.
Phased Rollout Recommended
Eduwatch noted NaCCA's recommendation for a phased nationwide rollout of the reviewed KG and Primary Curriculum from the 2027/2028 academic year. However, the organisation stressed that implementation should be based on demonstrated readiness rather than a fixed timeline. Eduwatch recommended that the Ministry develop and publish a costed Curriculum Implementation Readiness Plan, with clearly defined activities, institutional responsibilities, timelines, financing requirements, and measurable readiness benchmarks.
Continuous Feedback Mechanisms Crucial
Eduwatch also called for continuous feedback mechanisms to identify challenges during implementation and ensure timely adjustments. The organisation urged government to provide NaCCA with the financial, technical, and human resources needed to oversee the reform. According to Eduwatch, a phased approach would allow government to test implementation arrangements in selected schools, identify challenges, strengthen capacity, and refine strategies before expanding nationwide.
Sustained Implementation Process
Eduwatch said, "Curriculum reform is a sustained implementation process rather than a one-off event." The organisation added that without prepared teachers, sufficient resources, effective coordination, and robust monitoring systems, even a well-designed curriculum may fail to achieve its intended objectives. Eduwatch reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Ministry of Education, NaCCA, the Ghana Education Service, and other stakeholders to ensure the reviewed curriculum delivers improved and equitable learning outcomes for Ghanaian children.
Source: Joy Online
