Push for Critical Thinking As A Course Gains Momentum As Stakeholders Calls For It.

Calls have intensified for the Ghanaian government to formally introduce a standalone course on Critical Thinking in the country’s basic school curriculum to help pupils develop innovative ideas that can transform society.

The latest 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 event saw O.A Legacy International School from Feyiase in the Bosomtwe District emerging as champions with a total score of 375.5 points. They were followed closely by Unique Educational Complex from Konongo with 366.5 points and Reverence Preparatory School from Offinso Old Town with 366 points.

Speaking at the event, the Bosomtwe District Director of Education, Mr. Daniel Okoto-Ansa, underscored the need for Ghana to take a stronger stance on critical thinking education, even though it is already part of the Standard-Based Curriculum.

“Although the Standard-Based Curriculum that schools are currently practicing has room for critical thinking, I think the country needs to hammer on it more to boost the 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 and urged Ghana to follow suit.

Also speaking at the event, Pastor Philip Sarpong, CEO of Perfect Series Publications and the initiator of the contest, stressed the importance of strengthening academic competitions at the foundational level.

“The government and the Ministry of Education shouldn’t only organise quizzes for the SHS level but start from the basic level. The origin of everything needs to start from the basic levels before going to the secondary level, because if the foundation is weak, there won’t be any achievements to come,” he noted.

Rev. Michael Takyi Junior, representing O.A Legacy International School, also appealed to organisers to consider holding the competition twice a year.

“If the organisers can do it, we want this contest to be done at least twice in a year so that it will boost the students’ learning and thinking. Even with this once-a-year event, we have seen a significant impact on the children’s studies,” he said.

The top three schools from the Northern Sector will join their Southern Sector counterparts—St. Theresa’s School from North Kaneshie, Mamprobi Salvation Army Basic A, and Sephilis Academy from Lartebiokorshie—in the National Grand Finale scheduled for September 25, 2025.