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.

Mercy Odzawo, President of the Rotary Club of Accra, Labone, and the contesting students of La Yahoushua JHS.
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Rotary Club of Accra Labone Promotes Literacy with Spelling Bee for La Yahoushua JHS Students

The Rotary Club of Accra Labone has hosted a competitive spelling bee for students at La Yahoushua Junior High School (JHS) as part of a strategic effort to enhance literacy and vocabulary development within the community. The event served as a platform for students to demonstrate their linguistic abilities and intellectual stamina, aligning with Rotary International's global focus on basic education and literacy. By challenging students to master complex terminology, the club aims to foster a deeper interest in reading and academic excellence among the youth. Mercy Odzawo, President of the Rotary Club of Accra Labone, emphasized that the competition is part of a sustained partnership with La Yahoushua JHS. Beyond the spelling bee, the club has historically supported the institution through significant infrastructure and resource donations, including a functional library and a suite of computers. This holistic approach to education ensures that students have the necessary tools to apply the literacy skills they sharpen during such competitions. Observers noted that the participants showcased impressive skills and poise, despite the absence of formal study materials prior to the event, reflecting a high baseline of talent at the school. The competition's top honor was claimed by Dorothy Mawuena Batanyi, whose victory served as a testament to the power of perseverance and self-directed learning. Batanyi, who had previously placed ninth in a similar competition, climbed to the first-place position through what she described as diligent preparation and extensive independent research. To further support the academic journeys of the top performers, the Rotary Club awarded prizes including tablets, which are intended to serve as modern learning aids and digital resources for the students. This initiative underscores the critical role of service organizations in supplementing formal education systems in Ghana. By providing both the motivation through competition and the resources through donations, the Rotary Club of Accra Labone is helping to bridge the literacy gap. Moving forward, the club intends to maintain its commitment to La Yahoushua JHS, using these literacy programs as a blueprint for empowering students across the region to achieve their full academic potential.

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Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Critiques NDC’s Management of Free SHS at NPP National Delegates Conference

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has raised significant concerns regarding the current state of the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme under President John Mahama’s administration. Speaking at the NPP National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on October 3, 2025, Bawumia asserted that the flagship education policy is "suffering" due to what he described as poor management and a lack of commitment from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). He suggested that the gains made under the previous administration are being eroded by the current government's handling of the sector. The NPP leader highlighted several operational challenges that have reportedly intensified since the change of government in January 2025. Specifically, Dr. Bawumia pointed to deteriorating feeding arrangements for students and significant difficulties in the school placement process for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) graduates. Furthermore, he noted the continued implementation of the double-track system, arguing that the NDC has failed to provide a clear roadmap for transitioning away from the staggered academic calendar despite their previous criticisms of the system. Bawumia framed these current challenges as evidence of the NDC's long-standing skepticism toward the Free SHS initiative. He contended that as the original architects and initiators of the programme, the NPP remains the only party capable of managing and sustaining it effectively. According to the flagbearer, the current conditions in senior high schools across the country validate the NPP's earlier warnings that the programme would be at risk if the NDC were to return to power. As education remains a central pillar of Ghanaian political discourse, these criticisms signal that the management of Free SHS will continue to be a primary battleground for the two major parties. With the NPP positioning itself as the primary defender of the policy, the Mahama administration faces increasing pressure to address the logistical and financial hurdles currently impacting the secondary education sector. The coming months will likely see further debate on how to improve the sustainability and quality of the programme amid these political tensions.

Nakpayili Senior High Technical School Opens as Long-Neglected E-Block Admits First Batch of 650 Students
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Nakpayili Senior High Technical School Opens as Long-Neglected E-Block Admits First Batch of 650 Students

After nearly a decade of standing as a silent monument to stalled development, the Nakpayili E-Block in the Nanumba South District of the Northern Region has officially opened its doors to students. The facility now serves as the permanent home for the Nakpayili Senior High Technical School, which has successfully admitted its first batch of 650 students. This operationalization marks a critical turning point for the community, transforming a previously neglected structure into a functional center for secondary and technical education. The school’s activation follows its official inclusion in the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) and the successful connection of the site to essential utility services. According to the Headmaster, Mohammed Ibrahim, 16 teachers have been posted to the school to manage the initial cohort of students as academic activities begin in earnest. Although the physical structure of the E-block was largely completed between 2017 and 2018, it had remained idle for years, raising concerns about the potential waste of public resources until the recent intervention allowed for its formal opening. The commencement of school activities is anticipated to act as a major catalyst for economic growth within the Nakpayili area and the wider Nanumba South District. To accommodate the influx of students and staff, the government has already initiated supplementary infrastructure projects, including the construction of on-site dormitories and a dining hall. These additions are expected to be finished within five months, further stabilizing the school's operations and ensuring that the transition from a dormant building to a thriving educational institution is permanent and sustainable.

