The Ministry of Education has indicated plans to intensify efforts to improve numeracy education in the country, following the success of the fifth National Abacus Championship.
The event brought together more than 2,000 pupils from over 100 schools nationwide, with additional participants joining virtually from the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, a development that underscores the competition’s growing international appeal.
Speaking after the event in Accra last Saturday, the Head of Unit in charge of Early Childhood Education at the Ministry of Education and Principal Programmes Officer, Mr Isaac Atta Baah, said the championship had highlighted the urgent need to invest more in numeracy, alongside literacy.
He explained that although several interventions had been rolled out over the years to improve reading skills among children, relatively little attention had been given to strengthening numeracy.
Mr Atta Baah added that a report outlining strategies to expand the programme would be submitted to the sector minister for consideration.
He further stressed the importance of adopting balanced educational interventions that cater for both boys and girls. While acknowledging the progress made in promoting girls’ education, he noted that boys also required targeted support.
According to him, many organisations had focused on empowering girls, but similar initiatives for boys remained limited.
He observed that in some communities, boys completed junior high school and took up commercial motorcycle riding at a very young age, stressing the need for equal opportunities.
He said both boys and girls must be supported to pursue meaningful careers, adding that while girls were being encouraged to become professionals such as teachers, nurses and doctors, boys should also be guided to achieve similar aspirations.
The Chief Executive Officer of Brain Educare Limited, Ms Hilda Karroum, described this year’s championship as the most successful since its inception.
She said the fifth edition recorded participation from all regions of Ghana, alongside virtual contestants from the UK, Canada and the United States.
Ms Karroum noted that what started as a national initiative was gradually evolving into an international event.
She disclosed that plans were underway to extend the competition to more regions beyond Accra, Kumasi and Tamale, following strong interest from stakeholders.
She also commended the Ghana Education Service for its continuous support towards the programme.
Some of the pupils who took part in the competition described it as challenging but rewarding, noting that nearly 500 contestants competed for trophies.
One participant said the contest was tough, but expressed excitement that her school won a trophy.
She added that learning abacus had improved her arithmetic skills and enhanced her performance in Mathematics, encouraging other children to work hard and pursue their dreams.
Another participant from Kumasi described the experience as life-changing, despite the long journey to Accra.
She said the competition had taught her to stay focused, pay attention and remain confident, even when faced with difficult calculations.
She added that the programme had boosted her confidence, helping her excel academically and take up leadership roles among her peers.
BY HILDA NSAMI
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