Education Minister Hon. Haruna Iddrisu’s latest address to Parliament has drawn renewed attention to the government’s digital learning initiative, after he revealed that some Senior High School students have been using state-supplied tablets to access pornography due to lapses in device customization.
His remarks came as part of a broader update on the distribution of learning devices and ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana’s digital education framework under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
“I inherited a contract worth about 337 million US dollars, where some 1.3 million tablets were to be distributed across the country to all free senior high schools in the country so that learners can have access to digital tools”
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education
The Minister told the House that approximately 980,000 tablets had already been deployed under the contract, stressing that the intent behind the investment remains unchanged: equipping learners with modern tools to align Ghana’s education system with global standards.
Hon. Iddrisu disclosed that his attention was, however, drawn to disturbing reports indicating that many of the devices currently in the hands of students were not customized with appropriate restrictions. He explained that this lapse had enabled learners to access content far outside the intended academic use.
“The students are using it for other purposes including pornography, which is not acceptable,” the minister disclosed. He explained that the development undermines the government’s effort to promote responsible digital learning, noting that while the country must push forward with digital integration, the system must also protect students from harmful content.
“The government is taking a high view of it and there must be restrictions as to what the tablets can be used for,” Hon. Iddrisu said, emphasising that the purpose of the devices is to facilitate curriculum-based learning, with educational materials uploaded directly onto the tablets to support classroom instruction and independent study.
Digital Standards and Accountability
He insisted that the state cannot afford to treat digital learning investment casually if it expects Ghanaian students to thrive when all is said and done.
“We are to be minded that when you are training students you are training them to be globally competitive and therefore we have to take investment in digital skills and digital technology and its deployment much more seriously”
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education
Hon. Iddrisu reaffirmed that the ministry is reviewing system gaps that allowed for improper device use, including the role of vendors and the enforcement of technical specifications. He suggested that future deployments would involve stricter checks to prevent any recurrence of the issue.
The Minister maintained that accountability must guide every stage of the rollout as Ghana works to refine its digital education infrastructure. He underscored that the administration’s position remains firm: the tablets were procured to support academic development, not to expose students to distractions or harmful content.
His comments signaled a renewed emphasis on monitoring, maintenance, and policy alignment to ensure digital tools meet the standards expected by both Parliament and the broader public.
Special Schools Infrastructure
Ahead of his parliamentary remarks, Hon. Iddrisu had earlier engaged heads of Integrated and Special Needs Schools in Accra, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure nationwide.
He said the goal was to build inclusive, well-resourced institutions capable of serving the diverse needs of learners across Ghana. “As we lay the foundation, what does it take for us to have a world-class special needs school and how should it look in the Ghanaian context?” he asked.
The Minister stressed the importance of accessible facilities, assistive technology and reliable welfare support, noting that while temporary grants play a role, sustainable funding remains central to improving long-term outcomes for learners with disabilities.
His remarks served as a reminder that the digital agenda forms part of a larger national effort to strengthen educational equity under the current government.
Hon. Iddrisu’s dual focus illustrates the broader challenge facing Ghana’s education system: to modernize without compromising standards and to innovate without exposing learners to unintended vulnerabilities.
As the Ministry moves to further regulate and customize the tablets, stakeholders are expected to monitor how swiftly and effectively the corrective measures address the concerns raised.
