The School of Social Sciences at the University of Ghana hosted a workshop to examine the critical role of African Indigenous Elders Critical Teachings (ELDERCRITS) and how it can reshape education.
The event, held at the University’s Centre For Biodiversity Conservation Research brought together international experts, faculty, policymakers, and students to discuss how to infuse African indigenous knowledge into academic institutions.
For decades, educational systems in Africa, particularly in Ghana, have been dominated by Western approaches, often at the expense of local cultural values and traditions. The workshop sought to address this imbalance and inspire a more inclusive curriculum.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Kwaku Osei-Hwedie of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre emphasized that education is deeply tied to cultural systems and must adapt to contemporary challenges.
“The cultural elements in our culture and history should not be overlooked when it comes to education because it gives us a sense of belongingness and as such should be the central theme of everything that we do. If our way of doing things especially in education does not resonate with our values that has sustained us till now but are being dominated by other cultures with no reference to our own then we do have a problem.”
He further highlighted the importance of language as a key to incorporating indigenous teachings.
“Our language is the primary medium of understanding and direction. It should be strengthened through policies at various levels to target the basis in adopting indigenous languages in our education system. Local languages at regional levels should be improved right up to a national level.”
The workshop served as a dynamic platform for open dialogue and the exchange of experiences, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to collaborate on and inspire innovative educational systems that align with a true African identity.
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Story by Felix Opoku Agyapong|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
