Transforming Ghana through digital revolution

In my previous article, I discussed the pressing need for a comprehensive review and reform of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) education policy, particularly focusing on the boarding school system. 

Building on that foundation, I now bring to light how these proposed reforms can pave the way for the adoption of digital systems, ultimately enhancing learning experiences and preparing our youth for a digitally driven future, hence leading our nation into a digitalised era.

Leveraging reforms for digital adoption

The proposed dissolution of the current boarding school system and the redirection of funds toward improving the quality of education present a unique opportunity to integrate digital systems into our schools.

By reallocating resources toward developing digital infrastructure and providing essential technological tools such as projectors and computers, we can transform the educational experience for young Ghanaian students.

Investing in digital learning platforms, internet access and modernised curricula will ensure that students receive an education relevant to today’s job market.

Additionally, training teachers to use digital tools effectively will be crucial in ensuring that technology is not just an addition but a core part of the learning process.

Incorporating projectors into classrooms as a teaching tool is an essential step toward improving digital learning. Projectors enhance visual learning by making educational content more engaging, dynamic and accessible to students.

The ability to display diagrams, videos and interactive lessons ensures better comprehension and retention of knowledge.

Furthermore, adopting projectors can reduce the recurring costs associated with maintaining traditional blackboards and whiteboards.

The government continuously spends money on supplying schools with markers and repairing or replacing broken boards. 

Cost saving

By shifting to digital projection systems, schools can cut down on these expenses, while simultaneously improving the quality of education.

Digital learning is the way to go

This cost-effective solution will provide long-term benefits by facilitating a more interactive learning environment.

Another crucial step towards a digital transformation is the adoption of cloud-based storage in schools and other government agencies.

Instead of storing information on physical hard disks on-premises, cloud storage will provide a secure, scalable and efficient means of managing data.

This transition will not only enhance data security and accessibility but also create more job opportunities for the youth in the technology sector.

Fields such as cloud engineering, which are rapidly gaining prominence in the global job market, will open new career pathways for university graduates.

Implementing cloud-based solutions will help address the rising unemployment crisis among tech graduates and ensure that Ghana’s workforce remains competitive in the evolving digital economy.

Addressing literacy challenges before digitalisation

While the benefits of digital education are clear, it is essential to acknowledge the existing literacy challenges in Ghana. As of 2020, Ghana’s adult literacy rate was reported at 80.38 per cent, indicating that approximately 19.62 per cent of adults were illiterate and in 2021, the Ghana Statistical Service reported that about eight million Ghanaians aged six years and older were illiterate, accounting for 26 per cent of the population in that age group.

Fellow citizens, this poses a barrier to effective digital learning. To address this, the government must ensure that education is made as accessible as possible for people living in underprivileged communities.

By focusing on foundational literacy alongside digital education, we can ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to benefit from digital learning tools.

This dual approach will gradually build a digitally proficient society where future generations are
equipped with the skills to utilise, create and improve digital systems.

A Vision for the future

My vision for an efficient adoption of digital systems in Ghana lies in the youth-driven initiative through the free education policy I proposed in my previous article.

Additionally, the transportation system I suggested in my previous article — designed for students after the dissolution of the boarding school system— will also be digitalised. 

If the buses are to be made accessible exclusively to students, they should have a student card or student transportation card on which they would pay a very low fee in the form of monthly subscriptions. 

Students would then scan or punch their cards onto a meter on the bus, ensuring that the system confirms they are eligible.

This approach is far superior to the current "trotro" system, where students risk their lives in unsafe transport and frequently arrive late to school.

By implementing this digital system, corruption can be prevented, ensuring transparency in fare collection, while making transportation more affordable and efficient for students.

Moreover, this initiative will help instill the mindset of living in a digital era, fostering a culture where digital technology becomes an integral part of student’s daily lives and continues to grow as part of their future aspirations.

Driving innovation

Fellow citizens, the journey toward a digitalised education system in Ghana is challenging, yet necessary.

By linking the proposed reforms of the Free SHS policy with the adoption of digital systems, we can create a future where our students are not only well-educated but also equipped with the skills to drive innovation and progress.

Let us commit to building a better future for our youth, one where digital literacy is at the forefront of our educational endeavours.

The writer is with Istanbul Commerce University, Turkey
Email: Alhakeemal123@gmail.com