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.

CAGD verifies 52,000 teacher promotions for October payment
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CAGD verifies 52,000 teacher promotions for October payment

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has received promotion input forms for 52,000 teachers, initiating the final stage of record verification for salary adjustments. Following a directive from the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, the department is working to resolve outstanding promotion and arrears issues that have long affected the teaching workforce. Official records are expected to be fully validated by next week, with the resulting payments scheduled for disbursement around October 15 or 16. Controller and Accountant-General Kwasi Agyei confirmed that the Ghana Education Service (GES) has successfully completed the submission of all required data. These input forms are now being processed to ensure that each teacher's rank and salary grade are accurately updated within the national payroll system. This verification period is a necessary administrative step to prevent errors and ensure that the correct arrears are paid out to every eligible staff member. The move comes as a vital intervention to address concerns raised by various teacher associations. Delays in upgrading teachers to their new ranks and the subsequent withholding of salary increments have been major points of contention, leading to previous industrial action. By fast-tracking these 52,000 promotions, the government aims to demonstrate its commitment to teacher welfare and fulfill its obligations to public sector workers. Once the validation is concluded, the payment of these adjustments is expected to provide financial relief to the affected educators and help stabilize the academic calendar. Education authorities have noted that addressing these administrative bottlenecks is key to maintaining a motivated workforce. The CAGD has assured stakeholders that it remains on track to meet the mid-October payment deadline set by the ministry.

Bono East Education Directorate invites basic school teachers for SHS reposting
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Bono East Education Directorate invites basic school teachers for SHS reposting

The Bono East Regional Education Directorate has announced a recruitment and reposting initiative, inviting qualified professional teachers currently serving at the basic school level to apply for positions in Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS). The announcement, made on September 29, serves as a strategic move to address subject-teaching vacancies across several secondary institutions within the region. By leveraging the expertise of existing staff who hold the necessary qualifications for higher-level instruction, the directorate aims to enhance the delivery of education in the Bono East Region. Eligible candidates are expected to demonstrate a high degree of professional competence, relevant academic backgrounds, and specific subject knowledge suited for the secondary school curriculum. The directorate emphasizes that this opportunity is specifically for teachers who have the specialized training required to handle SHS and SHTS subjects but are currently stationed in basic schools. This alignment of teacher skills with institutional needs is expected to bolster the academic performance of students in the participating schools. The application process requires interested teachers to submit a formal application letter along with supporting documentation. These documents must include certified copies of all academic certificates and professional qualifications that prove the applicant's suitability for secondary-level teaching. All applications are to be addressed and submitted to the Regional Director of Education for consideration. The directorate has set a firm deadline of October 21 for the receipt of all expressions of interest, urging qualified personnel to act promptly to be considered for these vacancies. This initiative reflects a broader administrative effort to optimize the distribution of the teaching workforce within the Bono East Region. By facilitating the movement of qualified personnel from basic schools to high schools, the Regional Education Directorate is taking proactive steps to resolve staffing imbalances. This approach not only fills critical gaps in subject areas but also provides career progression opportunities for teachers who have advanced their education and are ready to contribute at the secondary level.

Dr. Bertha Serwa Bonsu Ayi named Brand Ambassador for Central Aid
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Dr. Bertha Serwa Bonsu Ayi named Brand Ambassador for Central Aid

Dr. Bertha Serwa Bonsu Ayi has been officially appointed as the Brand Ambassador for Central Aid, the social intervention arm of Central University. In this significant role, Dr. Ayi will serve as a prominent advocate for students navigating financial hurdles, reinforcing the institution's commitment to accessible higher education. Her appointment marks a pivotal step in Central Aid's mission to bridge the gap for underprivileged students seeking to complete their academic journeys. Dr. Ayi’s connection to the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), the founding body of Central University, spans over three decades. Having joined the church in 1988, she served as an early youth leader and witnessed the foundational years of the ministry at its Dansoman location. Her deep-rooted history with the organization includes working alongside the church’s pioneer pastors, providing her with a unique perspective on the university's founding vision and its evolution from a small educational initiative into a leading private university in Ghana. The appointment was initiated by Rev. Dr. Albert Rockson, the Executive Director of Central Aid, who identified Dr. Ayi as a figure whose values align with the organization's goals. In her acceptance, Dr. Ayi expressed a profound commitment to the cause, noting that her new responsibilities resonate with her personal journey and long-term affiliation with the church. She emphasized that her primary focus will be on raising awareness and securing support for students who face the threat of dropping out due to economic constraints. As Central Aid continues its work, Dr. Ayi’s role as Brand Ambassador is expected to bring increased visibility to the challenges faced by students. By drawing on her extensive network and her history within the ICGC community, she aims to mobilize resources and advocate for sustainable funding solutions. This initiative underscores Central University’s broader objective of ensuring that financial limitations do not become an insurmountable barrier to academic excellence and professional development for Ghanaian youth.

ASA Savings and Loans supports 50 students with GH₵50,000
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ASA Savings and Loans awards GH₵50,000 in aid to 50 Ga East students

ASA Savings and Loans has presented educational grants totaling GH₵50,000 to 50 underprivileged but academically talented students within the Ga East Municipality. This initiative, part of the financial institution’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, is designed to provide relief to parents and guardians facing financial hurdles in funding their children’s education amid rising costs. The assistance specifically targeted students from communities such as Taifa and Kwabenya, covering both those newly enrolled in senior high schools and those pursuing various courses at the tertiary level. By providing these funds, the company aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent brilliant students from reaching their full academic potential. The distribution saw 25 students from the Taifa and Kwabenya branches among the group of beneficiaries selected for the support. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Branch Manager, Patricia Effia Boafoa Ofori, highlighted the importance of the programme in restoring hope to families. She noted that the company remains committed to giving back to the communities where it operates, particularly in areas that directly impact the future of the youth. The IT Coordinator at the Ga East Municipal Education Directorate also commended the gesture, emphasizing that public-private partnerships are essential for easing the financial pressure on families and enhancing educational access within the municipality. Beneficiaries and their parents expressed profound gratitude for the timely intervention, stating that the grants would significantly alleviate the burden of tuition and other school-related expenses. ASA Savings and Loans has indicated that it intends to sustain this initiative in the coming years, encouraging parents to remain actively involved in their children’s academic journeys while the company continues to provide the necessary financial pillars.

Professor Gordon Awandare warns GAUA strike could collapse UG academic calendar
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Professor Gordon Awandare warns GAUA strike could collapse UG academic calendar

Professor Gordon Awandare, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, has cautioned that the 2026/2027 academic calendar faces imminent collapse if the ongoing strike by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) is not resolved. The industrial action, which has persisted for over two months, has brought essential administrative functions to a standstill, directly threatening the start of teaching activities scheduled for October 19. Management has expressed grave concern that the continued strike will disrupt critical registration deadlines and broader university operations. The strike, initiated in August, centers on unresolved grievances regarding conditions of service and disparities in allowances. According to GAUA, these issues have remained largely unaddressed since 2008. The association’s National General Secretary, Charles Jojo Aidoo, reported that two months of negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) have yielded minimal progress. The administrators have expressed significant frustration, noting that the government has yet to provide concrete solutions to their mostly non-monetary concerns, leaving many members disillusioned. The paralysis of administrative services has already impacted thousands of students, particularly those attempting to navigate the course registration process. Beyond the University of Ghana, the strike has affected other public universities across the country, creating a ripple effect in the higher education sector. While GAUA leadership remains open to discussions and has expressed hope that a resolution might be reached by the end of October, university management continues to appeal to the government for a swift intervention to restore normalcy before the academic cycle is compromised further.

