A Lecturer at the Department of Languages and General Studies at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Dr Mrs Gertrude Yidanpoa Grumah-Gomnah, has called on government to give careful and critical consideration to Ghana’s national curriculum, particularly the academic workload placed on preschool children.
Dr Grumah-Gomnah warned that excessive academic pressure at the early childhood level could undermine balanced development, stressing that education at that stage should nurture curiosity and a genuine love for learning rather than rush children into rigid academic routines before they enter mainstream schooling.
She made the call at the 10th anniversary celebration of The Mount Montessori School at New Dormaa in the Sunyani Municipality, an institution she founded and currently runs as proprietor.
“Education is not only about passing examinations; it is about raising children who fear God, respect others, and believe in themselves,” she said, noting that this philosophy remains central to the school’s mission.
The anniversary celebration, themed “A Decade of Growth: Nurturing Hearts, Inspiring Minds, Building the Future,” brought together pupils, teachers, parents, officials from the Sunyani Municipal Education Directorate, representatives of the Bono Regional Department of Gender, and local government authorities, including the Municipal Chief Executive and the Member of Parliament for Sunyani.
Students thrilled patrons with choreographed dances, cadet displays, and stage performances centred on education.
Reflecting on the school’s journey, Dr. Grumah-Gomnah recounted that The Mount Montessori School began under humble circumstances—with just one child and one facilitator operating from an uncompleted building.
Today, the school has grown to a population of about 200 pupils, supported by a staff strength of about 25.
Despite progress in Ghana’s education system, she observed that academic achievement continues to overshadow practical skills, creativity, and talent development, describing the imbalance as an urgent gap that must be addressed.
She further criticised the tendency to push children toward a narrow set of career paths such as medicine, law, and engineering, noting that while these professions are important, “not every child is created for the same path.” She urged parents and policymakers to embrace a broader vision of education that recognises diverse talents and abilities.
Dr Grumah-Gomnah also appealed for increased recognition and use of Ghanaian languages in schools, especially at the foundational level. According to her, teaching children in local languages would help preserve Ghana’s cultural identity and heritage, while fostering a strong sense of belonging, patriotism, and national pride.
As part of activities marking the anniversary, she announced that the school will present its first batch of candidates for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in May this year.
She also highlighted the school’s commitment to social responsibility and inclusive education, revealing that it has offered full and partial scholarships to two orphaned pupils and adopted the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Sunyani Teaching Hospital, donating both clinical and non-clinical items to the facility.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Sunyani, Vincent Antwi Agyei, commended the school for its impact over the past decade, describing its contribution as vital to child development in the municipality.
“Education is not only about academics; it is about shaping responsible and grounded citizens,” he said.
The celebration climaxed with the presentation of awards to deserving parents and staff in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the growth of the school over the past ten years.
Reporting by Daniel Donkor for Asaase News, Bono Region
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