Education News from Ghana

The latest education news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

A man in a navy suit and striped tie sits in a grey armchair, looking off-camera during what appears to be an interview. Behind him, a beige wall features several framed portraits of men in formal attire, which are characteristic of leadership galleries in institutional settings.
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Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints promotes BYU-Pathway program

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is intensifying its advocacy for affordable online education in Ghana through the BYU-Pathway Worldwide initiative. During a televised broadcast in Accra, church leaders highlighted the program as a vital tool for youth to overcome financial and geographical barriers to higher education. By focusing on market-relevant skills, the initiative aims to bridge critical talent gaps and position young Ghanaians for success in the global job market. Elder Clark G. Gilbert, a representative of the church, emphasized the transformative potential of online learning during his address. He noted that the BYU-Pathway Worldwide program has already recorded significant enrollment across the country. The curriculum is specifically designed to provide essential job skills at a fraction of the cost typically associated with traditional university education. This affordability is a cornerstone of the church’s strategy to empower students who might otherwise be priced out of the academic system. The program offers various certificates and degrees that align with international employment standards, allowing graduates to compete for roles beyond Ghana’s borders. This religious initiative is viewed as a complement to existing government efforts focused on vocational training and national skills development. By equipping the youth with digital literacy and specialized knowledge, the church seeks to foster a more resilient and economically capable workforce. As digital education continues to gain traction, the church intends to expand access to these resources further. The focus remains on ensuring that the education provided is not only accessible but also yields tangible employment outcomes. Moving forward, the BYU-Pathway Worldwide program is expected to play a larger role in the educational landscape of West Africa, providing a structured pathway from academic study to professional placement in the global economy.

Ghana International School hosts 10th TIME Educators’ Conference
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Ghana International School hosts 10th TIME Educators’ Conference

Ghana International School (GIS) has convened approximately 1,000 educators for the 10th edition of the TIME Educators’ Conference, focusing on the critical need for teachers to pursue personal professional development. The event served as a platform to discuss modern teaching techniques and the necessity of adapting to a rapidly changing global education landscape. Participants were encouraged to take ownership of their career growth to ensure that instructional standards remain high in Ghanaian classrooms. The conference brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including 200 educators from the Ghana Education Service (GES). This collaboration between private and public sector practitioners highlights a unified effort to elevate teaching standards across the country. Under the theme of transforming education through individual teacher development, the sessions provided practical insights into innovative pedagogical strategies and addressed the evolving needs of the modern student. Eugene Boateng, the Head of Standards at GIS, emphasized that the education sector is undergoing significant shifts that require constant vigilance from practitioners. He argued that for teachers to remain relevant, they must move beyond traditional methods and embrace ongoing educational opportunities. Boateng urged the gathered professionals to be proactive in updating their skills, noting that stagnant practices are no longer sufficient to meet the challenges of 21st-century learning. The successful conclusion of the 10th TIME Educators’ Conference reinforces the importance of peer-to-peer learning and institutional support for teacher training. By fostering an environment of continuous improvement, GIS aims to equip educators with the necessary tools to inspire and lead their students effectively. The event ended with a collective call for sustained engagement in professional development to ensure that Ghana’s education system remains competitive and robust.

NADMO officials and local residents assess the extensive damage inside a school building following a fire disaster. The floor is covered in charred debris and ash, with officials in orange high-visibility vests inspecting burnt documents while students observe the scene.
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Agona East NADMO assesses fire damage at Carolina International School

The Agona East district office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has conducted a comprehensive assessment of a fire disaster that struck Carolina International School in Agona Kwansakrom, Central Region. The blaze, which occurred on October 3, 2023, completely destroyed the school’s boys' dormitory, leading to the displacement of 28 students between the ages of 12 and 15. While the property damage was substantial, no lives were lost and no injuries were reported, as the students and staff were able to evacuate the building before the fire intensified. Initial investigations by disaster management officials point to an electrical fault as the likely cause of the inferno. Specifically, the fire is suspected to have originated from a rechargeable fan located within the dormitory premises. The resulting flames quickly spread through the living quarters, consuming essential items including mattresses, trunks, textbooks, and other personal belongings of the affected boarders. The loss has left the students without basic necessities required for their continued stay and education at the facility. In response to the assessment findings, NADMO has issued an urgent appeal to the general public, corporate organisations, and philanthropic groups for relief supplies. The organization identified bedding, clothing, and educational materials as the most pressing needs for the displaced students. Furthermore, the Agona East NADMO office has committed to increasing fire safety awareness across the district. This educational drive will focus on teaching students and staff members about fire prevention strategies and the proper maintenance of electrical appliances to mitigate the risk of similar disasters in the future.

