EDUCATION IN GHANA
Formal
Education in Ghana dates back to the mercantile era preceding colonization.The
first schools were set up by European merchants and missionaries. A formal state
education structure, modeled on the British system, was set up during the colonial
period. This structure has been through a series of reforms since Ghana gained
independence in 1957.
The
Education Reform Programme launched in 1987 changed the structure of the
education system from the former statutory 17years of pre-university schooling
to 12years. Basic Education is the bearest minimum of education that is
the legally mandated right of the Ghanaian child. The Basic Education Programme
is designed to cover the first nine years of schooling for each child. Due
to present and future national requirements, it is necessary for every Ghanaian
to attend primary school and have some secondary education as well.
The
age at which formal education begins is 6 years. Currently, there is a 6-3-3-4
structure of education representing a 6-year Primary, 3-year Junior Secondary,
3-year Senior Secondary and 4 year university. The first 9 years, namely Primary
and Junior Secondary School, form Basic Education which is free and compulsory.
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