Ghana Unveils AI Policy for Schools, Introduces Coding and AI from Kindergarten

The policy framework, built around eight key pillars, is designed to guide Ghana's ambition of becoming an AI hub on the continent. The government is also working with international partners to develop a national AI delivery framework to oversee the implementation of the strategy.

A "Smart Start" for Ghanaian Students

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced that the revised curriculum would create a "Smart Start" for pupils, integrating technology, science, engineering and mathematics. The reform represents a fundamental overhaul of the country's education system, aimed at equipping children with practical, technology-driven skills from an early age.

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"We have promised to introduce coding, electronics, artificial intelligence and TVET into the basic education curriculum. This will be the new addition," Iddrisu said. The revised curriculum will also place greater emphasis on ethics, patriotism and civic responsibility, reflecting the government's ambition to prepare young Ghanaians for a technology-driven economy.

"The goal is to prepare learners for a future driven by e-learning and emerging technologies. Africa must not be left behind in the digital revolution," the minister added.

Students Welcome the Change

Pupils across Ghana have expressed enthusiasm for the new subjects. Nhyraba Asiedua Asiedu Otchere, a pupil at Orange Star Roman Catholic Basic School Complex, told RFI that introducing AI into classrooms would help pupils better understand lessons and improve independent learning.

"Artificial intelligence is already part of our daily lives. AI and coding can improve pupils' academic performance. If some learners do not fully understand what they are taught in class, AI tools can help them revise and learn more quickly," she said.

Isaac Siaw, a pupil at Susec Model School in Sunyani, said: "I am very excited that the government is introducing artificial intelligence and coding into our school curriculum. It will help us learn new technology, improve our problem-solving skills, and prepare us for future jobs in a digital world."

Experts Caution on Implementation

Education experts have welcomed the reform but cautioned that its success will depend on adequate investment in infrastructure and teacher training.

Peter Anti, executive director of the Institute for Education Studies, described the initiative as timely and in line with global education trends: "The introduction of AI into Ghana's basic school curriculum is a timely and commendable initiative. It aligns Ghana with global education trends and will help equip learners with the digital competencies, critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to remain globally competitive in an AI-driven world."

However, he warned that curriculum reform alone would not guarantee success. "Without these investments, schools in rural and underserved communities could fall further behind their better-resourced urban counterparts, potentially widening educational inequalities rather than narrowing them," he cautioned.

Coordinated Digital Initiatives

The AI policy is part of a broader effort to strengthen Ghana's digital and technological capabilities. The government has also introduced subject-specific AI applications for senior high schools, supporting more than 68,000 teachers in delivering lessons to over 1.4 million learners.

Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, noted that the government's focus was on building the ecosystems required for the responsible adoption of AI, including skills development, data governance, infrastructure and appropriate policy frameworks.

Initiatives such as the One Million Coders Programme seek to equip Ghanaians with future-ready digital skills, while partnerships with UNESCO and UNDP are strengthening AI capacity among young people and public-sector workers.

With reporting from Graphic Online, allAfrica.com, Ghanaian Times, Citinewsroom and various continental education sources.