Nana Aba Appiah Amfo urges operationalisation of National Research Fund
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Nana Aba Appiah Amfo urges operationalisation of National Research Fund

Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, has called for the immediate and full operationalisation of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF). Speaking at an international roundtable hosted by Johns Hopkins University on October 6, 2026, Professor Amfo emphasised that while the fund was officially launched in June 2026, researchers are yet to receive the concrete financial support necessary to drive scientific progress. She noted that it has been over six years since the fund was first established by law, and accelerated efforts are now required to bridge the gap between policy and practice. The National Research Fund was established under the Ghana National Research Fund Act of 2020 (Act 1024) to provide a sustainable and dedicated source of funding for research in public universities and research institutions. Despite the legislative framework being in place for several years, Professor Amfo highlighted that the transition to an active, grant-disbursing entity has been slow. She argued that the fund's primary objective must be to offer robust, tangible support to scientists and academics who are currently facing significant resource constraints in their pursuit of innovation and development-oriented research. Beyond the immediate funding needs, the Vice-Chancellor also advocated for a broader cultural shift within Ghana's academic landscape. She underscored the importance of involving undergraduate students in research activities early in their education to build a pipeline of future scholars. Additionally, Professor Amfo encouraged Ghanaian professionals and scholars in the diaspora to collaborate more closely with local institutions. By bridging the gap between domestic research and international expertise, she suggested that the country could better leverage its intellectual resources to address pressing national challenges and foster long-term development.

UTAG-UG threatens strike over delayed 2026 book and research allowance from October 19
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UTAG-UG threatens strike over delayed 2026 book and research allowances

The University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) has issued a formal notice to suspend all teaching and related services effective October 19, 2026. This decision follows the government’s failure to disburse the overdue 2026 Book and Research Allowances (BRA). The association has set a final deadline of October 16 for the government to process these payments, warning that a total disruption of academic work will follow if the funds are not received. In a formal notification submitted to the National Labour Commission (NLC), UTAG-UG expressed profound frustration over the persistent delays in settling these statutory allowances. The leadership of the association noted that the current situation is a clear violation of the 2020 Memorandum of Agreement established between the government and university teachers. They emphasized that the Book and Research Allowance is a critical component of their conditions of service, intended to support academic inquiry and the production of scholarly work essential for the university’s mission. The impending strike action threatens to paralyze academic activities at the University of Ghana, potentially affecting lecture schedules and administrative duties. The association remains firm that the suspension of services will only be averted if the government demonstrates commitment by meeting the October 16 deadline. As students and faculty await a resolution, the union maintains that the government must honor its financial obligations to ensure the stability of the higher education sector and the welfare of academic staff.

A close-up photograph of protest placards held during a labor demonstration. The main red sign features the text 'TEACHER STRIKE' in bold white capital letters over an apple graphic, while background signs mention salary increases.
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Public basic schools set to resume academic activities on October 12

Public basic schools across the country are scheduled to resume regular academic activities on Monday, October 12, following the suspension of a nationwide strike by pre-tertiary teacher unions. The industrial action, which commenced on September 25, was halted after successful preliminary negotiations between union leadership and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC). The suspension aims to restore the academic calendar while addressing the financial grievances of the teaching workforce. The primary drivers of the industrial action were outstanding promotion arrears and various unpaid allowances. During recent meetings, the FWSC provided assurances that the processes for clearing these debts are underway. Specifically, the Commission confirmed that arrears related to teacher promotions would be settled by October 16. Discussions regarding other outstanding allowances are expected to follow a similar resolution path as the parties continue their engagement, ensuring that the concerns of the educators are addressed comprehensively. Teacher union leaders have formally directed their members to return to their respective classrooms and resume their duties starting Monday. While the strike has been suspended rather than fully called off, union representatives emphasized that the move is a gesture of good faith to allow for further dialogue and to ensure students do not suffer prolonged absences from school. They noted that they would continue to monitor the implementation of the payment agreements to ensure the government fulfills its obligations within the specified timelines. The resumption of schools marks a critical step in stabilizing the pre-tertiary education sector after nearly three weeks of disruption. Parents and students have been advised to prepare for the Monday start, as teachers ready themselves to cover the curriculum gaps created during the strike period. This development underscores the ongoing efforts to balance the welfare of educators with the educational needs of the nation, as stakeholders remain hopeful for a permanent resolution to the labor dispute through continued advocacy for improved working conditions.

KNUST postpones 2026/2027 academic year reopening over GAUA strike
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KNUST postpones 2026/2027 academic year reopening over GAUA strike

The management of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has announced an indefinite postponement of the university's reopening for the 2026/2027 academic year. Originally scheduled to commence on October 13, 2026, the delay comes as a direct result of an ongoing strike action by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA). The decision was communicated to the university community and the general public on October 9, following a review of the industrial climate on campus and the impact of the labor dispute on essential services. According to university authorities, the industrial action by GAUA has significantly impacted critical university operations and essential administrative services. As university administrators play a pivotal role in the day-to-day management of the institution—ranging from student registration and financial services to the management of halls of residence—their absence has made it impossible to proceed with the planned academic schedule. The suspension of these services means that the necessary logistical preparations for receiving thousands of new and returning students cannot be completed effectively or safely. In an official statement, the KNUST management expressed regret for the disruption and any inconvenience the postponement might cause to students, parents, and other stakeholders. All members of the university community are advised to stay informed through official communication channels for further updates regarding a new reopening date. This development adds to the growing concerns over labor unrest in the tertiary education sector, as stakeholders await a resolution between the association and the relevant authorities to restore normal academic activities.

University of Ghana postpones reopening date for 2026/2027 academic year sine die
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University of Ghana postpones 2026/2027 reopening over GAUA strike

The University of Ghana has indefinitely postponed the commencement of the 2026/2027 academic year, which was originally scheduled to begin on October 12, 2026. This decision follows the ongoing industrial action by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), a strike that has severely disrupted administrative operations and essential pre-semester services. University management announced that a new reopening date will be communicated to the public in due course as the situation develops. Despite the physical closure of the campus to students, the university has advised all students to prioritize completing their academic registration online. Management emphasized that continuing the online registration process is vital for students to secure their class placements and maintain their eligibility for the upcoming allocation of residential beds. The strike has primarily affected manual administrative functions, leaving the digital registration portals as the primary point of contact for the student body. The Pro Vice-Chancellor has called for patience from students and stakeholders while the university explores alternative arrangements to navigate the disruption. The crisis at the University of Ghana is not an isolated incident; the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) also recently announced an indefinite delay to its own academic year, which was slated to begin on October 13, 2026, citing the same GAUA industrial action as the cause. This widespread disruption highlights significant systemic challenges within the public higher education sector as unions and the government remain in a deadlock. Until a resolution is reached between government negotiators and GAUA leaders, the academic calendars for the nation’s premier public universities remain uncertain. Thousands of students across the country are now awaiting further instructions as they hope for a swift conclusion to the labour dispute.

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Daniel Ahenkorah urges government to improve teacher welfare

Reverend Daniel Ahenkorah, a prominent pastor and philanthropist, has appealed to the Ghanaian government and the general public to prioritize the welfare of teachers across the country. He emphasized that the teaching profession is the backbone of human capital development and requires significant improvements in conditions of service to ensure the nation's long-term progress.\n\nAddressing current challenges within the sector, Rev Ahenkorah pointed to persistent issues such as salary disputes and unpaid arrears that continue to affect the morale of educators. He noted that the government must move beyond reactive measures and instead foster a sustained, constructive dialogue with teacher unions to resolve these grievances before they escalate into industrial actions. According to the philanthropist, a culture that genuinely values educators is essential for a stable and high-quality educational system.\n\nThe Reverend further argued that the quality of education in Ghana is intrinsically linked to the motivation and well-being of its teachers. He described teachers as central figures in shaping the future workforce, noting that without their dedication, the country's development goals would remain out of reach. By investing in the teaching workforce through better remuneration and improved working environments, the government would be making a vital investment in the intellectual and economic future of the nation.\n\nRev Ahenkorah concluded by calling for the implementation of proactive policies that provide teachers with the respect and material support they deserve. He maintained that a motivated teaching force would yield immense long-term benefits for Ghana, helping to bridge the gap between educational aspirations and national development. He urged all stakeholders to view teacher welfare not as a recurrent cost, but as a strategic priority for building a resilient human capital base.

