Critics of ‘one-teacher one-laptop’ initiative trying to score political points – Education Minister

Despite concerns by teacher unions about the government’s one-teacher, one laptop initiative, the Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Adutwum has mounted a spirited defense for the policy.

The Minister said the initiative had played a critical role in enhancing the efficiency of teachers.

He said those who had criticised the initiative were only seeking to score cheap political points.

The initiative has been described by some teacher unions as a poorly negotiated deal, while some have claimed that the laptops being distributed under the initiative are not fit for teaching.

A teacher group, known as the Innovative Teachers Alliance, has also expressed displeasure over the deduction of GH¢509 from the teachers’ professional development allowance for the payment of the initiative.

The Minister, however, disagreed with these suggestions, insisting that the laptops are efficient.

“We are in a country where everything is seen through the lens of politics. By the time you realise, something you knew was going to serve a good purpose can become an albatross on your neck. One thing I know is that the device is good.”

Mr. Adutwum also insisted that the initiative was effectively managed by his predecessor.