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 group of officials, including Ghana's Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, are pictured during a formal handover ceremony. Two individuals in the center are holding a Lenovo laptop box over a conference table equipped with microphones, signifying the distribution of digital tools for education.
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UHAS receives 200 laptops for One Million Coders Programme

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has received 200 high-performance laptops through the government’s One Million Coders Programme (OMCP) to enhance digital learning for healthcare students. The equipment was presented by the Minister for Communication, Samuel Nartey George, as part of a strategic effort to bridge the digital divide in specialized higher education. This initiative marks a significant step in integrating technology-driven skills into the training of the nation’s future health professionals. The donated laptops are equipped with Intel Core i5 processors and the Windows 11 operating system, ensuring they can handle the specialized software and data-intensive tasks required in modern medical education. The Ministry for Communication noted that the distribution aims to provide students with the necessary tools to develop digital competencies alongside their clinical and health sciences training. By embedding these skills into the curriculum, the programme seeks to prepare students for the increasing demands of a technology-driven global healthcare industry. Receiving the donation on behalf of the university, the Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato, expressed gratitude for the support and highlighted its alignment with the institution’s goals. She reaffirmed the university's commitment to digital development in Ghana, noting that the laptops would be instrumental in enhancing the learning experience. Professor Aziato emphasized that equipping students with these resources is essential for preparing them to meet future healthcare challenges through innovation and technical proficiency. The One Million Coders Programme is a government-led initiative designed to empower a million Ghanaians with essential digital and coding skills to drive the country’s digital economy. By extending these resources to UHAS, the government is focusing on the cross-disciplinary application of technology within the health sector. This intervention is expected to improve the research capabilities of the university and ensure that graduates enter the workforce with the digital literacy required for modern clinical practice and health informatics.

Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga (fifth from right), Vice Chancellor of HTU, and other members of the project teamProfessor Ben Q. Honyenuga (fifth from right), Vice Chancellor of HTU, and other members of the project team
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Ho Technical University launches Euro 54,000 project to map baobab trees

Ho Technical University (HTU) has officially launched the BAOMAP Project, a Euro 54,000 research initiative focused on conducting a comprehensive census of baobab trees across Ghana. Funded by the German government, the project utilizes advanced remote sensing technology combined with ground-level verification to create a detailed map of the species' population. The initiative marks a significant step toward understanding the ecological distribution and economic potential of one of the region's most iconic and resilient tree species. The project is a tripartite collaboration involving HTU, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Germany. By integrating satellite imagery with physical site inspections, researchers aim to develop an accurate database of Ghana's baobab resources. Vice Chancellor Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga, speaking at the launch, highlighted that the project seeks to build a robust knowledge base regarding the genetic resources of the baobab, which remains under-documented despite its widespread presence in the savannah regions. Beyond academic research, the BAOMAP Project is designed to support the sustainable commercial utilization of the baobab tree. Often referred to as the "tree of life," the baobab offers significant value through its fruit, bark, and leaves, which are used in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Professor Honyenuga emphasized that the project's findings would be instrumental in national development, providing the necessary data to balance industrial exploitation with environmental protection, ensuring that the species remains a viable resource for future generations. The mapping exercise is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Once finished, the data will serve as a foundation for long-term conservation strategies and inform policy decisions regarding biodiversity management. By establishing a clear picture of the current baobab population, the project partners hope to foster an environment where local communities can benefit from the tree's economic potential while maintaining the ecological integrity of Ghana’s natural landscapes.

