Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has tasked a newly constituted committee under the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) to propose sweeping reforms to Ghana’s basic school curriculum with a focus on reintroducing moral training and protecting the nation’s historical record.
Speaking at a meeting with members of the committee, the Minister said government will provide funding to enable the committee to complete its work on schedule, but stressed that the review must address three critical areas, beginning from kindergarten through primary six.
He emphasised that the next generation must be grounded in values of integrity, patriotism and national pride.
“We must re-emphasize moral integrity as part of the upbringing and training of young people. Our generation may be struggling with those things, but not the next,” he said.
“I want you to incorporate integrity as part of early childhood training and the curriculum.”
Mr. Iddrisu also cautioned against what he described as attempts to “rewrite the country’s history,” insisting that the review should preserve key historical narratives taught over the decades.
“There should be no attempt, no effort by anybody to want to change our history,” he said. “Your curriculum review has a duty to preserve Ghana’s time-tested history as a country.”
Beyond curriculum reform, the Minister served notice that the infamous “wholesale promotion policy” under the Free Senior High School programme which pushes students through the system whether they pass or fail is being reconsidered.
He expressed concern that the total absence of repetition in senior high schools undermines academic standards and the essence of assessment.
“My attention has just been drawn to the fact that under Free SHS there is no repetition. Every student is a good student — how possible?” he questioned.
“We are reviewing it. There may be the possibility of repeating students if they are unable to cope and to pass well, but no decision yet.”
He cautioned the media not to misconstrue his remarks as a policy announcement, stressing that consultations are ongoing and expert advice is still being sought.
The committee is expected to present proposals on how to strengthen curriculum content, enhance moral education and safeguard historical instruction, including potential implications for assessment and student progression under Free SHS.
