The dominant mode of transmitting knowledge in the precolonial societies of the Guinea Coast was through apprenticeship as smiths, drummers, or herbalists. By observing adult skills, or through proverbs, songs, and stories, children learned proper roles and behavior. Also, at various stages in life, particularly during the puberty rites for young adults, intensive moral and ethical instruction from family or societal elders was given. The purpose of that "informal" education was to ensure that the individual was able to satisfy the basic orthodox or communal needs, such as motherhood for women, and hunting, long-distance trading, or farming for men. It was also valuable that the religious sanctions associated with the various professions and stages in life be understood, because the orthodox society saw close relationships between religious and mundane activities.

Christian missionaries introduced Western-style education to Ghana in the 18th century. Although some schools are still affiliated with religious groups, the state is now the main provider of education. In 1996, 20 % of the national budget was spent on education. Primary education is free and compulsory. In 1996, 76 % of primary school-aged children attended primary school. Attendance at the secondary school level was 31 % and 1.4 % at the university level. A greater %age of boys attended school than girls, the gap widening above the primary school level. the disparity in attendance by gender was not due to any state policy.