Education-Ghana High Commission,Canberra


Ghana at a Glance

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	Education

Ghana has a tradition of educational excellence, as the success of Ghanaian professionals, scientists, technicians and teachers throughout the world testifies. The educational system was originally based on the English grammar school system. But this decade has seen radical changes focusing on the scientific, technical, vocational, managerial and entrepreneurial skills to meet Ghana's development needs. Proper attention is now also devoted to Ghanaian and African history, art, literature, languages and traditional skills and customs.

The Medium of Instruction
English is the medium of instruction and the study of the French language is also encouraged and support by Government policy.

Basic education
Primary- and middle-school education is tuition-free and mandatory. Students begin their 6-year primary education at age six. Under educational reforms implemented in 1987, they pass into a new junior secondary school system for 3 years of academic training combined with technical and vocational training. At the end of the 3 years, students sit for the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE)

Secondary education
Those continuing move into the 3-year senior secondary school program.

Tertiary education
Entrance to universities is by examination following completion of senior secondary school. The public universities are: the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Coast, the University of Science and Technology at Kumasi and the new University of Development Studies at Tamale, as well as the University College of Education at Winneba. There are also private universities, numerous polytechnics and specialised institutions. The tertiary education system is being enlarged and its facilities improved, with substantial funds being allocated every year to the provision of academic and residential infrastructure, journals, computers and other equipment.

Educational Reforms
The government believes that education should result in the formation of well-balance individuals with the requisite knowledge, skills, values, aptitudes and attitudes to become functional and productive citizens. Greater emphasis is now placed on Technical, Agricultural and Vocational education, and on structured Apprenticeship training. The structure of the existing basic education system is to be changed with the introduction of a new universal and continuous basic education programme from age 4 to 15, and a redefined four-year Senior High School system to replace the present Primary-JSS-SSS structure.

Health
Ghana has a good health service system throughout the country. All regional capitals and most districts have hospitals, polyclinics and clinics. Two (2) teaching hospitals in Accra and Kumasi have facilities for treating special cases. Additionally, a number of religious organisations and private medical practitioners operate hospitals and clinics all over the country. Herbal medicine and psychic healing are also generally practised, and there is a special government Herbal Medicine Hospital and Research Centre at Akwapim-Mampong.

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