The Sub-Committee on Education and the Minority in Parliament have expressed disappointment over delays in implementing the One Student, One Tablet program, which was launched earlier this year.
Deputy Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, Dr Clement Apaak, shared his concerns, noting that he and other members had expected that, by now, 1.4 million students would have access to tablets to aid in their learning.
Launched in March under the Ghana Smart Schools Project by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the initiative was initially set for a full rollout in October, according to Education Minister Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum.
However, many intended recipients have yet to receive their tablets, and some schools reportedly have the devices in storage without distributing them to students.
“This government initiative received overwhelming support from the Education Committee and the whole house,” said Dr. Apaak.
“The Committee toured the company producing the gadgets, and we got excited by the demonstrations made to us.
"But months on, the sub-committee on education is disappointed at the government for failing to fulfil a public promise made at the launch of the Smart Schools Project, which includes the provision of tablets to students.”
Dr. Apaak noted that budgetary provisions were made to provide tablets to 1.4 million students.
“We envisaged that by the start of the 2024/2025 academic year, all students would have benefitted. Some schools have been supplied with tablets, and the Ministry of Education must explain why they’re not being distributed.
"We must be concerned about storage conditions, as the likelihood of damage to these gadgets is high. I believe school heads have not been given the go-ahead to distribute, and it is unfortunate.”
Dr Apaak warned that the failure to deliver tablets to all senior high and TVET schools could be viewed as discriminatory. He added that the committee would continue to engage with the Ministry of Education on these issues.
The Chairman of the Education Select Committee and MP for Fanteakwa North, Kwabena Amankwa Asiamah, confirmed the delays, explaining that the rollout was set to occur in three phases, following a pilot program.
“The Minister assured us in recent committee meetings that everything possible is being done for a successful implementation.
"Schools that have received tablets must give them to the students—the ultimate beneficiaries. Those awaiting their supply should keep calm, as they will receive them soon.”
The distribution officially commenced in June, with Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia launching the program in Kumasi, targeting students in senior high schools across the region.
"Under the One Student, One Tablet program, approximately 1.4 million students are expected to receive tablets to support ICT-aided learning.
The Ghana Smart Schools Project also includes plans to transform existing senior high school facilities into Smart Schools, with new infrastructure as needed.
Teachers and Ghana Education Service staff are to receive laptops for research and teaching under a separate arrangement, with both tablets and laptops preloaded with educational materials and textbooks.
Credit: myjoyonline.com