Gov’t launches Foundational Learning Programme 2026-20240 to improve early childhood education

The government has unveiled a new Foundational Learning Programme, slated to run from 2026 to 2040, with the aim of enhancing early childhood education and bolstering literacy and numeracy skills among preschool-aged children and young learners across Ghana. Speaking at the launch, Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang announced a goal to substantially boost foundational literacy, numeracy, and psychosocial development among children aged four to eight in both public and low-fee private schools nationwide.

This initiative is part of the government's broader 2026–2040 Foundational Learning Agenda, designed to address learning gaps and ensure that children acquire essential skills during their early years of education.

The Vice-President emphasized that cultivating strong foundational education is crucial to the nation's ambition of building a productive economy capable of creating jobs, fostering competitive industries, and improving living standards. She stressed that such an economy hinges not only on investments in physical infrastructure and technology but also on the development of a population equipped to think critically, solve problems, and apply knowledge practically.

"We want an economy that produces more of what it consumes, processes more of its agricultural output, develops competitive industries, and creates better employment opportunities," she remarked.

Highlighting the importance of equity in education, the Vice-President pointed out that children from diverse backgrounds often begin their educational journeys with varying levels of preparation and support. She stressed that strong foundational education can help mitigate the impacts of these disparities, ensuring that a child's future opportunities are not solely dictated by their circumstances of birth.

Acknowledging past education reforms, the Vice-President affirmed that the new programme offers an opportunity to build upon these efforts and achieve sustained improvements in foundational learning. She underscored the importance of consistent, long-term commitment to realizing the programme's objectives and assured development partners of the government's dedication to working together for this cause.

The Minister for Education echoed the Vice-President's sentiments, stressing that the programme represents a significant step towards improving basic education in Ghana. He assured development partners of the government's commitment and cautioned against expecting immediate results, advocating for a long-term perspective on measuring the programme's success. "We must pursue our objectives consistently, learn from experience, and respond to the needs of our schools and learners," the Minister said.