By Kodjo Adams
Accra, July 03, GNA- The Board of the National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NASIA) has been asked to work closely with stakeholders to ensure a safe, secure and disciplined learning environment across all basic and second-cycle institutions.
“The use of weapons by students is unacceptable. I expect NASIA to step up its inspections and enforce safety standards in our schools. Every child and teacher deserves to feel safe in the learning environment.” Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education admonished.
The Minister was inaugurating said the governing boards of NASIA and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) in Accra.
Mr Iddrisu cautioned against the use of weapons by students in schools, describing the trend as worrying and a threat to the safety and wellbeing of both learners and teachers.
“I am particular about the school inspections because there have been some worrying developments in the country where, repeatedly, we are told that a student can have access to a weapon or even a gun whilst on campus.
“It only reflects a failure of school management, the school inspectorate system and parental responsibility,” he said.
The Minister charged the Board of NASIA to intensify its inspection mandate and underscored the need for a collaborative effort to address rising incidents of violence in schools.
Mr Iddrisu tasked the newly inaugurated board of NaCCA to ensure that Ghana’s curriculum aligned with the needs of the 21st century, particularly in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
He emphasised that curriculum reform was essential to preparing Ghanaian students to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Our curriculum must reflect the demands of the future. I urge the NaCCA board to work diligently to strengthen STEM and TVET pathways, ensuring our learners are well-equipped for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.
“We intend to introduce artificial intelligence and coding at the pre-tertiary level, beginning in early primary school as part of our curriculum.
“We also intend to launch the Beyond Academic Skills, where students are trained on patriotism, volunteering and civic responsibility,” he said.
The newly sworn-in boards are expected to provide strategic direction and supervise both NASIA and NaCCA, institutions critical to the government’s broader education reform agenda.
Dr Maabobor Kor Jacob Aaworb-Nang, Chairman of the NASIA Board, thanked President Mahama for the confidence reposed in them.
He pledged on behalf of the Board to work to promote excellence, equity and accountability in the schools to achieve efficient learning outcomes.
Professor Vincent Assanful, Chairman of the Board of NACCA, assured the Minister that the Board would ensure that the development of the curriculum met the required national standards.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong