Ghana Launches Ambitious “One-Student, One Laptop” Initiative

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo inaugurated Ghana’s groundbreaking “One-Student, One Laptop” initiative, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s education sector under the Ghana Smart Schools Project.

The initiative encompasses the distribution of 1.3 million educational tablets to Senior High School students and the construction of 100 smart schools across all sixteen regions of Ghana. Notably, 30 of these smart schools are slated for completion within the year. These schools will be equipped with cutting-edge digital infrastructure, including solar panels, to foster environmentally sustainable energy usage and promote digitalised teaching and learning experiences.

Additionally, the Ghana Smart Schools Project aims to make tablet and laptop computers available to students and lecturers at discounted prices, facilitating academic endeavours across various educational levels.

President Akufo-Addo confirmed the government’s commitment to integrating digitisation with education improvement initiatives. He stressed the unparalleled investments made in education over the past seven years, highlighting advancements in policy, infrastructure, equipment, teacher welfare, and more. Notably, the Free Senior High School Program, implemented in 2017, has seen remarkable success, with record-breaking enrollments and substantial budget allocations.

Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic constraints, Ghana has sustained and expanded the Free SHS Program, incorporating Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of digitalisation in propelling the next phase of the Free SHS policy, envisioning a seamless online and offline teaching and learning experience. The Ghana Smart Schools Project aligns with the nation’s commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 on quality education. By providing essential infrastructure for e-learning and digitalisation. The initiative aims to elevate high school education and foster innovation and excellence in Ghana’s schools.

The President expressed confidence in Ghana’s ability to create a future where every child has access to world-class education, unlocking their full potential. He urged stakeholders to embrace the opportunity to transform Ghanaian schools into centers of innovation and excellence, driving national development and prosperity.