Global Citizenship Education in Ghana: An Evaluation of the Junior High School Social Studies Curriculum

Abstract

The aim of global citizenship education (GCE) is to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to address global challenges. Despite its significance, GCE is often insufficiently integrated into curricula, particularly in the Global South. The purpose of the study was to examine the alignment of the junior high school standards-based social studies curriculum with GCE principles. Using a qualitative case study design and content analysis, the study explores cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioral aspects of global citizenship embedded in the curriculum. The findings indicate a strong alignment between social studies learning outcomes and GCE principles, with content incorporating universal values and action-oriented learning that addresses local and global contexts. However, the study identifies gaps in explicitly connecting local issues to global challenges. We concluded that, while Ghana’s social studies curriculum provides a strong foundation for GCE, further integration of global perspectives is needed to foster a comprehensive understanding of interconnected global issues.