Accra: Mr Anis Haffar, an educationist, emphasised the urgent need for schools to focus on cultivating critical thinking skills in students to equip them for tackling real-world challenges, amidst the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Haffar articulated these thoughts during the inauguration of the 2026 Literacy Challenge competition. This event, organised by Channel One TV and Citi FM, aims at engaging Ghana's pre-secondary learners in exploring the impacts of AI on the educational landscape. The competition is set to award a grand prize of GHS10,000 and a laptop to the winner, while it delves into the opportunities and challenges AI presents in education.
Traditionally aimed at Junior High School students, the competition has broadened its reach in recent years to include young individuals aged 11 to 15. Participants are required to pen a 600-word letter to the Minister of Education, discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of AI in education. They must also propose strategies for integrating AI into basic schools in Ghana, ensuring inclusivity for students from rural and underserved communities.
Mr Haffar, who also serves as the Chief Examiner for the competition, underscored the importance of shifting educational practices from rote learning to fostering problem-solving capabilities. He highlighted the necessity for students to harness available tools to address societal issues effectively.
Ms Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong-Abbey, Head of Programmes Production at Channel One TV, outlined the competition's structure, which will unfold in three stages. Initially, participants will submit essays on the topic, with the top 100 contenders moving forward to a written aptitude test in Accra. The final stage will feature a classic quiz competition involving the top 48 contestants, representing 16 regions in teams of three, vying for top honours.
The competition promises a cash prize of 15,000 Ghana cedis for the top regional teams, with each member receiving 5,000 Ghana cedis. Additionally, participants will be awarded trophies, medals, and certificates, recognising their achievements and contributions to fostering innovation, creativity, and critical thinking in line with Ghana's education and literacy development objectives.