Daniel Boateng Mintah's family seeks probe into death at Abomosu STEM SHS
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Daniel Boateng Mintah's family seeks probe into death at Abomosu STEM SHS

The family of 14-year-old Daniel Boateng Mintah is calling for a formal police investigation into his death, which occurred just twelve days after he enrolled at Abomosu STEM Senior High School in the Eastern Region. The teenager, who had reported to the school on September 18, 2026, with aspirations of becoming a computer engineer, died on September 30. His relatives were notified that he had fallen ill and was subsequently pronounced dead at the Kwabeng Hospital, a sequence of events that has left the family seeking urgent answers. The family has raised significant concerns regarding the timeline and the quality of medical care provided to the student by the school and the health facility. According to the grieving relatives, they are troubled by the lack of clarity surrounding Daniel's final hours and the specific treatments administered before his passing. The sudden loss of a student so soon after the start of the academic term has triggered demands for transparency and accountability from the school authorities. Adding to the family's distress is the reported condition of the boy's body at the mortuary. While specific details were not fully disclosed, the relatives cited the physical state of the deceased as a key reason for their suspicion and their insistence on a thorough forensic and criminal investigation. They are determined to understand whether negligence or other preventable factors contributed to the death of their son while he was in the state's care at the newly established STEM institution. As the police begin to look into the matter, the outcome of the investigation is expected to have broader implications for safety protocols within Ghana's residential school system. The case highlights the critical need for effective medical response systems in Senior High Schools to ensure the well-being of students. The family remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice, hoping that a clear report will provide the closure they need following the untimely end of Daniel's promising future.

Kwasi Agyei, Controller and Accountant-General
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CAGD pays promotion salary arrears to 56,003 teachers

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has disbursed promotion-related salary adjustments and arrears to 56,003 teachers across the Ghana Education Service (GES). This payment follows an agreement reached between the government and teacher unions to resolve industrial grievances that had led to a recent strike. The disbursement ensures that the majority of newly promoted teachers receive their financial entitlements backdated to the start of the year. The payment process was executed in two phases to ensure all verified staff were captured. In September 2026, 6,278 teachers received their adjustments, while the bulk of the group—comprising 49,725 educators—received their payments along with their October salaries on October 15, 2026. This timing allowed the government to meet an October 16 deadline established during negotiations with union representatives and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. The arrears cover the period starting from January 1, 2026, providing significant financial relief to the affected staff. While approximately 80,000 teachers were promoted in the recent cycle, documentation for 56,633 individuals was successfully processed by the CAGD. However, 630 cases remain pending due to various verification issues. The department is currently awaiting the necessary corrections and updated data from the Ghana Education Service to process payments for these outstanding teachers. Resolving these salary discrepancies was a primary demand of teacher unions, who had argued that delays in reflecting promotions on the payroll were undermining morale within the service.

Education Ministry should protect girls and hold sexual abusers accountable - Zonta Clubs
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Kwabena Owusu Nketia reveals findings in Obuasi SHTS sexual misconduct probe

Kwabena Owusu Nketia, the Obuasi East Education Director, has presented the findings of a three-week investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against Abdullai Zakari, the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High and Technical School (SHTS). The report was shared during a gathering at the Adansihene’s palace on October 16, 2026. The inquiry included testimony from 49 participants, including teaching and non-teaching staff as well as students, following allegations involving 16 female students at the institution. The revelation of the findings has intensified calls for accountability from civil society organizations. The Zonta Clubs of Ghana have urged the Ministry of Education to ensure that any teacher or headteacher found guilty faces immediate dismissal and prosecution. The group described the alleged abuse as a betrayal of trust and emphasized that survivors must be supported and protected from being silenced. They further demanded that any authorities found to be concealing such misconduct be held legally responsible for their actions. Education think tank Eduwatch has leveraged the development to call for a comprehensive, independent nationwide audit of safeguarding systems in secondary schools. According to Eduwatch, there have been 44 documented cases of alleged sexual abuse by teachers and school heads across Ghana between 2015 and 2026, many of which have concluded without public verdicts. The organization argues that a transparent audit is necessary to identify systemic failures and implement reforms that prioritize student safety over institutional reputation. Contributing to the policy discussion, Akosua Manu, an adviser on Gender and Social Protection to former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, advocated for the establishment of a national child protection framework. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, she highlighted that current mechanisms are insufficient for protecting children when the accused is an authority figure. Manu proposed the creation of confidential reporting channels to allow students to report abuse without fear of retribution, ensuring that the safety and well-being of victims remain the primary focus of the educational system.

Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, addressing the press
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GAUA and TUSAAG suspend two-month strike at public universities

Administrative services at Ghana’s public and technical universities are set to resume on Monday, October 19, 2026, following the suspension of a nationwide industrial action. The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) and the Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana (TUSAAG) decided to end their strike after the government addressed approximately 80% of their labor grievances. The strike, which began on August 10, 2026, had brought critical academic operations to a standstill, significantly affecting admissions, results processing, and general campus administration. The breakthrough came after intensive negotiations regarding several long-standing issues that had stalled academic progress. The associations had been protesting non-payment of market premiums, perceived wrongful placements on the Single Spine Pay Policy, and concerns regarding retirement rollovers and research allowances. GAUA President Rev. Kwaku Karikari Amoah and TUSAAG President Stanley Abopaam announced the suspension during a joint press conference, noting that the progress made so far was sufficient to warrant a return to work. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu welcomed the decision, expressing gratitude for the resolution and reaffirming the government's commitment to addressing the remaining 20% of the associations' demands. The suspension provides immediate relief for students and university management teams nationwide. At the University of Ghana, for instance, the administration has announced that the institution will officially reopen for the 2026/2027 academic year on October 19. Students are expected to return to their halls of residence throughout that week, with lectures scheduled to commence on October 26. Management across various campuses has urged students to finalize fee payments and academic registrations as staff return to clear the administrative backlog created by the two-month hiatus. While administrative staff are returning to their posts, both unions have emphasized that the suspension is a gesture of goodwill to ensure the academic calendar is not further compromised. Discussions regarding the outstanding labor issues will continue alongside regular work activities. The return to normalcy is seen as a vital step in stabilizing the higher education sector, though union leaders remain vigilant regarding the full implementation of the agreed-upon terms.

Ghanaian school owners receive new playbook to tackle teacher shortage
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Ghanaian school owners receive new playbook to tackle teacher shortage

A new hiring playbook has been introduced for Ghanaian school owners to help them navigate a significant national teacher shortage, currently estimated at between 50,000 and 90,000 personnel. While the demand for educators is high, funding constraints mean that only approximately 7,000 positions can currently be filled through traditional channels. To bridge this gap, the government is planning to release more than 50,000 professionally trained teachers to support the private education sector, making structured recruitment processes more essential than ever to ensure these teachers are placed effectively. The recruitment landscape is particularly complex for private institutions that offer international curricula. These schools require educators who are well-versed in specific global assessments, a requirement that often complicates the hiring cycle, especially when administrators are under pressure to staff classrooms before the term begins. The new playbook aims to mitigate these pressures by providing a framework for matching the right candidates to specific institutional needs, emphasizing that a proper fit is more important than simply filling vacancies quickly. Key strategies outlined in the manual include the precise definition of roles and proactive recruitment planning well ahead of the academic calendar. By targeting specific candidate pools and implementing rigorous assessment protocols, school owners can better identify educators who align with their specific institutional missions. Furthermore, the playbook underscores the importance of retention strategies as a primary tool for stability. Since the cost of staff turnover is high—encompassing recruitment expenses, lost institutional knowledge, and disrupted learning—maintaining existing staff is presented as a critical component of institutional health. Ultimately, the guide encourages school administrators to shift from reactive hiring to strategic talent management. This systematic approach is expected to improve the stability of teaching cohorts and provide a more consistent educational experience for students across the country. As the Ghanaian education sector continues to evolve, the implementation of these best practices aims to reduce the financial and educational burdens caused by high staff turnover.

