Edtech Insights with Kwame Nyatuame: Edtech policy matters: What we can learn from global leaders

No Smartphones, No Internet — Just SMS

It wasn’t flashy, but it worked. It kept learning alive.

What made this possible? The answer is simple: policy.

Innovation often starts in living rooms and labs. Sustainable change happens when policy meets innovation with purpose.

In Ghana, we see sparks of Edtech brilliance. Startups, digital literacy campaigns, and device distribution efforts are emerging. But do we have the right policies to support Edtech?

Why Edtech Policy Matters More Than Ever

Edtech is no longer a luxury; it’s essential. It builds resilient, future-ready human capital.

Policies set rules and standards. They ensure that no child or teacher is left behind.

Without strong policies, we risk:

- Duplicating efforts across agencies.
- Leaving out vulnerable schools and learners.
- Stifling innovation with bureaucracy.
- Failing to prepare youth for future jobs.

Ultimately, we risk missing education's goal: building capable citizens for Ghana's future.

What the Numbers Are Saying

According to the EdTech Hub (2023), only 35% of Sub-Saharan African countries have a comprehensive Edtech strategy. Ghana is making progress but slowly.

The Ministry of Education’s plan (2018–2030) includes digital literacy and ICT integration. However, there’s no unified national Edtech policy yet.

Other countries are ahead:

- Rwanda has had a National ICT in Education Policy since 2016.
- India launched its National Education Policy in 2020.
- South Korea spends 5% of its education budget on Edtech R&D.
- Estonia integrates digital learning from early childhood through university.

Ghana must not be left behind.

What Can Ghana Learn and Do Now?

Here are five key takeaways for Ghana:

1. Develop a clear national Edtech strategy with timelines and goals.
2. Create an Edtech sandbox for startups to test ideas in classrooms.
3. Focus on equity by supporting underserved areas with low-tech solutions.
4. Standardize content quality to protect learners and ensure quality.
5. Champion data privacy guidelines for student and teacher data protection.

We Must Not Lose Sight of Education’s True Purpose

Education is about people, not just devices or data. It prepares young minds to think critically and act boldly.

When Ghana gets Edtech policy right, we empower:

- The girl in Navrongo dreaming of building robots.
- The boy in Nsawam teaching himself animation after school.
- The teacher in Takoradi confident using digital tools.
- The parent in Ho helping their child revise with a learning app.

We build a proud society where education becomes the great equalizer.

In Closing: It’s Time to Be Bold With Policy

Edtech policy work is urgent and necessary today. We must unite educators, entrepreneurs, government leaders, students, parents, and civil society to create a roadmap for Ghana's digital education future.

The future is here; we need political will to shape it well. Let’s move from pilot projects to national plans and integrate systems effectively.

It’s not just about catching up; it’s about leading with empathy and excellence for every learner in Ghana. Look out for our next article in this Edtech series.