By Kwame Nyatuame
Picture this:
In a small village in the Northern Region, a young girl named Amina dreams of becoming a doctor. She’s bright, curious, and determined — but there’s a problem. Her school has limited textbooks, patchy internet, and only one computer shared by the entire class.
Now, let’s shift the scene to Accra, where Kofi, a student at a well-equipped private school, uses a tablet to access online courses, join virtual science labs, and chat with AI tutors when he needs help with math.
Both Amina and Kofi have big dreams — but their realities are worlds apart. This gap — where some students have access to technology and others don’t — is what we call the digital divide. And in Ghana, it’s a pressing issue.
But here’s the big question: Can Edtech make education more inclusive?
Understanding the Digital Divide
The digital divide isn’t just about who owns a laptop or has Wi-Fi at home. It’s about access to digital tools, the skills to use them, and the opportunities they create.
In Ghana, the divide often looks like this:
- Urban vs. Rural – Cities like Accra and Kumasi have more schools with internet access and digital devices. In rural areas, many schools still rely solely on chalkboards.
- Wealthy vs. Low-Income Families – Students from wealthier homes often have personal devices, while others may never have touched a tablet or computer.
- Trained vs. Untrained Teachers – Some teachers know how to integrate technology into their lessons, but many still struggle due to a lack of training and support.
So, how can Edtech help level the playing field?
Edtech as a bridge – not a barrier
When done right, Education Technology can be a powerful equalizer. Let’s break it down with real-life examples happening right here in Ghana:
- Learning without borders
Take platforms like eCampus, QKNOW, MetaSchool AI, Nikasemo Technologies etc— students from any part of Ghana, whether in Bawku or Takoradi, can access lessons, quizzes, and revision materials using just a mobile phone. You don’t need the latest laptop; a simple smartphone works. By bringing learning online, Edtech makes quality education more accessible, especially for those who can’t afford expensive textbooks or private tutors.
- Offline solutions for remote areas
But what about areas without internet? That’s where innovative solutions like Mavis Talking Books come in. These are audio learning devices that teach literacy and numeracy without needing internet access — a game-changer for rural schools. Edtech isn’t just about fancy apps; it’s about adapting technology to work offline and in low-resource environments.
- Empowering teachers
Inclusivity isn’t just about students — it’s about equipping teachers too. Programs like TeacherTapp Ghana provide teachers with daily insights and resources via mobile phones, helping them learn new tech skills and improve their lessons. When teachers grow, students benefit.
- Assistive technology for special needs
In the past, students with disabilities often struggled to keep up because classrooms weren’t built for their needs. Now, there are exciting Edtech tools like the DeafCanTalk app which is an assistive technology that addresses the communication barriers by the Deaf and those who are speech impaired.
There are also speech-to-text apps, screen readers, and interactive learning software that make it easier for children with disabilities to learn and participate.
Inclusivity means no student gets left behind — no matter their abilities.
What needs to be done?
Of course, Edtech alone can’t magically fix the digital divide — there’s work to be done. To make education truly inclusive, we need:
- Affordable internet access – Expanding broadband coverage and reducing data costs so rural schools can connect to online platforms.
- Digital literacy – Training teachers and students on how to use technology effectively.
- Government and private sector collaboration – Investing in Edtech startups and supporting innovations that cater to underserved communities.
The road ahead
So, can Edtech make education more inclusive? Yes — but only if we use it intentionally. It’s not just about giving every student a tablet; it’s about creating solutions that work for everyone — whether they have high-speed internet or rely on a basic feature phone.
Amina in the Northern Region and Kofi in Accra both deserve an equal shot at success. Edtech can be the bridge that connects their dreams — but only if we build that bridge with purpose.
Let’s close the gap. Let’s build the future of learning — together. Stay tuned.
>>>the writer is President of Ghana Edtech Alliance. He can be reached via [email protected]
