A group picture taken after the launch
The Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy (LECERP), in the College of Education, University of Ghana, has partnered with the Internet Society Foundation (ISOC) and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming teacher development and enhancing student learning in Ghana. The project, titled “Leveraging Internet Access for Teacher Professional Development and Improved Student Learning Outcomes in Ghana,” was officially launched at the Smart Classroom of the School of Continuing and Distance Education.
Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education
In his opening remarks, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education and chairperson for the ceremony, expressed gratitude to ISOC for funding the project. He highlighted the project’s alignment with priorities 3, 4, and 5 of the University of Ghana strategic plan, which focus on commitment to faculty and staff, engagement and partnerships and sustainable resource mobilisation and stewardship. Prof. Codjoe pointed out the transformative potential of this project for Ghana’s educational landscape, noting its promise for significant improvements in teaching quality, student learning outcomes and teacher retention.
Dr. Hayford Ayerakwa, Principal Investigator
Dr. Hayford Ayerakwa, the Principal Investigator for the project, outlined the project's objectives, structure and expected impact. He explained that the initiative primarily targets basic schools with plans to expand to senior high schools, aiming to enhance core teaching competencies. "The initiative also aligns with the objectives of Ghana’s new curriculum, which aims to promote critical thinking, prepare students for the global economy and improve overall learning outcomes” he remarked.
A cross-section of audience
To achieve its objectives, Dr. Hayford Ayerakwa explained, the project will support teacher professional development by enhancing digital teaching skills, boosting internet connectivity and providing coaching, monitoring and overall capacity building for teachers. He acknowledged a number of potential challenges, including internet accessibility, resistance to change, sustaining long-term engagement and ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation. Dr. Ayerakwa stressed the importance of addressing these issues to maximise the project’s impact on teaching quality and student learning outcomes.
Dr. Ayerakwa further explained that each participating school will receive between 5-8 desktop computers with reliable internet connectivity, along with a 20-month data supply. The 23-month project will also provide both onsite and online support through dedicated coaches and mentors. He noted that schools will be responsible for creating secure spaces for the equipment, safeguarding the installations and actively engaging in data collection and learning activities to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability.
A Headmaster from a participating school shares insights during the discussion
At the end of a question and answer session, Mr. Prince Henry Nartey, a Headmaster, expressed appreciation for the project’s innovative approach to professional development, stating, “this project will revitalise our teaching passion and equip us with innovative strategies.”
In a brief remark, Mrs. Ruby Ohene-Adutwum, District Director of GES and representative of the Eastern Regional Director of Education, encouraged school heads to embrace the project, highlighting its potential for lasting benefits.
Group photo of the seven-member implementation team
Dr. Clement Adamba, Co-Principal Investigator and Director of LECERP, introduced the seven-member team tasked with implementing the project. The team include Dr. Adamba as Director of LECERP, Dr. Hayford Ayerakwa as Principal Investigator, Dr. Emmanuel Adjei-Boateng as Technical Advisor, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah as Project Advisor, Ms. Audrey Kennedy Djarbeng as Administrator, Mrs. Ruby Ohene-Adutwum joins as a representative of the District Director of Education and Mr. Prince Henry Nartey from Boso Senior High Technical School also joins as representative of the Heads of Schools. The team was officially inaugurated by the Provost.
The Provost congratulates the newly inaugurated seven-member implementation team
In his closing remarks, Prof. Codjoe announced that the project is set to commence before the upcoming elections and urged all stakeholders to commit to its success, aiming to create a sustainable model for teacher professional development and improved student learning across Ghana.