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 newly constructed school building, identified as a kindergarten block, featuring a maroon metal roof and beige and brown walls. The structure is situated in an open grassy area with palm trees and a light sky in the background, representing a new educational infrastructure project.
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Keta MP Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey Commissions New Kindergarten Block at Anlo State School

Member of Parliament for Keta, Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, in collaboration with the Keta Municipal Assembly, has officially commissioned a new kindergarten classroom block for the Anlo State School. This development is part of a strategic effort to enhance early childhood education infrastructure within the municipality, providing a modern and conducive environment for young learners. The project underscores the local government's commitment to prioritizing the foundation of the educational system and ensuring that children have the necessary facilities to begin their academic journeys. During the commissioning ceremony, MP Gakpey highlighted the critical need to complement physical infrastructure with adequate human resources. He pledged to tackle the persistent teacher shortage in the Keta constituency, noting that closing the teacher deficit is essential for achieving high-quality educational outcomes. His remarks were aimed at reassuring educators and parents that the government is focused on both the hardware and software of education, emphasizing that beautiful buildings must be matched by dedicated teaching staff. Adding his voice to the occasion, the Keta Municipal Chief Executive, Wisdom Seade, urged parents and guardians to take full advantage of the new facility. He emphasized that the investment would only bear fruit if parents prioritized their children's education and ensured consistent school attendance. Seade encouraged the community to see the new classroom block as a catalyst for long-term development and academic excellence, reminding stakeholders that education is a shared responsibility between the state and the home. The inauguration was warmly received by the local community, including teachers, students, and traditional leaders, who celebrated the investment in local education. The new facility is expected to alleviate congestion and improve the overall learning experience at Anlo State School. By addressing both infrastructure and staffing needs, local authorities aim to build a more robust educational framework that supports the aspirations of the youth in Keta and secures a brighter future for the region.

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is pictured delivering a speech at a formal event. She stands behind a podium bearing the Seal of the Vice President, accompanied by a female security officer in a police uniform against a backdrop referencing teachers.
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Abigail Agyeiwaa Named 2026 National Best Teacher as Vice President Pledges GH¢33 Billion to Education Sector

Abigail Agyeiwaa, an English Language teacher from Mangoase Senior High School, has been crowned the 2026 Overall Outstanding Teacher at the Ghana Teacher Prize ceremony held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). For her exceptional dedication, Ms. Agyeiwaa was awarded a three-bedroom house valued at GH¢700,000. The event, themed “Empowering Teachers: Architects of the Future,” also recognized Hammond Agyen and James Kwabo Sekyi as the first and second runners-up, respectively, with Mr. Agyen receiving a 4x4 pick-up truck and Mr. Sekyi a brand-new saloon car. These awards serve as the centerpiece of a national effort to celebrate educators who have significantly improved educational outcomes across the country. Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, representing the government at the grand durbar, reaffirmed a massive financial commitment to the sector, announcing an allocation of over GH¢33 billion in the 2026 Budget. This funding is earmarked for critical infrastructure, including the completion of 30 E-block school projects and the expansion of the Teacher Housing Initiative to improve living conditions for educators in rural areas. The Vice President also highlighted significant structural reforms, such as the ongoing transition from double-track to single-track systems in senior high schools and the removal of administrative bottlenecks that have historically hindered teacher promotions. In addition to infrastructure, the government is actively addressing labor concerns to prevent further industrial action. Professor Opoku-Agyemang reported progress in ongoing negotiations with teacher unions regarding conditions of service and career progression. Complementing this, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu pledged that the government would settle outstanding promotion arrears for over 51,000 teachers by October 30, 2026. The Minister also noted efforts to validate data on deprived schools to ensure the effective implementation of the deprived-area allowance, a move aimed at incentivizing quality teaching in underserved communities. The Vice President concluded by urging teachers to maintain high professional standards and embrace continuous development to adapt to a rapidly changing global labor market. She emphasized that the government’s investment in professional development and new technologies is designed to ensure that Ghanaian educators remain competitive and capable of preparing students for future challenges. As the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission continues to engage with unions over expired collective agreements, the government maintains that dialogue and sustainable funding remain the twin pillars of its strategy to transform the nation's educational landscape.

