Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education in Ghana, has disclosed the government's intentions to launch the Ghana Virtual High School, enabling young individuals to enroll and complete their high school education online.
This innovative step is anticipated to not only enhance accessibility to education but also improve teaching methodologies in traditional high schools.
Speaking at the 2nd National Distance Learning Conference in Accra, Dr Adutwum emphasized the pivotal role of digital learning in revolutionizing Africa's educational landscape.
He encouraged African leaders to embrace technology and harness its potential to uplift their nations.
The event, organized by the Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS), in collaboration with UNICEF, UNESCO, and the World Bank Group, centered around the theme "Reimagining Education: A Call on Multi-Stakeholder Coordination and Action for Equitable Access to Digital and Distance Learning in Africa."
Dr Adutwum's vision extends beyond virtual high schools. He announced the government's goal to double science enrollment in Ghana by leveraging digital technology in the upcoming year.
This aspiration reflects the growing recognition of technology's capacity to enhance education and learning outcomes.
Nana Gvamfi Adwabour, Executive Director of CENDLOS, underscored the necessity for collaboration among stakeholders to optimize digital education.
He praised the success of the inaugural conference in shaping an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy.
Connectivity emerged as a challenge, prompting a call to telecommunication companies and stakeholders to offer support.
Dr Eric Nansah, Director-General of Ghana Education Service, highlighted the transformative impact of integrating ICT into education.
He stressed that distance learning had become a lifeline, ensuring uninterrupted education even under challenging circumstances.