Akosua Kwafo Ogyiri (2nd from left), Communications and Advocacy Professional, Richard Sarkodie-Abebreseh (left), Founder and COO, Goodwill Insurance Brokers, and overall winners of the competition after the trophy was handed over
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UniMAC students compete in inaugural PR Data Summit quiz

The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has held its first-ever PR Data Summit, bringing together final-year students to test their knowledge of public relations measurement and evaluation. The event, hosted at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Conference Hall, featured a high-stakes competitive quiz involving six classes of Level 400 students. This inaugural summit marks a significant step in the university's efforts to bridge the gap between academic theory and the evolving demands of the global PR industry. The competition challenged participants on their understanding of practical public relations metrics, emphasizing the need for evidence-based strategies in professional communication. To ensure the highest standards of assessment, the student teams were judged by a panel of prominent industry professionals who evaluated their responses based on current global best practices. After several rounds of rigorous testing, the winning class secured a trophy with an impressive score of 86 points, demonstrating a deep comprehension of how to quantify and report the impact of PR campaigns. Speaking at the summit, lecturer Derek Onomah highlighted the core pillars of the initiative: measurement, proof, and improvement. He explained that the exercise was designed to bolster students' abilities in evidence-based communication and foster essential teamwork skills. By focusing on measurement and evaluation—areas often overlooked in traditional PR education—the summit aims to prepare graduates to provide tangible proof of their work's value to future employers and clients. The successful launch of the PR Data Summit reflects a growing trend in Ghanaian higher education to prioritize practical, data-driven skills within the humanities and social sciences. Organizers hope that this event will become a regular fixture in the UniMAC academic calendar, helping to produce a new generation of communication professionals who are proficient in using data to drive strategic decision-making. The summit concluded with a call for students to continue refining their analytical skills as they prepare to enter a job market that increasingly demands accountability and measurable results.

Edward Anato of Presbyterian SHS dies in Accra-Kumasi Highway accident
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Edward Anato of Presbyterian SHS dies in Accra-Kumasi Highway accident

Edward Anato, a prominent student at Presbyterian Senior High School (SHS), Bompata, has tragically lost his life following a motor vehicle accident on the Accra-Kumasi Highway. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the school community and the wider academic fraternity, particularly as he was a key figure in the institution's recent intellectual achievements. His death marks a somber moment for the school as it mourns one of its brightest young minds. Anato was a distinguished member of the Presbyterian SHS quiz team, which represented the school in the prestigious 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ). Under the efforts of Anato and his teammates, the Bompata-based school successfully navigated the highly competitive early stages of the tournament to secure a place in the quarter-final round. His contribution to the team's success had made him a celebrated figure within the school and a source of pride for his fellow students and teachers. The accident occurred on the busy Accra-Kumasi Highway, a major arterial road that serves as a critical link between Ghana's two largest cities. While the specific details regarding the cause and circumstances of the crash have not been fully disclosed, the loss of such a promising student has reignited discussions regarding the safety of students and commuters traveling along this major corridor. The incident has left the academic community in a state of mourning as they reflect on his potential. The Presbyterian SHS, Bompata, community now faces the difficult task of grieving for a student who excelled on the national stage. The NSMQ platform, which brings together the brightest minds from across Ghana, has seen its 2026 season clouded by this tragic news. As the school and family prepare to honor his memory, his passing remains a poignant reminder of the impact talented youth have on their educational institutions and the profound loss felt when such promise is cut short.

