Push for Critical Thinking Gains Momentum in Ghana’s Education Sector
From Ernest Best Anane, Kumasi
Stakeholders in Ghana’s education sector are calling for the introduction of a standalone Critical Thinking course in the country’s basic school curriculum. This appeal was made during the Northern Sector finals of the Perfect Series Basic Schools Assessment Contest, held at the GNAT Hall in Amakom, Kumasi.
The Bosomtwe District Director of Education, Mr. Daniel Okoto-Ansah, emphasized the importance of prioritizing critical thinking education in Ghana’s schools. “Although the Standard-Based Curriculum has room for critical thinking, the country needs to hammer on it more to boost children’s creativity and thinking skills,” he said. Mr. Okoto-Ansah pointed out that other countries have made significant progress in innovation by prioritizing critical thinking in their education systems, urging Ghana to follow suit.
Critical thinking enables students to develop innovative ideas, solve problems, and make informed decisions. According to Dr. Alexa Lamm, critical thinking is “a reasoned, purposive, and introspective approach to solving problems or addressing questions with incomplete evidence and information for which an incontrovertible solution is unlikely”. By incorporating critical thinking into the curriculum, Ghanaian students can develop essential skills to tackle complex problems and contribute to national development ².
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Pastor Philip Sarpong, CEO of Perfect Series Publications, stressed the importance of strengthening academic competitions at the foundational level. “The government and the Ministry of Education shouldn’t only organize quizzes for the SHS level but start from the basic level,” he said. Rev. Michael Takyi Junior, representing O.A Legacy International School, also appealed for the competition to be held twice a year to boost students’ learning and thinking.
The Northern Sector finals saw O.A Legacy International School emerge as champions with a total score of 375.5 points, followed closely by Unique Educational Complex and Reverence Preparatory School. The top three schools will join their Southern Sector counterparts in the National Grand Finale scheduled for September 25, 2025.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Ms. Sherry Ayittey, has also emphasized the need for critical thinking and problem-solving approaches in teaching. Education Minister Yaw Adutwum has similarly advocated for a curriculum that fosters critical thinking and challenges the existing status quo. By prioritizing critical thinking, Ghana can develop a new generation of innovative thinkers who can drive national development.