MP Nikyema Billa Alamzy Secures 3,800 Furniture Units to Bolster Education in Kassena-Nankana West
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MP Nikyema Billa Alamzy Secures 3,800 Furniture Units to Bolster Education in Kassena-Nankana West

Hon. Nikyema Billa Alamzy, Member of Parliament for Chiana-Paga, has spearheaded a major initiative to tackle the acute furniture shortage in the Kassena-Nankana West District. In a collaborative effort with the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Stephen Aeke Akurugo, the MP announced the procurement of 3,800 additional pieces of furniture through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). This commitment follows the immediate distribution of hundreds of desks and chairs to local schools, marking a significant step toward improving the learning environment for thousands of students in the region. The initial distribution included 900 dual desks, 40 hexagonal tables, and 240 chairs, all funded by the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF). Hon. Akurugo clarified that the district prioritizes educational infrastructure, allocating 10% of the DACF specifically for school furniture to ensure students have a conducive atmosphere for study. Madam Mary Magdalene Wompakia, the District Director of Education, welcomed the intervention, acknowledging that the persistent shortage of seating has long been a significant barrier to effective teaching and learning across the district. Beyond the furniture distribution, the developmental efforts included the commissioning of a new classroom block at Boania and the announcement of a diaspora-funded project to construct further classroom facilities. Amidst these infrastructure gains, Hon. Alamzy addressed the labor climate, urging striking teachers to return to the classroom while negotiations with the government continue, emphasizing the importance of student welfare. The day’s activities concluded with a social inclusion gesture, as donations were made to persons with disabilities (PWDs), underscoring a holistic approach to community development in the Chiana-Paga constituency.

Staff of the two institutions after the donation
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Fon Group Donates 6,000 Exercise Books to GETFund to Support Basic Education in Deprived Communities

The Fon Group has officially donated 6,000 exercise books to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) as part of a targeted effort to improve access to educational materials in underserved regions. Presented on September 9, 2026, the donation is integrated into GETFund’s Education Financing and Partnership Initiative, a program specifically designed to address resource shortages in basic schools across Ghana. This contribution aims to alleviate the burden on parents and schools in deprived communities, ensuring that pupils have the essential stationery required for their daily studies. During the handover ceremony, GETFund Administrator Paul Adjei lauded the Fon Group for its proactive approach to corporate social responsibility. He highlighted that such contributions are vital for the success of the national education agenda, particularly in reaching children who might otherwise fall behind due to a lack of basic supplies. Fredrick Osafo Ntim, Founder of the Fon Group, joined by General Manager Emmanuel Osei Ntim, reiterated the company's commitment to the sector, stating that private sector involvement is not just beneficial but necessary for the holistic development of Ghana’s youth and the improvement of educational standards nationwide. This partnership between the Fon Group and GETFund serves as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to mobilize non-governmental resources for public education. By focusing on deprived communities, the initiative directly supports the goal of providing quality, inclusive education for all. Moving forward, the Fon Group has pledged to maintain its support for educational development, signaling a long-term interest in collaborative projects that enhance the learning environment for Ghanaian students and strengthen the country’s academic infrastructure.

Ghanaian Academic Leaders Drive Digital Transformation Initiatives Across Universities and Libraries
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Ghanaian Academic Leaders Drive Digital Transformation Initiatives Across Universities and Libraries

Higher education leaders in Ghana are intensifying calls for a digital-first approach to academic life, emphasizing that both institutional infrastructure and student mindsets must evolve to meet modern challenges. At recent major academic gatherings, including the 42nd Annual General Meeting of University Librarians in Kumasi and KAAF University’s latest matriculation ceremony, officials stressed that technology is no longer an optional accessory but the foundation of contemporary learning and research. These developments signal a coordinated effort to align the nation’s universities with global standards while preparing graduates for an increasingly competitive job market. During the conference of University Librarians Ghana, academic experts argued that traditional libraries must transcend their roles as mere book repositories. Professor Isaac Boateng underscored the necessity for libraries to become dynamic hubs of knowledge cultivation and local content engagement, rather than simple storage spaces. Supporting this vision, Dr. Theresa Adu highlighted the critical need for inter-library collaboration to expand resource access, urging librarians to adopt resilient leadership and demonstrate their tangible impact on academic success through open access and improved research communication. Complementing this institutional push, KAAF University Vice Chancellor Professor Alhassan Musah has challenged the next generation of scholars to mirror this digital adaptability. Addressing approximately 1,750 newly admitted students, Professor Musah emphasized that thriving in the evolving job market requires an entrepreneurial mindset and a mastery of innovation. He noted that while technological proficiency is vital for the modern workforce, it must be anchored by discipline and character, which remain essential for professional success regardless of technological shifts. The combined message from library leaders and university administrators reflects a broader shift in Ghana's educational landscape toward functional and strategic modernization. By integrating digital transformation into the fabric of campus life—from the way research is curated to how students approach career development—Ghanaian universities are positioning themselves as proactive players in the global digital age. These efforts aim to create a resilient and technologically adept academic community capable of driving national development under the current administration.

