Geoscience education in Ghana: status and recommendations

Abstract

This paper reviewed the level of Geoscience education in Ghana and offers recommendations for improvement. The review showed that Geoscience education in Ghana is inadequate and Geoscience literacy and awareness in the public are weak. Currently, the level of Geoscience content in the formal educational curricula of Basic and Senior High schools as well as colleges of education in Ghana is very low. In addition, out of 129 universities in Ghana, only seven offer Geoscience or Geoscience-related programs. To improve the level of formal Geoscience education we recommend the following: (1) introduce geoscience degree programs in colleges of education, (2) introduce Geoscience as a subject in the Senior High School curriculum, (3) improve the Geoscience content in the Basic School curriculum, (4) Encourage more universities to offer degree programs in Geoscience. To train the next generation of Geoscientists, we recommend improvements in Geoscience degree programs in terms of (1) the curriculum, content, proficiencies, and skills, (2) the use of pedagogy and technology, and (3) the preparation of teachers to build capacity in science and core geology. To help increase Geoscience awareness and literacy in Ghana, the Geoscience workforce should team up with relevant stakeholders to promote Geoscience outreach in Ghana.