Council of State invites teacher unions to resolve industrial action
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Council of State invites teacher unions to resolve industrial action

The Council of State has formally invited representatives from various teacher unions to a consultative meeting on Friday, October 9, in an effort to bring an end to the industrial actions currently affecting the pre-tertiary education sector. The meeting, scheduled for 1:00 p.m., aims to create a platform for dialogue between the government’s advisory body and the leadership of the unions, who have been protesting over unresolved welfare issues and administrative delays. This high-level intervention underscores the urgency of stabilizing the academic calendar. The discussions will primarily focus on three critical areas: teacher promotions, allowances for those serving in deprived areas, and the broader Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiated with the Ministry of Education. While the government has made progress in some administrative areas, the unions remain dissatisfied with the pace of implementation. Specifically, the Controller and Accountant-General has recently completed the processing of promotion records for 52,000 teachers. Despite this milestone, the actual disbursement of updated salaries and arrears remains a major sticking point in the dispute. This mediation by the Council of State is viewed as a significant step toward restoring normalcy to Ghana's schools. The leadership of the teacher unions is expected to present detailed evidence of their members' concerns, particularly regarding the financial impact of delayed promotion benefits. As the Friday meeting approaches, education stakeholders are hopeful that this engagement will yield a roadmap for the full implementation of the CBA and ensure that the 52,000 affected teachers see the tangible benefits of their career advancements, thereby averting further strikes.

Benjamin Arthur, the Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), is seen delivering a speech from a podium. He is wearing a blue suit and glasses, speaking at an event hosted by Accra Technical University as indicated by the background and watermark.
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Fair Wages and Salaries Commission fails to reach agreement with teachers

The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and three pre-tertiary teacher unions—GNAT, NAGRAT, and PRETAG—concluded a meeting on October 6, 2026, without reaching a definitive agreement to end an ongoing nationwide strike. Chief Executive of the FWSC, Dr. George Smith-Graham, indicated that further consultations with relevant stakeholders are necessary before negotiations can resume. The strike, which began in late September 2026, stems from unresolved grievances over salary arrears, promotion payments, and the renewal of collective bargaining agreements. In the wake of the inconclusive talks, government officials have intensified appeals for teachers to return to the classroom. Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has expressed the government’s commitment to resolving all outstanding concerns by October 30, 2026, urging the unions to stabilize the academic calendar. Similarly, Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Apaak emphasized that the government is not taking an antagonistic stance, acknowledging the legitimacy of the teachers' demands, including proposed allowances for teachers in rural areas. Addressing rumors of punitive measures, the FWSC officially denied reports that it intended to deduct salaries from teachers participating in the industrial action. The commission clarified that Dr. Smith-Graham’s comments had been misrepresented and that the focus remains on constructive engagement rather than penalties. However, the political atmosphere remains tense; Kingsley Agyemang, a member of Parliament’s Education Committee, noted that many educators have lost confidence in the government’s ability to fulfill its promises, citing current financial difficulties as a strain on trust. The strike's impact is being felt most acutely by final-year Senior High School (SHS) students preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Reports indicate that students are spending school days without formal instruction, raising fears about falling behind academically. While some schools have attempted to use extracurricular activities to engage students, authorities admit these cannot substitute for lost instructional time. As the FWSC prepares to reconvene meetings, the pressure mounts on all parties to reach a settlement before the month-end deadline.

A man wearing a red headpiece and scarf speaks at a podium during a press conference or protest. A woman in similar red attire is seated behind him, suggesting a collective show of mourning or grievance common in Ghanaian public demonstrations.
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Free SHS Food Suppliers Association appeals for overdue payments

