The Power of Abacus in Enhancing Mathematics Education
In Accra, on July 14, Mrs. Hilda Karroum, the Chief Executive Officer of Brainest Educare Limited, made a compelling appeal to the Ministry of Education. She urged the government to incorporate abacus learning into the curriculum of public schools. Her goal is to spark a greater interest in Mathematics at the foundational level.
Mrs. Karroum emphasized that introducing the abacus could significantly enhance students’ numerical skills. It would allow them to visualize and manipulate numbers more effectively. This call for change came during an interview held at the 2025 World Access Brainest National Abacus Competition in Accra. The event attracted over 2,000 students from various regions across the country. The competition was themed “Building Ghana’s Future with Abacus and STEM,” highlighting the importance of integrating traditional tools with modern educational approaches.
Abacus education is a method that teaches arithmetic and mental calculation using the abacus, an ancient counting device. It involves using a frame with beads to represent numbers and perform calculations. This approach not only improves mental agility but also enhances focus and mathematical abilities in students.
Mrs. Karroum shared her observations about the impact of abacus education in private schools. Many students have shown a strong interest in the tool, which has helped them develop a solid foundation in Mathematics and boost their confidence in the subject. She stressed that government schools should not be left behind in adopting these evolving teaching methods to foster cognitive development among pupils.
By implementing abacus education in government schools, students could receive a more comprehensive and engaging Mathematics education. This would better prepare them for future academic and professional challenges. According to Mrs. Karroum, abacus learning has been proven to improve cognitive skills, enhance mental calculation abilities, and promote problem-solving skills in children. Integrating this approach into the curriculum could bring a more interactive and engaging method to Mathematics education in Ghana.
She further called on the Ministry of Education to collaborate with the organizing body and grant permission to introduce abacus education in government schools. This partnership could pave the way for a more inclusive and effective educational system.
Ms. Ann-Marie Ayele Akotey, a student from the International Community School in Accra and a champion in the National Abacus Competition, shared her personal experience. She said the competition helped her build confidence in Mathematics. She expressed gratitude to her teachers and parents for their support and training. She also mentioned her desire to participate in more competitions and win additional medals.
The integration of abacus learning into the education system presents a unique opportunity to transform how students engage with Mathematics. It offers a blend of traditional techniques with modern educational goals, creating a more dynamic and effective learning environment. As educators and policymakers consider new ways to enhance student performance, the abacus stands out as a valuable tool that can make a lasting impact on young minds.