Ghanaian Teacher Unions Maintain Nationwide Strike as Negotiations with Fair Wages Commission Reach Deadlock
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Ghanaian Teacher Unions Maintain Nationwide Strike as Negotiations with Fair Wages Commission Reach Deadlock

Pre-tertiary education in Ghana faces a significant crisis as the nationwide strike by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) enters a critical deadlock. Despite appeals from the Ghana Education Service (GES) and a government commitment to settle outstanding promotion arrears by October 30, union leaders maintain that financial assurances alone are insufficient to end the industrial action. The standoff has paralyzed public basic schools across the country, particularly in the Ashanti Region, as teachers demand a comprehensive resolution to long-standing grievances regarding service conditions and professional allowances. The crux of the current stalemate lies in a disagreement over a 20% professional allowance and the structure of new negotiations. Dr. George Smith-Graham, CEO of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), stated that talks have stalled because unions are seeking a new allowance outside the current transitional framework. According to Dr. Smith-Graham, as the country prepares for the establishment of the Independent Public Emoluments Commission (IPEC), unions should focus on enhancing existing allowances rather than introducing new ones. However, PRETAG President King Ali Awudu and NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba have countered that these demands are not new, citing commitments made as far back as 2009. In the Ashanti Region, union members have insisted on receiving verifiable "bank alerts" before considering a return to the classroom. Government officials, including Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and Deputy Minister Dr. Clement Apaak, have urged teachers to return to work, citing the detrimental impact on students' academic progress. Dr. Apaak acknowledged that administrative delays in implementing new salary scales for approximately 80,000 teachers were due to data transfer issues between the GES and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department. To mitigate future bottlenecks, the FWSC has proposed a regional approach to processing teacher promotions. Meanwhile, the National Council of Parents Teachers Association (PTA) has signaled its support for the teachers’ concerns, with Secretary Raphael Kofi Gapson warning that parents may join the protests if the October 30 deadline for settling arrears is missed. External observers, such as the Institute for Education Studies (IFEST), have criticized the government for failing to act early, noting that the strike was avoidable had discussions begun before the collective agreement expired. IFEST Executive Director Dr. Peter Anti argued that the strike remains the unions' most effective tool, as it has already forced the validation of over 51,000 promotion claims. As negotiations are set to resume, the Mahama administration faces increasing pressure to balance fiscal constraints with the urgent need to stabilize the education sector. The resolution of this dispute now hinges on whether the government can provide concrete, broader action on service conditions beyond the immediate payment of promotion arrears.

Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis — Director-General, Ghana Education Service
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Ghanaian Teacher Unions Stand Firm as Strike Deadlock Continues Over Allowances and Promotion Arrears

The nationwide strike by pre-tertiary teacher unions in Ghana remains in force as negotiations between the government and labor leadership reached a stalemate this week. Members of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) have withdrawn their services, leading to the closure of public basic schools across the country. While the government, through Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, has committed to settling outstanding promotion arrears by October 30, union leaders insist that clearing these debts is insufficient to end the industrial action. They are demanding a comprehensive resolution to broader concerns, including a 20% professional allowance and the finalization of a new collective agreement. At the center of the deadlock is a disagreement with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) regarding allowances. Dr. George Smith-Graham, CEO of the FWSC, reported that negotiations stalled after unions introduced demands for new allowances that fall outside the current transitional framework as the country moves toward establishing the Independent Public Emoluments Commission (IPEC). While the FWSC has urged unions to focus on enhancing existing allowances, labor leaders like NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba and PRETAG President King Ali Awudu argue that the government has failed to act on commitments dating back as far as 2009. In the Ashanti Region, union representatives have taken a harder line, declaring they will only return to the classroom once they receive verifiable bank alerts confirming the settlement of their payments. The strike has drawn significant reactions from education stakeholders and parents. The National Council of Parents Teachers Association (PTA) has expressed solidarity with the teachers, with Secretary Raphael Kofi Gapson warning that parents may join street protests if the government misses the October 30 deadline. Dr. Peter Anti of the Institute for Education Studies (IFEST) criticized the government for failing to engage the unions before the previous collective agreement expired, suggesting the strike was avoidable. Conversely, labor consultant Austin Gamey cautioned that negotiating while maintaining a strike is detrimental to industrial relations, likening the situation to holding the government in "handcuffs." Government officials, including Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak and Ghana Education Service (GES) Director-General Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, continue to appeal for a return to the classroom. They have attributed delays in salary adjustments for nearly 80,000 promoted teachers to complex data transfer issues between the GES and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department. As a gesture of future commitment, the government has announced plans for a 20% salary incentive for teachers in rural and underserved areas starting in 2026. For now, however, the academic calendar remains disrupted, and further talks between the FWSC and union leaders are scheduled for later this week in an attempt to break the impasse.

Spokesperson for Former Minister Adutwum Urges Restoration of Existing GES Digital Platforms
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Spokesperson for Former Minister Adutwum Urges Restoration of Existing GES Digital Platforms

Yaw Opoku Mensah, the spokesperson for former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has strongly countered recent assertions that the Ghana Education Service (GES) remains heavily reliant on manual administrative processes. In a detailed statement, Mensah argued that the groundwork for a digital GES was laid years ago, specifically under the previous administration’s tenure. He urged current education officials to focus on restoring and optimizing existing digital systems rather than attempting to introduce entirely new ones, which he suggests might be redundant or disruptive to established workflows. The push for digital transformation within the GES reportedly began in earnest in 2017, aimed at drastically reducing the bureaucratic burden of paperwork and enhancing overall institutional efficiency. Key among the platforms highlighted by Mensah are the Ghana Education Service Management Information System (GESMIS) and the Self-Placement Recruitment Platform. These tools were designed to streamline teacher recruitment, data management, and placement procedures, providing a digital backbone that the spokesperson claims was already operational and effective before the recent transition in governance. Mensah’s remarks come as a response to perceived narratives that the education sector is starting from scratch regarding digitalization. He emphasized that the focus should be on continuity in digital transformation, noting that several effective platforms have been discontinued or underutilized. The statement calls on the current Ministry of Education to conduct a thorough review of previous reforms to identify why these established systems were sidelined and to address any technical or administrative gaps that led to their dormancy. The debate highlights a broader challenge in Ghana’s public sector: the sustainability of technological initiatives across different political administrations. As the GES continues to navigate its modernization goals, the spokesperson’s call serves as a reminder of the investment already made in digital infrastructure. For stakeholders in the education sector, the priority remains the delivery of efficient services, which Mensah argues is best achieved by refining the proven tools of the past seven years rather than reinventing the wheel.

Bessakrom pupils can now continue JHS without leaving community - Dr. Minta Nyarku
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Bessakrom Pupils Gain Local Access to Junior High School as Dr. Minta Nyarku Commissions New Block