High School Praise ’26 set for October 31
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Nii Okai Ministries schedules High School Praise ’26 for October 31

Nii Okai Ministries has scheduled the 2026 edition of High School Praise for Saturday, October 31, at the Shield International School in Accra. Formally launched on October 6, the event is designed to engage students through a combination of music and mentorship while raising critical funds for children suffering from congenital heart conditions. The initiative serves as a strategic platform to foster spiritual growth and social responsibility among the youth in Ghana. The upcoming program will feature performances from students representing several schools alongside renowned gospel artiste Cofi Boham. A key highlight of the event is a fundraising competition where participating schools compete to raise money for medical care. This philanthropic model has proven successful in previous years, having reached thousands of young people and recently successfully funding life-saving heart surgery for a young girl. Over the past four years, the High School Praise initiative has grown significantly, and organizers now aim to expand the program into a larger national festival. By encouraging a culture of philanthropy and community service at the high school level, Nii Okai Ministries hopes to create a sustainable support system for pediatric heart patients while providing a mentorship-rich environment for students. The event continues to bridge the gap between youth entertainment and significant humanitarian efforts.

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Ecobank Ghana opens digital learning centre for 2,000 Madina pupils

Ecobank Ghana has inaugurated a newly refurbished Digital Learning Centre in Madina, set to benefit more than 2,000 pupils from eight local schools. The facility, launched as a highlight of the 2026 Ecobank Day celebrations, aims to provide students with essential early exposure to coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence. By integrating these advanced subjects into the local educational framework, the bank intends to equip young learners with the technical competencies required in the modern world. The centre is equipped with 26 high-specification computers and provides a dedicated space for students to explore digital animation and other tech-based disciplines. Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana, Mrs. Abena Osei-Poku, emphasized that the initiative is rooted in the belief that technology is the cornerstone of future economic growth. She noted that providing children in underserved communities with access to such tools is vital for ensuring they can compete effectively in a globalised economy. This project represents a significant milestone in Ecobank’s three-year digital education roadmap, which spans from 2023 to 2026. The Madina facility is the seventh Digital Learning Centre established by the bank across Ghana within this period. Through this ongoing investment, Ecobank Ghana continues to expand its reach to underserved areas, focusing on bridging the digital divide and fostering a culture of innovation among Ghanaian youth.

CAPCOE reveals 70% of Ghanaian teachers are dissatisfied with their jobs
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CAPCOE reveals 70% of Ghanaian teachers are dissatisfied with their jobs

A recent report from the Campaign Against Privatisation and Commercialisation of Education (CAPCOE) has revealed that 70% of teachers in Ghana are dissatisfied with their current roles. The data, presented during a workshop in Techiman, highlights a significant crisis in the education sector, with only 30% of educators expressing satisfaction with their employment. This disillusionment is particularly acute among frontline teachers, while the small percentage of satisfied respondents is largely comprised of those in senior or administrative positions. The workshop, organized by CAPCOE in collaboration with Education International and various teacher unions, aimed to address the growing trend of educational privatization. Richard Quarshie Kove, the Convener of CAPCOE, explicitly linked the high levels of job dissatisfaction to insufficient government investment in the public school system. He argued that the lack of adequate funding and deteriorating conditions for educators have created a vacuum that private entities are increasingly moving to fill, potentially undermining the accessibility of public education. Beyond identifying the challenges, the Techiman gathering served as a platform for strategizing against the commercialization of the sector. Participants were equipped with advocacy skills to lobby for better policies and increased national funding for education. CAPCOE warned that without urgent government intervention to improve the working conditions of teachers and bolster public investment, the quality of education in Ghana remains at risk. The organization emphasized that addressing the grievances of frontline educators is essential to maintaining a robust and equitable public education system.