John Dramani Mahama has announced that robotics, coding and artificial intelligence will be introduced in Ghana’s basic schools as part of a sweeping reform of the national curriculum.
Addressing the State of the Nation Address (SONA), he said the standards-based curriculum from Kindergarten to Primary Six is under review to incorporate “robotics, coding and the responsible integration of generative artificial intelligence.”
He added that AI education would be delivered in an age-appropriate manner with “a strong emphasis on ethical use, digital responsibility, critical thinking and human values.”
Describing basic education as “the critical entry point into our education system,” the President announced a policy shift to rebalance investments in favour of the sector. The 2026 budget, he said, provides for the construction of 200 kindergarten blocks, 200 primary school blocks and 200 junior high schools nationwide.
On gender equity, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to keeping girls in school. “No girl’s education should be interrupted because of challenges related to menstrual hygiene,” he said, revealing that 12.2 million packets of sanitary pads were distributed to schoolgirls in 2025, backed by a GH¢292.4 million budget allocation.
He also disclosed that government has cleared all outstanding capitation grant arrears and settled legacy debts owed to the West African Examinations Council for BECE registration subsidies.
For learners with disabilities, he said free tertiary education is now fully operational, while feeding grants for students in public special schools will increase from GH¢8 to GH¢15 per day beginning in the 2026 academic year.
The President further announced that law students will now be able to access the Student Loan Scheme and that six new regional TVET Centres of Excellence will be constructed to strengthen skills development.
“These reforms are about expanding access, improving quality and preparing our young people for the future economy,” he stated.
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