On October 2, 2026, the Central Regional Minister and the Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North, Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku, officially commissioned a newly constructed Junior High School (JHS) block at the Bessakrom M/A Basic School. This landmark development marks a significant turning point for the community, as it provides a permanent local facility for students who previously had to travel to neighboring towns to complete their basic education. The inauguration ceremony was attended by various local dignitaries and educators who gathered to celebrate the expansion of educational access within the constituency. Speaking at the event, Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku emphasized the transformative potential of the new facility for the youth of Bessakrom. He noted that the availability of a JHS within the community would not only improve educational outcomes by reducing travel fatigue but also encourage higher retention rates among students transitioning from primary school. The MP extended his profound gratitude to the local community leaders and traditional authorities, whose generous donation of land made the construction of the school block possible. He characterized the project as a vital collaborative effort between political leadership and the community to prioritize the future of the next generation. The provision of this infrastructure addresses a long-standing challenge for families in Bessakrom, where the absence of a junior high facility often served as a barrier to consistent attendance and academic performance. By bringing secondary-level basic education closer to home, the project aligns with broader national goals to decentralize educational resources and ensure that rural and peri-urban communities are not left behind. The presence of the Central Regional Minister at the commissioning further underscored the regional administration's commitment to monitoring and supporting infrastructural growth across the Central Region. Looking ahead, Dr. Minta Nyarku revealed that the commissioning of the Bessakrom JHS block is part of a wider strategy to enhance educational infrastructure across the Cape Coast North Constituency. Additional projects are currently in the planning stages, aimed at addressing classroom congestion and providing modern learning environments for other schools in the area. As the school year progresses, local education officials are expected to monitor the impact of the new facility on student enrollment, setting a precedent for future community-led developmental initiatives.

Upper East Stakeholders and Children Believe Demand Urgent Investment in Early Childhood Education
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Upper East Stakeholders and Children Believe Demand Urgent Investment in Early Childhood Education

Stakeholders in the Upper East Region are sounding an alarm over the state of early childhood education (ECE), calling for a significant surge in investment to secure a robust foundation for children's lifelong learning. Organized by the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council with support from the non-governmental organization (NGO) Children Believe, the recent gathering brought together educational experts, social service representatives, and traditional leaders to address critical gaps in the region’s foundational education system. The consensus among participants was that the early years are pivotal, yet they remain one of the most under-resourced sectors within the national education framework. The discourse centered on several systemic hurdles that currently impede effective early childhood care and development. Key among these concerns is the acute shortage of trained teachers specifically assigned to kindergarten levels, which has led to suboptimal learning outcomes. Participants noted that planning for early childhood care often suffers from institutional oversight, resulting in learning environments that are frequently inadequate or poorly maintained. Furthermore, the meeting highlighted persistent funding challenges and the recurring issue of delayed enrollment, where many children start kindergarten later than the recommended age, putting them at a developmental disadvantage compared to their peers. The Regional Director of the Department of Children emphasized that without dedicated planning and resource allocation, the goal of providing a solid educational start remains elusive. To combat these deficiencies, stakeholders urged the Ghana Education Service and relevant authorities to prioritize the deployment of qualified teachers to early childhood centers rather than focusing primarily on higher levels of basic education. There was also a strong consensus on the need for collaborative resource mobilization, encouraging both state and non-state actors to pool funds and expertise to sustain development activities for the long term. As the meeting concluded, traditional leaders and NGO representatives underscored that the responsibility for early childhood development extends beyond government mandates to include active community-level involvement. By fostering a multi-sectoral approach, the Upper East Region aims to create a more resilient educational infrastructure that guarantees every child access to quality early learning. The participants agreed that addressing these foundational gaps is not just an educational necessity but a strategic socio-economic investment in the future human capital of the region.

MP Muhammad Bawah Braimah Delivers 1,000 Pieces of Modern Furniture to 28 Schools in Ejura-Sekyedumase
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MP Muhammad Bawah Braimah Delivers 1,000 Pieces of Modern Furniture to 28 Schools in Ejura-Sekyedumase

