Ghana has conducted a sample national standardised test involving 16,000 learners from basic schools. This assessment aims to measure learning outcomes and gather data to enhance the country's education system. The exercise included learners from Kindergarten Two, Primary Two, Primary Four, and Primary Six levels.
The assessment provides education authorities with a clearer understanding of learners' progress. It also highlights challenges affecting teaching and learning across the country. This initiative moves away from periodic assessments of separate groups towards a more consistent cohort-based model.
This shift aligns with Ghana's broader efforts to strengthen its human capital development. Improving educational outcomes is crucial for long-term economic growth and productivity. Reliable data from such tests can inform policy decisions and resource allocation in the education sector.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu monitored the exercise, visiting St. Peter’s RC Basic School and Osu Salem 1 KG and Primary School in Accra. He stated the assessment forms part of measures to strengthen Ghana’s education system. The Minister explained the new approach will track the same group of learners at different stages of their educational journey.
The new model will assess learners at the primary level. They will then be followed through Primary Four, Primary Six, and Junior High School Two. This tracking will occur shortly before they write the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). This continuous monitoring will provide more reliable information on academic progress.
Tracking learners over time will help education authorities identify specific learning gaps. It will also enable the development of targeted interventions to improve outcomes in schools. The data generated from this standardised test will guide education policies and strengthen teaching and learning at the basic level.
The assessment is expected to provide evidence on learners’ performance. This evidence will support efforts to improve the quality of education delivery across Ghana’s basic education sector. Enhanced educational quality is vital for Ghana's future workforce and economic competitiveness.
The sample included 2,500 Kindergarten Two learners. It also involved 4,500 Primary Two learners. Additionally, 4,500 Primary Four learners participated. Finally, 4,500 Primary Six learners were part of the assessment. This comprehensive sample ensures broad representation across basic education levels.
This initiative reflects a commitment to evidence-based policy-making in education. It seeks to ensure that investments in education yield tangible improvements in student achievement. The outcomes of this test will be closely watched by stakeholders in the education sector and beyond.