GES Announces Transition of Lively Minds Programme Under New Harmonized ECE Framework
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced a major transition of its flagship Lively Minds Programme as part of a nationwide effort to harmonize Early Childhood Education (ECE) interventions under the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP) – Additional Financing. This move marks a significant phase in Ghana’s commitment to improving early learning outcomes for children across the country.
In a circular dated 17th November 2025 and signed by Prince C. Agyemang-Duah, Director of the Schools and Instructions Division, the GES explained that the harmonization seeks to bring all ECE-related interventions under a single, streamlined framework. This approach aims to enhance coherence, eliminate duplication, improve efficiency, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of ECE programmes.
Transition to Begin January 2026
Following the harmonization, GES has developed a comprehensive transition plan that will take effect from January 2026. The plan will guide the shift of the 64 implementing districts of the Lively Minds Programme into a new national implementation arrangement.
According to the directive, this transition is expected to maximize the effectiveness of the upcoming nationwide scale-up, ensuring that all districts are well-prepared for the new harmonized ECE delivery model.
Regional and District Directors of Education have been instructed to inform all affected districts and staff and to ensure full compliance with the timelines and activities outlined in the schedule.
Key Activities in the Transition Implementation Schedule
The schedule features a series of training and sensitization activities designed to equip regional and district-level officers, as well as school-based staff, with the necessary knowledge and skills for the new phase.
1. Regional Sensitization and Preparation for DTST Training
- Participants:
Regional ECE Coordinators, Chief Regional Inspectors of Schools - Venue: Tamale
- Reporting: 12th January 2026
- Workshop Dates: 13th–14th January 2026
- Departure: 15th January 2026
2. DTST and Star Players Training Workshop (Training of Trainers – ToT)
- Participants:
District ECE Coordinators, Regional Training Officers, Heads of Supervision, one committed GES/Lively Minds team member, two KG teachers, and one head teacher from each programme district. - Participating Regions:
Bono, Bono East, Northern, North East, Oti, Savannah, Upper East, and Upper West. - Venue: Regional Education Offices
- Reporting: 19th January 2026
- Workshop Dates: 20th–21st January 2026
- Departure: 22nd January 2026
3. Cluster-Level Training at Circuit Centres
This final stage will take place at designated circuit cluster venues.
- Reporting: 27th January 2026
- Training: 28th–29th January 2026
- Departure: 30th January 2026
(Selected as overnight sessions for specific schools.)
Commitment to Strengthening Early Childhood Education
The Lively Minds Programme has been an innovative initiative aimed at improving school readiness among kindergarten learners through play-based, community-supported activities. Its transition into a harmonized national framework under GALOP signals government’s intention to institutionalize proven ECE practices and standardize quality delivery across all regions.
GES has assured that the transition will be closely monitored to ensure a smooth integration into the new system and to maintain the gains made over the years.
Looking Ahead
As Ghana prepares for the national scale-up of harmonized ECE interventions, the successful execution of this transition remains crucial. With structured training, coordinated planning, and active stakeholder participation, the GES is confident that the new phase will better equip teachers, strengthen district-level capacity, and ultimately improve learning outcomes for Ghanaian children.
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