The Education Ministry has hinted at plans to introduce intervention programmes for Junior High School pupils struggling with Mathematics and English Language.

Sector Minister Dr Yaw Osei-Adutwum says the move forms part of government’s resolve to improve learning outcomes at the basic level.

Under the new arrangement, pupils who fail to perform above average in core subjects in their placement exams will be required to attend special classes organized by school authorities after gaining admission.

"If a student goes to JHS first year and cannot read, do we still ask them to offer a certain number of electives without looking at whether we can organise intervention classes for them within the school period so that they can improve their skills.

"We want to ensure that we provide English Language and mathematics interventions as part of the regular day by reducing the number of electives taught," he said.

Dr Yaw Osei-Adutwum was speaking to JoyNews’s on the sidelines of a meeting with Regional Directors of Education in Accra.

Key among the issues discussed were timelines for the procurement of logistics for Class 4 pupils who will write a National Standardized Test for the first time this year.

"Class four students across the country are going to be assessed, and that is something we are also working on how we can provide logistics to make that possible," he said.

He further urged Regional Education Directors to develop their leadership skills, stressing they must prove their calling.

"We also felt strongly that Regional Directors have to develop their leadership skills, just like any one of us, so that they can use their leadership positions to produce the outcomes that we need in our education system."