The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has emphasized the transformative potential of the newly introduced Common Core Programme (CCP) in addressing Ghana’s rising youth unemployment crisis. Speaking at a national stakeholders’ engagement on February 28, 2020, GNACOPS Executive Director Mr. Enoch Kwasi Gyetuah declared the CCP curriculum a critical tool to equip students with practical skills and foster job creation.
CCP: Bridging Education and Employment Gaps
The CCP, set to launch in September 2020 for students from Basic 7 to Basic 10 (JHS 1 to SHS 1), shifts focus from purely academic learning to hands-on, skills-based education. Mr. Gyetuah stressed that the curriculum’s emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and career-oriented training will empower graduates to thrive in competitive global markets. “The CCP challenges students to solve real-world problems, creating job opportunities rather than waiting for employment,” he stated.
Key features of the CCP include:
- Integrated Practical Training: Combines cognitive development with vocational skills across disciplines.
- Career Pathway Readiness: Students select specialized career tracks starting at SHS 2.
- Continuous Assessment: A National Assessments Strategy will monitor progress from Basic 1 to 10, replacing the previous system’s reliance on single exams.
Collaborative Implementation
The stakeholder conference, organized by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), brought together educators, policymakers, and private school leaders to refine the CCP framework. Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, Acting Executive Secretary of NaCCA, highlighted the curriculum’s role in addressing socioeconomic needs: “The CCP is designed to ensure progressive learning, with resource packs for teachers and students to support effective delivery.”
Professor Opoku Amankwaa, Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), announced plans to enhance digital infrastructure, including nationwide internet connectivity in secondary schools, to bolster the program’s success.
Private Sector Commitment
GNACOPS pledged full support for the CCP’s rollout, urging private schools to adopt the curriculum. “We must shed outdated teaching methods and embrace this innovative approach,” Mr. Gyetuah urged. The council also called for sustained stakeholder collaboration, echoing Professor Dominic Fobi, the event’s chairman, who emphasized ongoing dialogue to refine the CCP before its finalization.
A Path Forward
The Common Core Programme represents a paradigm shift in Ghana’s education system, aligning classroom learning with labor market demands. By fostering entrepreneurship and technical proficiency, the program aims to reduce reliance on traditional white-collar jobs and stimulate youth-driven economic growth.
Next Steps:
- NaCCA will continue soliciting feedback to finalize the CCP framework.
- Teacher training and resource distribution will precede the September 2020 launch.
- GNACOPS and GES will collaborate on monitoring mechanisms to ensure quality implementation.
For more details, contact:
GNACOPS Secretariat
Email: info@gnacops.org | Phone: (+233) 535 196 871
Website: www.gnacops.org
About GNACOPS:
The Ghana National Council of Private Schools advocates for quality education in private institutions, partnering with government bodies like the Ministry of Education and NaCCA to drive innovation and equity in Ghana’s educational landscape.
Together, we build futures.