Eric Opoku (2nd right), Minister for Food and Agriculture, presenting a set of the equipment to Albert Appiah Amoakoh (2nd from left), Principal, Kwadaso College of Agriculture, while Dong Wan Woo (right), KOICA Country Director, and Aurore Rusiga (3rd from left), Country Director, WFP look on
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WFP and KOICA Empower Five Ghanaian Agricultural Colleges with $500,000 Agritech Donation

The World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has officially handed over agritech equipment valued at $500,000 to five prominent Colleges of Agriculture across Ghana. This significant investment is designed to revolutionize agricultural education by integrating modern technology into the curriculum of Damongo, Ohawu, Ejura, Kwadaso, and Wenchi Colleges of Agriculture. The initiative, themed ‑Strengthening agricultural education for a digital future,‑ seeks to bridge the gap between traditional farming methods and the data-driven demands of modern global agriculture. The donated suite of equipment includes advanced tools such as drones, moisture meters, soil testers, and greenhouse environmental control kits. Additionally, the colleges received Internet of Things (IoT) sensor kits and automated weather stations. These technologies are intended to provide students and agricultural professionals with hands-on experience in precision farming, allowing for better decision-making and increased productivity. By equipping these institutions with high-tech gear, the partnership aims to transform the learning environment from purely theoretical to a practical, technology-led experience. Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, underscored the importance of this initiative as a vital investment in the nation's future. He emphasized that preparing graduates with digital literacy is essential for modernizing Ghana’s agricultural sector and ensuring it remains competitive. WFP Country Director Aurore Rusiga echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transformative potential of digital tools in helping farmers overcome contemporary challenges. KOICA representative Dong Wan Woo further noted that the collaboration focuses on the economic empowerment of Ghanaian youth through digitalization, which is a critical pillar for long-term food security. The impact of the donation was welcomed by educators on the ground, with Albert Appiah Amoakoh, the Principal of Kwadaso College, commending the initiative for its role in linking classroom theories with real-world application. As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, these five colleges are now positioned to serve as hubs for digital innovation, producing a new generation of "agri-preneurs" capable of leveraging technology to boost yields and enhance the resilience of Ghana’s food systems. This partnership marks a strategic step toward a more sustainable and technologically advanced agricultural landscape for the country.

Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga Urges Women Engineers to Lead Ghana’s Sustainable Development Drive
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Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga Urges Women Engineers to Lead Ghana’s Sustainable Development Drive

Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga, Vice-Chancellor of the Ho Technical University (HTU), has called on women engineers across Ghana to take a more active role in driving the nation’s sustainable development. Speaking at the fifth edition of the "WinEAffair," organized by Women in Engineering Ghana (WinE Ghana), Professor Honyenuga highlighted the critical necessity for innovation and integrity within the sector. Under the theme "Engineering a Sustainable Future: Women Leading the Way," he emphasized that the capability of women to address national challenges is essential for achieving long-term progress and environmental stewardship. During his address, the Vice-Chancellor urged participants to look beyond their professional titles and focus on delivering practical, ethical, and inclusive solutions to societal issues. He argued that sustainable engineering must be community-centered, warning that technical decisions made in isolation can have unintended social consequences. By prioritizing innovation and community impact, Professor Honyenuga suggested that women engineers could bridge the gap between theoretical expertise and the real-world needs of the Ghanaian population. Addressing the professional landscape, Professor Honyenuga encouraged young women to actively dismantle gender stereotypes that persist in the engineering fields. He stressed the importance of building robust professional networks and fostering mentor-mentee relationships to navigate career challenges. According to the Vice-Chancellor, fostering a culture of leadership and integrity is vital for ensuring that women are not only present in the industry but are actively leading projects and influencing policy in all engineering sectors. The fifth WinEAffair serves as a platform to empower female professionals and students, highlighting the growing recognition of gender diversity as a catalyst for industrial growth. As Ghana continues to seek sustainable infrastructure and energy solutions, the call for inclusive engineering underscores a broader national shift toward leveraging all available human capital. Professor Honyenuga’s remarks conclude that the future of Ghana's infrastructure depends on a diverse workforce committed to ethical standards and the relentless pursuit of innovative excellence.

