ICT at Education Always

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is a subject studied at SHS level in Ghana that builds on the Computing skills introduced at JHS. ICT at SHS prepares students for the digital demands of university education, the modern workplace, and everyday life in an increasingly connected world. At Education Always, our ICT content is aligned to the GES syllabus for SHS ICT.

SHS ICT Topics

Fundamentals of Computing

  • The history and development of computers: from early calculating machines to modern devices
  • Types of computers and their uses: desktops, laptops, servers, mainframes, and embedded systems
  • Computer hardware: input devices, output devices, processing unit, and storage devices
  • Computer software: system software (operating systems) and application software
  • The CPU: structure, functions, and performance factors (clock speed, cache, cores)
  • Memory: RAM, ROM, cache; secondary storage: hard drives, SSD, flash memory

Data Representation and Number Systems

  • Binary number system (Base 2): counting, converting to and from denary
  • Hexadecimal number system (Base 16): representing large binary numbers efficiently
  • Representing text: ASCII and Unicode character encoding
  • Representing images: pixels, resolution, colour depth
  • Data storage units: bit, byte, KB, MB, GB, TB

Networking and the Internet

  • Types of networks: LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN
  • Network topologies: bus, ring, star, and mesh
  • Network devices: router, switch, hub, modem, and access point
  • The internet: how it works, TCP/IP, domain names, and IP addresses
  • World Wide Web vs the internet: the distinction
  • Cloud computing: advantages, disadvantages, and examples
  • Cybersecurity: threats (viruses, phishing, hacking), protection (firewalls, antivirus, encryption)
  • Digital safety: safe use of the internet and social media

Productivity Applications

  • Word processing: creating, formatting, and editing documents (Microsoft Word)
  • Spreadsheets: data entry, formulas, functions (SUM, AVERAGE, IF), and charts (Microsoft Excel)
  • Presentation software: creating and delivering presentations (Microsoft PowerPoint)
  • Database management: creating simple databases, queries, and reports (Microsoft Access)

Programming and Problem Solving

  • Algorithms: definition, properties, flowcharts, and pseudocode
  • Programming concepts: variables, data types, conditions, loops, and functions
  • Introduction to programming languages (Python or Visual Basic)
  • Debugging: finding and fixing errors in programs

Information Systems

  • Types of information systems: transaction processing, management information, and decision support systems
  • Database concepts: tables, records, fields, and relationships
  • E-commerce: online buying and selling, mobile money in Ghana (MTN Mobile Money, Telecel Cash)
  • ICT in education, health, banking, and agriculture in Ghana

ICT in Ghana’s Development

Ghana’s digital economy is growing rapidly. From mobile money to e-government platforms, from coding bootcamps to tech startups in Accra, ICT skills are increasingly central to how Ghana works and grows. Students who invest in strong ICT skills are well positioned for the future.

Browse our ICT lessons and practice questions to build your technology skills and prepare for WASSCE ICT.