Education Think Tank, Africa Education Watch, has petitioned the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, to make basic practical agriculture a compulsory course in the new draft of the secondary education curriculum.
According to EDUWATCH, while it welcomes the introduction of two agricultural subjects, Agriculture (an Arts subject) and Agricultural Science (a Science subject) in the new draft secondary education curriculum, it believes these subjects have limited impact since they are optional.
In a statement cited by Citi News and signed by the Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, he explains that food security remains a major challenge in Africa and Ghana due to low technology, investment, and interest. Therefore, integrating basic practical agriculture into the secondary education curriculum is essential to ensure all students gain fundamental knowledge in agriculture and farming.
“Eduwatch recommends that Basic Practical Agriculture, including farming, be introduced as a compulsory foundation course in the new secondary education curriculum, alongside Physical Education & Health, which is currently the only foundation course in the draft of the new curriculum.
We believe this will shape students’ perspectives on agricultural career choices, provide practical knowledge and skills in agriculture and climate change, and foster a culture that supports enhancing food security in Ghana,” the statement said.
This concern arises from EDUWATCH’s participation in a stakeholder engagement organized by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on the new draft secondary education curriculum, expected to be introduced in the next academic year.
