The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, says reports of students using government-issued tablets to access pornography and other unrelated content are unacceptable and must be urgently addressed.
According to him, although the tablets were procured to enhance digital learning, many of the devices were not properly customised before distribution, allowing students to use them for prohibited purposes.
Speaking in Parliament on November 27, the minister explained that he had inherited the contract which was worth about 337 million US dollars.
“Some 1.3 million tablets was to be distributed across the country to all free senior high schools in the country so that learners can have access to digital tools.”
He added that distribution is ongoing through GETFund, noting, “I’m told that deployment of that is around 980 thousand.”
However, the Minister said the tablets whic are meant for learning by purposes only are being misused by some students.
“My attention was drawn to the fact that many of the devices are not customized and the students are using it for other purposes including pornography which is not acceptable.”
Haruna Iddrisu stressed that government will ensure tighter digital restrictions on the devices.
“Government is taking a high view of it and there must be restrictions as to what the tablet can be used for, and it should be used strictly for purpose of studying.”
He emphasized that the tablets already have learning materials embedded for Ghana’s digital curriculum.
“The curriculum is onloaded onto the tablet. It will facilitate digital learning.”
The minister added that Ghana’s education system must align with global standards.
“When you’re training students, you’re training them to be globally competitive. And therefore we have to take investments in digital skills and digital technology and it’s deployment much more seriously.”
