The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has called on education policymakers to embrace transformative, forward-thinking reforms to prepare Ghanaian and African children for success in a fast-changing, technology-driven world.This call was made at the opening ceremony of GNAT's 7th Quadrennial and 54th Brong Ahafo Regional Delegates Conference, held in Sunyani under the theme: "Educating an African Fit for the 21st Century: The Role of Policy Makers."Dr Victor Degraft Etsison, Director of Continuous Professional Development at GNAT's Institute for Research and Industrial Relations Studies (IRIRS), stressed the urgent need for Ghana's education system to align with global technological advancements and 21st-century demands."We must adopt educational policies that foster innovation, digital literacy, and future-ready skills," Dr Etsison said.He outlined 10 key interventions to modernise the sector, including the adoption of digital tools, the promotion of STEM and vocational training, and stronger investment in early childhood education.He also urged the government to forge strategic partnerships that will inject critical resources into the system.GNAT National Vice President, Mrs Amanda Lucy Asamoah, encouraged teachers to move beyond traditional pedagogies."Educators must embrace lifelong learning, integrate technology into the classroom, and continuously upgrade their skills to remain relevant," she said.The conference brought together delegates from the Bono, Ahafo, and Bono East Regions to deliberate on pressing educational challenges and to elect new regional executives.The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, praised the conference's theme, describing it as timely and reflective of current realities.He emphasised the need for curriculum reforms that go beyond rote learning to nurture creativity, critical thinking, innovation, problem-solving, digital skills, and entrepreneurship in Ghanaian students.The event marked a significant milestone for GNAT in the former Brong Ahafo Region, serving as a platform for reflection, policy dialogue, and leadership renewal.As the association charts a path forward, it is rallying stakeholders across the country to commit to bold, strategic reforms that would empower the next generation of African learners to thrive in a complex, rapidly evolving global landscape. FROM DANIEL DZIRASAH, SUNYANI
Future-ready skills needed for African students -GNAT - Ghanaian Times
Published:
2 days ago
Source:
Ghanaian Times