Twenty-eight educational institutions across the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality have received a significant infrastructure boost with the delivery of 1,000 pieces of ultra-modern school furniture. This initiative, aimed at tackling the chronic shortage of seating in basic and pre-tertiary schools, was spearheaded by the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Alhaji Muhammad Bawah Braimah, in collaboration with the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Rafiu Adam Seidu. The distribution represents a critical step in providing a more conducive learning environment for thousands of students in the Ashanti Region. The procurement of the furniture was the result of extensive and ongoing engagement with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). During the official handover ceremony, Hon. Bawah Braimah emphasized that providing adequate furniture is essential for academic success and is a core part of his broader commitment to upgrading educational infrastructure within the municipality. He urged school heads to view this allocation as part of a sustained, continuous effort to address the logistical needs of the education sector, rather than a one-off intervention. Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Rafiu Adam Seidu lauded the Member of Parliament for his proactive stance and effective lobbying, which brought the project to fruition. He underscored the importance of cooperation between local leadership and national agencies in achieving development goals. Beyond the provision of the equipment, the MCE also called upon the beneficiary schools and the wider community to take full responsibility for the maintenance and protection of the new assets, ensuring they remain in good condition for future generations of learners. By facilitating a more comfortable and organized classroom setting, the intervention is expected to yield immediate improvements in teaching and learning outcomes. As the municipality continues to expand its educational reach, local authorities indicated that this furniture distribution is a precursor to further investments aimed at bridging the gap between urban and rural educational facilities. The focus remains on ensuring that every child in Ejura-Sekyedumase has the necessary tools to pursue their studies with dignity and focus.

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French Education Ministry Orders Closure of Up to 500 Schools Amidst Escalating Student Protests

The French government has announced the partial or total closure of up to 500 high schools across the country on Monday as a week-long wave of student protests escalates into significant civil unrest. Education Minister Édouard Geffray confirmed the decision, citing critical security concerns after clashes between police and demonstrators intensified. The move follows a series of violent incidents that have disrupted the national education system, with authorities reporting that 735 schools have been affected by the protests in various capacities since they began seven days ago. The scale of the destruction is substantial, with 24 schools reported to have been burned or ransacked by demonstrators. The human toll has also risen significantly; the Interior Minister noted at least 1,747 arrests have been made, while 78 members of school staff have sustained injuries during the turmoil. The protests, which were initially organized to demand improved education standards, have increasingly become a focal point for broader social grievances, leading to high-tension standoffs in major cities and suburban districts. At the heart of the movement are student demands for more resources to combat chronic teacher shortages and severely overcrowded classrooms. However, Minister Geffray has alleged that the student movement has been co-opted, stating that far-left activists have infiltrated the protests and are responsible for the shift toward extreme violence. This claim comes as the government attempts to balance the need for security with the legitimate concerns raised by the student body regarding the quality of their learning environment. While the Prime Minister has pledged that the government will take further action to improve conditions for both students and staff, organizers remain dissatisfied with the official response. With little sign of a resolution, protests are expected to continue through Tuesday. The situation remains fluid as the government weighs its next steps in restoring order while addressing the systemic educational issues that served as the catalyst for the nationwide demonstrations.

Executive members of ASA Savings and Loans with parents and students after the donation
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ASA Savings and Loans Provides GH¢50,000 Educational Support to 50 Underprivileged Students

ASA Savings and Loans has demonstrated its commitment to national development by providing GH¢50,000 in educational assistance to 50 students across two districts. This initiative, part of the company’s robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, aims to alleviate the mounting financial pressures on families and ensure that academically gifted children from underprivileged backgrounds can continue their schooling without interruption. By targeting students at critical junctures of their academic journeys, the financial institution is actively investing in the human capital of the nation and fostering long-term social growth.The support package has seen immediate implementation, with 25 of the beneficiaries located in the Ga East Municipality. The assistance is designed to be versatile, supporting students as they transition into tertiary education or prepare for the rigours of senior high school. Patricia Effia Boafoa Ofori, a Branch Manager at ASA Savings and Loans, emphasized during the presentation that the program specifically identifies students who show strong academic performance but face significant financial hurdles. This merit-based approach ensures that the funds reach those most likely to maximize the opportunity provided, creating a pathway for future professional success.Local educational authorities have lauded the initiative, highlighting the vital role that private sector partnerships play in the national educational landscape. Officials noted that such grants do more than just cover direct costs; they provide a sense of security that allows students to focus entirely on their studies. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to foster a stronger bond between schools and the community by encouraging increased parental involvement in the educational process. By reducing the immediate stress of tuition and supplies, the program creates a collaborative environment where parents, schools, and corporate partners work together to ensure the success of the next generation.