The Association of Free SHS Food Suppliers has issued an urgent appeal to the government for the immediate settlement of outstanding payments owed for food supplies delivered since early 2024. Agnes Abedua, the president of the association, stated that the ongoing delay in payments has plunged many members into a severe financial crisis. These suppliers, who are responsible for providing essential meals to students under the government’s flagship educational programme, are now struggling to maintain their businesses as their operating capital remains locked up in unpaid arrears. According to the association, the impact of the unpaid debt has moved beyond business challenges and has become a serious humanitarian concern. Abedua reported that several members are dealing with deteriorating health due to the extreme stress of mounting debts and an inability to afford necessary medical care. In some tragic instances, the association claims that members have lost family members because they lacked the funds required to pay for urgent medical treatments and hospital emergencies. The pressure from creditors and financial institutions has further exacerbated the mental and physical toll on these small business owners. Beyond personal health and family stability, the suppliers are facing aggressive debt recovery efforts from their own lenders. Abedua highlighted that members are being hounded by creditors, which has damaged their creditworthiness and left them unable to provide for their own families despite having fulfilled their contractual duties to the state. The association emphasizes that they have continued to support the Free SHS initiative in good faith and are now asking the government to show similar commitment by ensuring the release of their long-overdue funds. In their closing appeal, the association urged the current administration to prioritize these payments to prevent the total collapse of their businesses and livelihoods. They warned that the continued delay not only threatens the survival of hundreds of Ghanaian families but could also eventually disrupt the consistent food supply chain to senior high schools if no action is taken. The suppliers are calling for a transparent timeline for the release of funds to provide much-needed relief to their members and ensure the sustainability of their services.

The front view of the centre
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Care for Society Network opens GH₵550,000 digital centre in Abuakwa South

Care for Society Network International (CfSNI) has inaugurated a GH₵550,000 digital learning centre in Habitat Obronikrom, located in the Abuakwa South Municipality of the Eastern Region. The facility, established in partnership with the STAR Ghana Foundation and the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), is designed to provide critical digital literacy and STEM education to schoolchildren in underserved rural communities. This initiative targets the growing need for technical proficiency in rural areas to ensure no child is left behind in the global digital economy. The project received significant support from international partners, including Comic Relief and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The centre is equipped to offer specialized training in coding, robotics, and practical innovation, aiming to equip young learners with the technical skills required for modern careers. By providing access to high-quality technological tools and stable internet connectivity, the initiative seeks to bridge the widening digital divide between urban and rural educational outcomes in Ghana. Anita Ampofoa Amoako-Gyimah, the founder of CfSNI, highlighted the importance of early exposure to technology for rural children during the launch event. She emphasized that the facility is not merely a computer lab but a space for fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. According to Amoako-Gyimah, giving children in communities like Obronikrom the chance to engage with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects will allow them to compete on a level playing field with their peers in more developed regions. Local community leaders and stakeholders expressed their gratitude for the investment, noting that such infrastructure is often lacking in the municipality. They voiced optimism that the centre would serve as a catalyst for educational improvement and long-term economic empowerment for the next generation. Moving forward, the facility is expected to serve as a central hub for both formal student training and broader community digital empowerment programmes, fostering a culture of innovation in the Eastern Region.

Haruna Iddrisu - Minister of Education
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Haruna Iddrisu announces GH‵917m for No-Fees-Stress Policy

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that the government has allocated GH‵917 million from the Consolidated Fund to support the No-Fees-Stress Policy. This funding is intended to assist 321,807 students across the country, alleviating the financial burden often associated with entering tertiary institutions. The initiative is a core component of President John Mahama’s educational agenda, which prioritizes making higher education accessible to all eligible Ghanaians regardless of their economic background. To ensure the policy's effectiveness, the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) is providing essential bridge financing for first-year students at public and technical universities. This mechanism allows the SLTF to pay required fee deposits directly to the institutions once an eligible student applies. This intervention specifically targets the admission confirmation stage, ensuring that financial constraints do not cause students to lose their placements before they can secure long-term funding. Students can apply for this immediate financial support through the dedicated No-Fees-Stress Portal. While the Ministry of Education has acknowledged challenges regarding the timely release of budget allocations, Minister Iddrisu emphasized the government's commitment to the program. The policy is expected to evolve, with future plans already in place to include specific support for law students and expanded funding for medical education. Launched by President John Mahama in July 2025, the No-Fees-Stress Policy represents a significant shift in how the state supports higher education. By utilizing the Consolidated Fund to back the SLTF's operations, the government aims to create a sustainable financial safety net. This move is expected to increase enrollment rates and reduce the dropout rate among first-year students who previously struggled with the upfront costs of university admission.