“If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” This quote, often attributed to management guru Peter Drucker, has never been more relevant in today’s world of education—especially here in Ghana and across the African continent.
We stand at a turning point. Our schools, teachers, and learners are under pressure to deliver results in a fast-changing, tech-driven world. But unlike in the past, when success was judged by a once-a-term report card, we now have access to something far more powerful—data.
The question is: Are we using it wisely? Let’s explore how data and analytics are quietly transforming classrooms and how, if harnessed properly, they could help us create the kind of society we all dream of—one where every child thrives, not just survives.
The shift – From one-size-fits-all to one-size-fits-one
Imagine two JHS students in Ghana—Ama and Kojo. Ama is a quick learner when it comes to English comprehension but struggles with fractions. Kojo, on the other hand, breezes through math but finds reading difficult. Under our traditional system, they both receive the same lesson, taught the same way, at the same pace, using the same material. But why should they? This is where personalized learning, powered by data analytics, becomes a game changer.
By collecting information on how students interact with content, where they pause, what they get wrong, and how long they take to answer questions, Edtech tools can help teachers tailor learning to each student’s unique needs. That’s the heart of data-driven education—using real-time insights to make smarter, more student-centered decisions.
Practical examples from Ghana
Some Ghanaian Edtech startups are already leading the way:
- QKNOW Edtech – Qknow uses AI and analytics to track how students interact with WAEC-aligned practice questions. It tells students which areas they’re weak in and recommends specific lessons and exercises. Over 10,000 learners in Ghana and beyond are already benefiting from this smart feedback loop.
- Akiddie (from Nigeria) – This platform creates local-language storybooks and interactive content. It tracks how long children engage with stories, which ones they prefer, and how often they revisit them. That data helps educators and parents understand what works best for young learners.
- EDUPACT – A lesser-known but promising solution, EDUPACT is piloting data dashboards in Northern Ghana that help teachers see patterns in student performance—without needing to be tech experts.
The power of insight – How data helps educators
Let’s be clear: data doesn’t replace teachers—it empowers them.
Here’s how:
- Early warning signs – Teachers can spot struggling students before it’s too late. If a student consistently scores low on geometry or skips reading exercises, a data dashboard can flag this early—allowing for timely support.
- Informed lesson planning – Instead of guessing what the class needs, teachers can use performance data to focus on topics that require reinforcement.
- Engaging parents – When teachers can show parents clear, visual data on their child’s progress, conversations move from “He’s doing okay” to “Here’s how she’s improving in algebra, but let’s support her in writing skills.”
Challenges to overcome
Of course, this isn’t magic. We need to address:
- Infrastructure gaps – Many schools in Ghana still lack basic digital devices and internet access. To fully leverage analytics, we need greater investment in connectivity and tech infrastructure.
- Data privacy and ethics – Who owns student data? How is it stored? These are critical questions. We must ensure strong policies to protect learners’ privacy and build trust.
Teacher training – No matter how smart the system is, if teachers can’t use it, the data is wasted. We need continuous digital training to help teachers interpret and apply data insights.
Why this matters for Ghana’s future
We must never lose sight of the deeper mission of education: to build the kind of Ghana we can all be proud of.
A Ghana where our young people are not just passing exams, but becoming:
- Capable problem-solvers
- Competent professionals
- Audacious thinkers
- Empathetic leaders
- Patriotic citizens who want to build, not just benefit
Data-driven education is not just about better test scores. It’s about unlocking potential—ensuring no learner is left behind simply because they learn differently or need more time. Imagine a future where a student in Wa has the same personalized learning experience as one in East Legon. Where data empowers teachers in rural schools to perform just as effectively as those in private institutions. That’s what educational equity truly looks like.
What we must do as a country
- Invest in local Edtech – Let’s fund startups solving local education challenges with culturally relevant, data-driven tools.
- Support national Edtech policy – Ghana’s Ministry of Education must integrate data and analytics into the national curriculum and teacher training.
- Protect student data – We must establish strong data governance frameworks to safeguard learner privacy.
- Incentivize personalized learning in schools – Public and private institutions alike should be encouraged to pilot personalized learning platforms and share learnings.
Final thoughts – Data with a human touch
As powerful as data is, we must remember: learning is still human. Behind every chart or dashboard is a child with dreams, fears, and untapped greatness. Data can help us see them more clearly—but it’s up to us, as teachers, parents, policymakers, and innovators, to act with care, compassion, and courage. When used wisely, data isn’t just numbers on a screen. It’s a mirror, reflecting where we are—and a map, showing where we can go. Let’s use it to shape a more just, inclusive, and thriving Ghana.
>>>the writer is an Edtech enthusiast, writer, and President of the Ghana Edtech Alliance. He is passionate about telling powerful stories at the intersection of education, technology, and human potential. Email – [email protected]
