Art, Craft, Needlework Reintroduced in Basic School Curriculum

The Ministry of Education has announced the reintroduction of Art, Craft, and Needlework into the basic school curriculum as part of efforts to promote creativity, innovation, and hands-on skills among pupils.

The move comes after widespread consultations with educators, curriculum developers, and stakeholders, who emphasized the importance of practical skills in preparing students for future opportunities. Officials say the subjects will complement literacy, numeracy, and science by fostering problem-solving, critical thinking, and artistic expression.

According to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), the reintroduction is designed not only to revive traditional creative arts but also to give pupils early exposure to skills such as design, sewing, and handcrafts, which could be developed into entrepreneurial ventures in later years.

Education authorities believe the inclusion of these subjects will help nurture well-rounded learners, reduce overemphasis on examinations, and align with Ghana’s broader goal of developing 21st-century skills in its young population.

Teachers are expected to undergo refresher training to effectively deliver the subjects, while schools will receive guidelines and materials to integrate them into their lessons.

The Ministry noted that the reintroduction also responds to calls from cultural advocates who have long argued for the preservation of Ghana’s artistic and craft heritage within the education system.