By Bright Philip Donkor
The government, through the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation, has launched the Ghana Knowledge and Skills Bank (GKSB) portal, aimed at revolutionizing access to quality education and skills development across the country.
Speaking during launch in Accra, the sector Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, said the GKSB portal, which is set to begin full operations in early 2025, is a significant step in the country’s digital transformation agenda and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in ensuring inclusive and equitable education for all.
Importance
The Minister stressed the importance of the GKSB platform as a tool for national development and a major achievement in the government’s push towards digitalization.
As of now, Ghana becomes the second African nation, after Egypt, to introduce such an advanced educational platform.
“This momentous occasion represents a significant stride toward digital transformation and inclusive development. The portal is designed to ensure equitable access to quality education for all, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4. With the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), Ghana’s platform will be the most advanced on the continent,” she said.
Key features
The Minister mentioned that the portal incorporates AI tools to personalize learning experiences, and track student’s progress. This, she explained, allows students to identify their strengths and areas where they need improvement, creating a more tailored educational experience.
She indicated that the GKSB portal provides access to a wealth of educational resources, available on any device. She stressed that this feature bridges the gap between students in urban and rural areas, ensuring that all learners have equal access to high-quality materials.
She added that platform also offers materials for vocational and technical education. She said this allows individuals to acquire new skills remotely, promoting self-reliance and enhancing employability in a rapidly evolving job market.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful lauded the local Ghanaian companies responsible for developing the platform, reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting local industries.
“This project showcases the brilliance of our local talent, and the government is keen to use its purchasing power to boost our industries,” she said.
The Minister urged students, educators, and parents to embrace the platform and make full use of the resources available to improve educational outcomes nationwide.
Commitment
Mrs Owusu-Ekuful stressed that technology was fundamentally reshaping the educational landscape, and the GKSB was a step towards leveraging these advancements to ensure lifelong learning opportunities for all Ghanaians.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, commended the cooperation between the two ministries. He emphasised the portal’s potential to tap into the skills of Ghanaians both locally and abroad.
“This portal is not just a tool for students but a testament to the power of cooperation and the importance of digitalization in modern education. The Ghana Knowledge and Skills Bank will be a cornerstone in creating a centralized database of highly skilled professionals that will drive national development,” Dr. Adutwum said.
“The Knowledge and Skills Bank is a key step toward ensuring that Ghana can harness its human capital to address pressing challenges and promote sustainable development. It will foster stronger partnerships between the government, the private sector, and skilled individuals who are eager to contribute to the nation’s progress,” he added.
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communications & Digitalisation