Nenyi Kweku Kwei VI completes ultramodern school in Senya Bonsuoku
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Nenyi Kweku Kwei VI completes ultramodern school in Senya Bonsuoku

The Odikro of Senya Bonsuoku, Nenyi Kweku Kwei VI, has successfully completed the construction of an ultramodern school complex, marking a significant milestone in his leadership. This project serves as the first major development initiative spearheaded by the traditional leader since his installation, fulfilling a core promise to prioritize education within the community. The new facility is designed to provide a modern learning environment for local children, addressing long-standing deficiencies in the area's educational infrastructure. The realization of the school complex was made possible through a collaborative funding and support model that brought together several groups. Traditional authorities worked alongside local residents and members of the diaspora to ensure the project reached completion. This partnership highlights the growing role of community-driven development in Ghana, where local leaders and citizens mobilize resources independently to supplement government efforts in providing essential services. During the handover of the facility, Nenyi Kweku Kwei VI emphasized that the successful completion of the school stands as a testament to his dedication to the transformation of Senya Bonsuoku. He noted that the initiative was born out of a collective desire to secure a better future for the youth. The Odikro used the occasion to call for a renewed spirit of volunteerism and communal labor, suggesting that collective action remains the most effective tool for addressing local developmental challenges. In his address to the beneficiaries, the Odikro urged both teachers and students to treat the new building with care. He stressed that the longevity of the infrastructure depends on the culture of maintenance adopted by its users. By preserving the facility, the community ensures that it remains a functional asset for future generations. This project is expected to serve as a blueprint for subsequent development projects aimed at improving the living standards and opportunities available in Senya Bonsuoku.

Polytanks Ghana launches EduAid initiative to support 25 schools
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Polytanks Ghana launches EduAid initiative to support 25 schools

Polytanks Ghana has officially launched its EduAid initiative, a corporate social responsibility program designed to provide essential school supplies to pupils in selected communities across the country. The program is set to reach a minimum of 25 schools annually, with the primary goal of easing the financial burden on parents and guardians during the start of the academic season. This initiative marks a significant commitment by the company to support the educational needs of underprivileged children. Under the initiative, Polytanks Ghana plans to distribute 200,000 exercise books and 10,000 water bottles to students each year. Media Relations Manager Moudline Duodua-Gyan emphasized that the decision to include water bottles is a deliberate effort to promote healthy hydration habits among children while they are in the classroom. The provision of exercise books is intended to ensure that students have the necessary learning materials to engage fully with their curriculum from the first day of the term. The program has already begun its rollout, with educational officials and students offering positive feedback on the timely support. By the end of October, an additional 23 schools are scheduled to receive their supplies under the current phase of the program. School administrators have praised the intervention, noting that such private-sector contributions are vital in helping families manage the costs associated with the new academic year. The EduAid initiative reflects Polytanks Ghana's broader strategy for community development and corporate citizenship. By focusing on both academic readiness and physical well-being through hydration, the company aims to foster a more conducive learning environment for young learners. This annual commitment ensures a sustainable impact on the beneficiary communities, providing a reliable source of support for educational institutions in need.

Church of Pentecost warns teachers against sexual abuse of female students
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Church of Pentecost warns teachers against sexual abuse of female students

The Church of Pentecost’s Schools Outreach Ministry has issued a stern warning to educators to desist from the sexual harassment and exploitation of female students. Speaking during an event to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, the ministry emphasised the necessity for schools to remain safe havens for learning rather than grounds for predatory behaviour. This intervention comes in response to a disturbing report from the JoyNews Research Team, which documented dozens of abuse cases involving school staff across the country. The JoyNews report cited by the ministry revealed 44 documented cases of sexual abuse involving teachers since 2015. Alarmingly, the data indicated that school heads were implicated in 40% of these incidents. Rev. Joseph Buertey, representing the ministry, reminded teachers of their primary responsibility to protect and empower their pupils. "You are there to teach these girls, you are there to empower them, you are there to build a future. You are not there to exploit them," he stated, warning that any staff member found engaging in misconduct would face severe legal repercussions. Beyond the warning to staff, the outreach event advocated for a more inclusive approach to gender-based safety. The ministry called for the active involvement of boys in discussions regarding the education and safety of girls to foster a culture of mutual respect within the school system. Students present at the event, including Celestine Kporfor, highlighted the critical role that girls' education plays in national development, arguing that a secure environment is essential for their academic and personal growth. The Church of Pentecost initiative aims to curb the rising trend of misconduct within educational institutions by reinforcing the moral and legal obligations of staff. By addressing both the systemic issues of accountability and the cultural aspects of school safety, the ministry seeks to ensure that every girl can pursue her education without fear of harassment. The outreach underscores a growing national demand for stricter enforcement of child protection policies and professional ethics in Ghanaian schools.