Students from Weweso M/A JHS pose with a trophy and medals alongside traditional leaders at the Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge. The winners, dressed in green and yellow branded polo shirts, stand on a red-carpeted stage in front of an event backdrop. Several chiefs in ceremonial Kente cloth are present to support the educational initiative.
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Weweso M/A JHS Pupil Joycelyn Akosua Manu Duah Wins 2026 Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge

Joycelyn Akosua Manu Duah, a student at Weweso M/A Junior High School in the Oforikrom Municipality, has emerged as the winner of the 5th edition of the Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge. The grand finale, held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, saw Duah secure the top spot with an impressive score of 95.2 points. The competition, which has become a hallmark of educational excellence in the region, featured five finalists selected from a rigorous pool of 60 Junior High Schools across the Ashanti and Ahafo Regions. The final round was a closely contested affair, with Duah narrowly outperforming her peers. Stephanie Agyiewaa claimed the second position with a score of 95.1 points, trailing the winner by just 0.1 points, while Magdalene Duodu Akwabeng took third place with 94.3 points. For her exceptional performance, Joycelyn Akosua Manu Duah was awarded a comprehensive package including a scholarship, a cash prize of GH"10,000, and various souvenirs. The winner expressed her gratitude for the initiative and encouraged her fellow students to dedicate themselves to their studies and participate in educational programs that help unearth their talents. Organized by the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, the challenge is designed to foster a robust reading culture among Ghanaian youth. A unique aspect of the competition is its focus on bilingual literacy, requiring students to demonstrate proficiency in both English and the Twi language. This dual-language approach aims to not only improve academic reading skills but also to preserve and promote Ghanaian culture and linguistic heritage. The Otumfuo Hiahene, speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in building a knowledgeable and culturally grounded generation. As the 2026 edition concludes, the success of the Weweso M/A Junior High School student serves as a testament to the effectiveness of community-based literacy programs. The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation continues to use this platform to identify and reward academic talent while encouraging schools throughout the Ashanti and Ahafo Regions to prioritize literacy. The challenge remains a key fixture in the regional educational calendar, providing a competitive yet supportive environment for students to improve their communication skills and cultural awareness.

A man wearing a white cap and polo shirt addresses the media while surrounded by microphones and other officials. He appears to be speaking at a press briefing following negotiations between teacher unions and the government.
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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Pledges Arrears Payment by October 30 as Teacher Strike Persists

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has made a high-stakes commitment to Ghana's pre-tertiary teacher unions, vowing that all outstanding promotion arrears will be settled by October 30, 2026. This pledge comes as the government intensifies efforts to end an indefinite strike that began on September 25, which has left classrooms across the country empty. Despite several rounds of negotiations, including a high-level meeting on October 6, the three main teacher unions—the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers—have yet to officially call off the industrial action, choosing instead to consult their respective memberships on the government’s latest proposals. The ongoing dispute centers on several long-standing grievances, primarily the non-payment of promotion-related arrears, the implementation of a 20% Deprived Area Allowance, and the finalization of a new Collective Agreement to replace expired service conditions. During the most recent discussions, the government tabled new proposals aimed at addressing these concerns. Minister Iddrisu noted that the administration is committed to updating salaries for recently promoted teachers and has offered a framework for the deprived area allowance. However, union leaders remain cautious; NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba emphasized that teachers will not return to work based on verbal promises alone, demanding formal, documented agreements and a verification process for all proposed solutions. Speaking at the 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize ceremony held in Accra under the theme ‘Empowering Teachers: Architects of the Future,’ Minister Iddrisu sought to rebuild trust with the teaching fraternity. ‘I’ll have no honour if your arrears are not paid by October 30,’ he told the gathering, underscoring the priority the Mahama administration is placing on stabilizing the education sector. While the Minister urged unions to reconsider the strike for the sake of the students, GNAT General Secretary Thomas Musah indicated that the unions are currently reviewing the government's offers and will reconvene early next week to determine their next course of action. The resolution of this standoff remains critical for the 2026/2027 academic year, as the government seeks to avoid further disruption to the school calendar. While the Education Ministry’s commitment to a fixed deadline marks a significant shift in negotiations, the unions’ insistence on ‘concrete solutions’ suggests that only the physical disbursement of funds or the signing of legally binding documents will bring teachers back to the classroom. As the October 30 deadline approaches, both parents and students are left waiting to see if the government's new proposals will be sufficient to restore normalcy to the nation's pre-tertiary institutions.

