Bawumia Hands Over First Batch Of Smart Tablets To Opoku Ware SHS Students

 

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has launched the distribution of tablets as part of the Ghana Smart Schools project. The initial batch of tablets was given to students at Opoku Ware School, marking the start of this nationwide initiative. Additionally, the event featured the inauguration of the first smart school block at the same institution, where Vice President Bawumia observed the inaugural lessons using the new technology.

President Akufo-Addo initiated the Ghana Smart Schools project on March 24, 2024, with a commitment to distribute 1.3 million tablets to students throughout the country. This project aims to create an ICT-driven environment for teaching and learning, providing each student with an educational tablet. The initiative is set to transform education in 30 senior high schools nationwide. To support this project, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with KA Technologies, has established 274 support centres across the country to assist with the tablets.

Minister of Education Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum had hinted at this development during a surprise visit to Opoku Ware School on June 2, 2024. Vice President Bawumia emphasized that the handover of the tablets and the commissioning of the smart school block fulfill the government’s pledge to enhance the educational experience through technology.

However, the distribution of tablets has faced criticism from the opposition. NDC flagbearer John Mahama described the initiative as a vote-buying tactic, arguing that there are more pressing educational concerns that need attention. Mahama pointed to the neglect of essential ongoing educational projects as a more critical issue than the distribution of tablets.

The Ghana Smart Schools project represents a significant step toward modernizing education in Ghana, aiming to equip students with the tools necessary for a technologically advanced learning environment. Despite the criticism, the government remains committed to its goal of providing 1.3 million tablets to senior high school students across the nation.