CHASS calls for collective action to manage school indiscipline
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CHASS calls for collective action to manage school indiscipline

The 64th Annual National Conference of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) convened in Ho, with a primary focus on addressing the rising trend of student indiscipline through a unified, holistic approach. Speakers at the event emphasized that managing student behavior requires the active involvement of parents, school staff, and community leaders rather than leaving the responsibility solely to school administrators. The conference underscored that discipline is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the school gates and into the domestic and social lives of students. Addressing the conference, the Minister of Education outlined government-led initiatives aimed at improving the educational environment and maintaining academic integrity. A significant proposal shared by the Ministry involves plans to disable social media access on student devices to curb exam malpractice. This measure is part of a broader strategy to ensure that technology serves as an educational tool rather than a distraction or a conduit for academic dishonesty. The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand teacher recruitment and improve educational infrastructure across the country to support the growing student population. The conference participants further discussed the importance of fairness and consistency in the enforcement of school regulations. There was a consensus that for discipline to be effective, there must be improved communication channels between schools and families. By fostering a transparent relationship with parents, heads of schools believe they can create a more conducive learning environment where students understand the consequences of their actions and the value of academic discipline. This includes ensuring that rules are applied equitably to all students to maintain trust within the school community. As CHASS concludes its 64th national meeting, the call for collective responsibility serves as a roadmap for secondary education stakeholders in Ghana. The proposed regulations regarding social media and the emphasis on community-based discipline reflect a growing concern over the impact of digital distractions and shifting social norms on the national education system. Moving forward, the implementation of these measures will require close coordination between the Ministry of Education and school heads to ensure they are applied effectively without compromising the legitimate benefits of modern educational technology.

Bees for Development Ghana trains teachers to launch school beekeeping clubs
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Bees for Development Ghana trains teachers to launch school beekeeping clubs

Bees for Development Ghana (BfDG) has concluded a five-day intensive training workshop in Techiman for dozens of teachers from across the country. The initiative was designed to equip educators with the necessary skills to establish and manage beekeeping clubs, known as "Buzz Clubs," within basic schools. By integrating beekeeping into the school environment, the program seeks to enhance rural livelihoods while promoting biodiversity and environmental conservation among the younger generation. During the five-day session, the participating teachers were immersed in both the theoretical and practical aspects of apiculture. The curriculum covered essential skills such as hive construction using locally available materials, effective apiary management, and the safe handling of bees to avoid injuries. Beyond the technical requirements of beekeeping, the workshop also emphasized entrepreneurial training, demonstrating how honey production and related activities can serve as a viable economic venture for rural communities. The training is part of a broader effort by BfDG to create a ripple effect throughout Ghana’s educational system. By empowering teachers to lead Buzz Clubs, the organization aims to engage pupils in hands-on activities that foster a deep understanding of the vital role bees play in the ecosystem. This practical approach is intended to inspire students to consider careers in sustainable agriculture and conservation, ensuring that the next generation of Ghanaians is better prepared to address environmental challenges while pursuing economic development. As these teachers return to their respective schools, they are expected to serve as ambassadors for sustainable beekeeping. The establishment of Buzz Clubs will provide students with a unique platform to learn about the interconnection between nature and agriculture. BfDG hopes that this grassroots initiative will eventually lead to more resilient rural economies and a national culture that prioritizes the protection of honeybees as essential pollinators.