The graduating students
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Accra College of Education Achieves Exceptional Results as Education Minister Announces 10,000 Teacher Recruitment

The Accra College of Education (AcCE) has achieved a significant academic milestone, recording zero Third Class or Pass divisions among its 2024/2025 graduating class. During its recent congregation ceremony, the college celebrated the graduation of 272 students, comprising 150 females and 122 males. These graduates, who specialized in Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, and Junior High School Education, demonstrated a level of academic excellence that school authorities described as a testament to the institution’s rigorous standards and the students' dedication to the teaching profession. Leading the cohort of high achievers were 45 students who earned First Class Honours, while 164 obtained Second Class Upper Division and 63 secured Second Class Lower Division. Charles Aboagye was recognized as the Overall Best graduating student, achieving a remarkable Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.90. In his valedictory address, Aboagye encouraged his peers to approach their teaching careers with courage and passion, highlighting the educator's role in shaping lives and inspiring hope. Other notable awardees recognized for their performance included Mary Kumiwaa and Divine Kwesi Ansah Frimpong. Professor Samuel Awinkene Atintono, the Principal of AcCE, attributed these outstanding results to the college’s strengthened academic systems and its strategic international collaborations. He specifically noted that partnerships with institutions such as Beijing Normal University and Voorhees University have played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of teacher training. These collaborations are part of a broader effort by the college to provide students with a globally competitive education while remaining grounded in the specific needs of the Ghanaian classroom. Addressing the congregation, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu emphasized the multifaceted responsibilities of modern teachers and announced a government recruitment initiative for 10,000 teachers to bolster the national workforce. Furthermore, the Minister proposed the establishment of a National Teacher Education University. This proposed institution would aim to consolidate the country’s public Colleges of Education under a single university umbrella, a move intended to streamline teacher education and elevate the professional status of educators across the country.

TUTAG President explains grounds for industrial action
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TUTAG Maintains Industrial Action Over Post-Retirement Contracts and Service Scheme Disputes

The Technical University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has clarified its stance on its ongoing industrial action, maintaining a partial withdrawal of services despite the government’s recent move to begin paying Book and Research Allowances. National President Professor Deodat E. Adenutsi announced at a press conference that while the association acknowledges the initiation of the payment process for these allowances, several other critical grievances remain unaddressed, necessitating the continuation of the strike to protect the interests of its members. According to the association, the focus of the industrial action has shifted toward the non-payment of post-retirement contracts and unilateral changes made to the agreed-upon scheme of service. Professor Adenutsi highlighted that these changes particularly affect librarians within the technical university system, creating administrative friction and professional uncertainty. TUTAG argues that these modifications were implemented without the necessary consensus, undermining the collective bargaining agreements and the stability of the academic environment. Despite multiple engagements with various government agencies and stakeholders, the association maintains that tangible solutions have remained elusive. Consequently, TUTAG members have been directed to withdraw all services related to teaching and the supervision of students. While the lecturers will continue to perform other professional duties, the suspension of classroom activities and research oversight is expected to significantly impact the academic calendar across the country’s technical institutions. As the strike persists, the leadership of TUTAG has signaled its readiness to return to full duties only when the government provides concrete resolutions to the outstanding contractual and administrative issues. This labor dispute presents an early challenge for the education sector under the administration of President John Mahama, as stakeholders call for swift mediation to prevent further disruption to the vocational and technical training of Ghanaian students.