Mercy Odzawo, President of the Rotary Club of Accra, Labone, and the contesting students of La Yahoushua JHS.
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Minister Haruna Iddrisu and Rotary Club Champion Enhanced Alumni and Community Investment in Schools

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and the Rotary Club of Accra Labone have intensified calls for private stakeholders and alumni networks to play a more active role in supporting Ghana’s educational infrastructure and literacy development. These dual efforts, highlighted during a high-profile networking gala and a community literacy competition, underscore the growing importance of external partnerships in bridging the resource gap within the public school system. By focusing on both capital investment and foundational literacy, these initiatives aim to provide a more holistic support structure for students across the country.Speaking at the Old Schools Alumni Networking Gala Dinner, Minister Haruna Iddrisu urged old students’ associations to move beyond social gatherings and transform their networks into robust platforms for investment and mentorship. He emphasized that alumni have a critical responsibility to support their alma maters, particularly less-resourced schools that often lack basic facilities. The event also served as a platform to recognize excellence in alumni leadership, with Dr. Ernest Ofori-Sarpong being named the Old Schools Alumni President of the Year 2026 for his significant contributions to school development and networking excellence.In a practical demonstration of community-led intervention, the Rotary Club of Accra Labone recently organized a spelling bee competition for students at La Yahoushua Junior High School. The initiative aimed to enhance vocabulary development and promote a culture of reading among the youth. Rotary Club President Mercy Odzawo noted that the competition is part of a broader commitment to the school, which has previously included the donation of computers and the establishment of a functional library. The winner of the competition, Dorothy Mawuena Batanyi, demonstrated the power of diligent preparation by rising from a ninth-place finish in previous rounds to take the top prize, which included a tablet to aid her future studies.The success of these initiatives highlights a shared vision between government figures and civic organizations: that the future of Ghanaian education depends on a collective effort. By leveraging the professional expertise of alumni mentors and the philanthropic resources of service clubs like Rotary, schools can provide students with the tools and inspiration needed to succeed in a modern economy. As these partnerships continue to evolve, the focus remains on ensuring that every student, regardless of their school's resource level, has access to quality mentorship and modern learning materials.

Alhassan Mumuni Advocates for Urgent Establishment of Senior High School in Salaga North
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Alhassan Mumuni Advocates for Urgent Establishment of Senior High School in Salaga North

Alhassan Mumuni, the Member of Parliament for Salaga North, is making a forceful appeal to the government and educational authorities to establish a Senior High School (SHS) in his constituency. The MP highlighted a critical gap in the local education system, where numerous Junior High School (JHS) graduates are currently unable to access second-cycle education due to the absence of a nearby facility. This deficit has left many young people in the district at a disadvantage, often ending their academic journeys prematurely or facing significant hurdles to travel elsewhere for schooling. Central to the MP's argument is the status of a specific infrastructure project: a Community Day Senior High School E-block. According to Mumuni, this project was originally initiated during President John Mahama’s previous term in office (2012-2017) but has since been abandoned. The sight of the uncompleted structure serves as a point of frustration for the community, which has seen several academic years pass without the promised local enrollment. Mumuni pointed to this project as a pressing issue that requires urgent intervention to revitalize the district’s educational prospects. In the absence of a completed government facility, the Salaga North community has taken matters into its own hands. Local leaders and residents have launched an initiative to establish a school using existing infrastructure within the area. Mumuni has voiced strong support for this grassroots effort, urging the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to officially recognize and approve the plan. By integrating this community-led school into the formal education system, the MP believes the district can bridge the current accessibility gap and provide immediate relief to students and their families. The push for an SHS in Salaga North is part of a broader demand for equitable distribution of educational resources across Ghana. Mumuni emphasized that providing local access to second-cycle education is essential for the socio-economic development of the district. As the community continues to advocate for the repurposing of existing buildings, the focus remains on the government to either complete the dormant E-block or provide the necessary regulatory backing for the local alternative. Resolving this educational crisis is seen as a vital step in ensuring that the youth of Salaga North are not left behind in the national pursuit of universal access to secondary education.