Basic 9 · Social Studies · Our Natural and Human Resources
Human Resources and Ghana's Development
In this topic you will evaluate the importance of human resources to the development of Ghana, and identify ways in which they can be developed.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of human resources
- Identify ways of developing human resources
- Explain the importance of skills and talents
What you already know
- Natural resources
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Environment
- Sub-strand
- Our Natural and Human Resources
- Indicator
- B9.1.4.1.2 – Evaluate the importance of human resources to the development of Ghana
Introduction
Singapore has few natural resources, yet it became rich. Its greatest resource was its people.
1. What Are Human Resources?
Human resources: The skills, knowledge, health and energy of a country's people.
Machines and minerals do not run a country. People do. Human resources include teachers, doctors, farmers, engineers, artists and leaders. A country develops when its people are healthy, educated and able to work. Some countries with few natural resources, such as Singapore and South Korea, have become wealthy by investing in education and skills.
2. Ways of Developing People
| Way | How it helps |
|---|---|
| education | builds knowledge and thinking |
| skills training | prepares people for work |
| health care | keeps workers productive |
| nutrition | helps children to grow and learn |
| apprenticeship | passes on skills |
| job experience | builds ability |
| good values | builds honest workers |
3. Education in Ghana
Ghana's government has taken several steps to improve education. Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) aims to get all children into basic school. The Free Senior High School policy, introduced in 2017, removed fees at public senior high schools. The Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training promotes practical skills. Access has grown, but quality is a challenge: some schools have large classes and few books, and rural schools may lack teachers.
4. Health
A sick person cannot learn or work well. Clean water, good sanitation, vaccinations and health care are investments in people. The National Health Insurance Scheme, started in 2003, helps people to pay for medical care. Malaria, HIV and malnutrition reduce a country's productivity. Mental health care is important as well. Investing in health saves money later.
5. Lifelong Learning
Learning should not stop when school ends. Technology changes jobs quickly, and workers need to keep learning. Short courses, online learning and on-the-job training help people to keep up. Attitudes matter too. A person who is willing to learn and work hard can always improve. Your own education is your most important investment, and it is in your hands.
New words
- human resources
- The skills and abilities of people.
- skills
- Abilities gained through practice.
- productivity
- The amount produced by a worker.
- FCUBE
- Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education.
Summary
- People are a country's greatest resource.
- Education, health and training develop people.
- Ghana has FCUBE, Free SHS and the NHIS.
Class activity: People Audit
- List the skills found in your community.
- Note where people learned them.
- Identify the missing skills.
You need: Printed photographs of Ghanaian farmers, Nurses, Local newspaper, Map of Ghana
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which develops human resources?
- A. education
- B. galamsey
- C. littering
- D. laziness
Show answer
Answer: educationWay.2. Free SHS began in…
- A. 2017
- B. 1957
- C. 1992
- D. 2003
Show answer
Answer: 2017Policy.3. Health affects productivity.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueLink.4. The amount produced by a worker is ______.
Show answer
Answer: productivityTerm.5. State three ways of developing human resources.
Show answer
Answer: Education, training and health care.Any three.6. How did Singapore develop without many natural resources?
Show answer
Answer: By investing in education and skills.Example.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Environment
- Sub-strand
- Our Natural and Human Resources
- Indicator
- B9.1.4.1.2 – Evaluate the importance of human resources to the development of Ghana
Introduction
A carpenter's skill, a nurse's care and a musician's talent all add to the nation's wealth.
1. Skills and Talents
A skill is an ability learned through practice, such as typing or plumbing. A talent is a natural gift, such as a good singing voice. Both can grow with training. A talent that is not developed is wasted. Every person has something of value to contribute, and a good society gives people the chance to use their abilities.
2. Contributions of Occupations
| Occupation | Contribution |
|---|---|
| farmers | food and raw materials |
| teachers | an educated population |
| health workers | a healthy population |
| engineers | roads, power and water |
| artisans | buildings and repairs |
| traders | distribution of goods |
| entrepreneurs | businesses and jobs |
| artists and athletes | culture and national pride |
3. Ghanaian Achievers
| Person | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Kofi Annan | Secretary-General of the UN, Nobel Peace Prize |
| Esther Ocloo | businesswoman, founder of Nkulenu Industries |
| Francis Allotey | mathematical physicist |
| Efua Sutherland | dramatist and cultural leader |
| Azumah Nelson | world boxing champion |
| Thomas Mensah | engineer in fibre optics |
These people show what talent and hard work can do. Esther Ocloo began with a small sum of money, selling marmalade, and she went on to help women gain access to credit. Many other Ghanaians quietly build their communities, including teachers in rural areas and nurses who work long shifts.
4. Discovering Your Abilities
- List what you enjoy doing.
- List what you do well.
- Ask others what they see in you.
- Try new activities.
- Look at the careers that use these abilities.
- Plan the training that you will need.
Do not look down on any honest work. Ghana needs plumbers as much as it needs lawyers. Many technical workers earn more than some graduates, and they can create their own jobs. Choose a path that suits your abilities, and that the country needs.
5. Using Talents for Others
Skills and talents are best used in service. A doctor who works in a rural area, a teacher who stays after class or an engineer who refuses a bribe is serving the nation. Honesty and hard work multiply the value of any skill. A skilled person without integrity can do great harm.
New words
- talent
- A natural ability.
- skill
- An ability learned by practice.
- entrepreneur
- A person who starts a business.
- integrity
- Being honest and having strong principles.
Summary
- Skills and talents help to develop the nation.
- All honest occupations contribute.
- Discover your abilities and use them to serve.
Class activity: My Abilities
- List your skills and talents.
- Match them to careers.
- Share with a partner.
You need: Printed photographs of Ghanaian farmers, Nurses, Local newspaper, Map of Ghana
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A natural ability is a…
- A. talent
- B. tariff
- C. census
- D. tax
Show answer
Answer: talentTerm.2. Kofi Annan served as…
- A. UN Secretary-General
- B. President of Ghana
- C. Chief Justice
- D. Asantehene
Show answer
Answer: UN Secretary-GeneralHistory.3. Artisans contribute to development.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueOccupation.4. A person who starts a business is an ______.
Show answer
Answer: entrepreneurTerm.5. Give three occupations and their contributions.
Show answer
Answer: Farmers give food, teachers educate and doctors heal.Any three.6. Why is integrity as important as skill?
Show answer
Answer: A skilled but dishonest person can do great harm.Values.
Homework
- Interview someone about the skills they use in their job.