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.

DreamOval Foundation Appoints New Board to Drive Digital Literacy and Youth Empowerment Across Africa
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DreamOval Foundation Appoints New Board to Drive Digital Literacy and Youth Empowerment Across Africa

The DreamOval Foundation has officially inaugurated a new five-member Board of Directors, signaling a robust shift in its strategic approach toward digital education and youth empowerment across Africa. Announced on September 25, 2025, the new board is tasked with steering the foundation through a period of expansion as it seeks to deepen its impact on the continent’s educational landscape. This leadership update comes at a critical time when digital literacy is becoming an essential prerequisite for economic participation, particularly for the youth in underserved communities. The newly appointed board features a diverse assembly of professionals with backgrounds spanning legal practice, corporate finance, and software engineering. Moses Cofie has been named the Board Chair, bringing seasoned leadership to the foundation’s governing body, while Afua Asiamah Adjei will lead the organization's daily operations as Executive Director. By integrating these various disciplines, the foundation aims to create a more resilient and innovative framework for its programs, ensuring that technology remains at the heart of its educational interventions. At the core of the foundation’s mission is an ambitious long-term goal: to empower 30 million underserved African youth by 2063. This objective aligns with the broader vision of continental development and emphasizes the importance of digital skills and gender equality in achieving sustainable growth. The board is expected to prioritize initiatives that bridge the technological gap, providing young people with the tools necessary to compete in a globalized workforce. As the DreamOval Foundation moves forward under this new guidance, its focus remains steadfast on leveraging technology to unlock the potential of Africa’s next generation.

A professional portrait of Dr. Bertha Ayi, who is seen smiling with her arms crossed against a blurred outdoor background. She is wearing a grey blazer over a blue top, complemented by a beaded necklace and pearl earrings.
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Dr. Bertha Serwa Ayi Urges Ghanaian Parents to Champion Local Languages Amid National Policy Review

Dr. Bertha Serwa Ayi, a prominent infectious disease specialist and global health advocate, has issued a passionate plea to Ghanaian parents to prioritize the preservation of indigenous languages within the home. Expressing deep concern over a growing trend where English is favored to the exclusion of local dialects, Dr. Ayi warned that raising children as monolingual English speakers "hurts" their cognitive development and cultural identity. Using the metaphor that "language is like a bowl," she argued that native tongues serve as essential vessels for heritage and identity that cannot be adequately replaced by a foreign language alone. Reflecting on her own upbringing in Lartebiokorshie, Dr. Ayi shared how her early exposure to the Ga language enriched her personal and social development. She contrasted this with the linguistic disconnection she observes in the younger generation, even admitting that her own children face challenges with fluency in their native tongues. This disconnect, she notes, represents a significant cultural loss. Dr. Ayi emphasized that multilingualism does not hinder academic success; instead, it enriches a child’s mind, fosters cognitive flexibility, and provides a deeper connection to their community and ancestral history. Beyond advocating for change within individual households, Dr. Ayi is actively working to institutionalize linguistic preservation at the state level. She is currently involved in a committee with the Ministry of Education tasked with reviewing Ghana’s national language policy. The goal of this review is to strengthen the teaching of local languages within the formal school system, ensuring they are valued alongside English. By aligning domestic efforts with educational reform, Dr. Ayi aims to reverse the trend of linguistic erosion and ensure that Ghana's diverse cultural fabric remains intact for future generations.

Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS wins STUDRAFEST
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Adonten SHS and Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya Lead Wave of Excellence in National Student Competitions

Ghanaian senior high schools have demonstrated exceptional talent across diverse fields this week, with major victories recorded in business innovation, dramatic arts, and financial literacy. From the GNAT Hall in Accra to the Apatakesie Theatre in Kumasi, students from across the country are proving that their skills and ingenuity extend far beyond traditional academic subjects. These competitions, which focus on entrepreneurship, creative expression, and financial acumen, underscore the growing emphasis on practical skill development within the Ghanaian education sector. Adonten Senior High School emerged as the champion of the 2026 National Business Pitch Competition (NBPC), organized by Junior Achievement (JA) Ghana. Competing under the theme "Augmenting Innovation," the school presented a student-led business solution that earned them a GHS 10,000 cash prize and the prestigious opportunity to represent Ghana at the regional Company of the Year Competition in Cape Town, South Africa. The event, held on September 26 at the GNAT Hall, also recognized other schools with specialized awards, including the Turf Entrepreneurial Spirit Award and the Carmeuse Public Choice Award, reflecting a vibrant culture of youth entrepreneurship supported by various corporate sponsors. In the realm of the arts, Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School triumphed at the Ashanti Regional Students Drama Festival (STUDRAFEST). Their performance of "The Treasure We Broke" at the Apatakesie Theatre resonated strongly with both judges and the audience, securing them the top spot ahead of eight competing schools. St. Louis Senior High School and Kumasi Wesley Girls Senior High School followed in second and third place, respectively. The festival also celebrated individual excellence, with awards for Best Indigenous Play, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Script, while speakers emphasized the critical need for dedicated performance spaces in schools to foster youth creativity. The 2026 National Investment Quiz (NIQ) also reached a pivotal stage as the quarter-final contests concluded with a nail-biting showdown. St. John’s Grammar School narrowly edged out Mfantsipim School with a score of 47 to 46, though both institutions successfully secured their places in the upcoming semi-finals. This rigorous competition, which tests students' mastery of investment and financial concepts, has now narrowed the field to eight elite schools: Corpus Christi, Wesley Girls’ High School, St. Augustine’s College, Prempeh College, West Africa SHS, St. Louis SHS, St. John’s Grammar, and Mfantsipim. These successes across the business, artistic, and financial sectors highlight the multifaceted nature of modern Ghanaian education. As Adonten SHS prepares for international competition and the NIQ semi-finalists gear up for the next round, the broader educational community continues to advocate for more resources and platforms to support student innovation. These festivals and quizzes serve as essential pipelines for identifying and nurturing the next generation of Ghanaian leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists.

A photograph of Kwasi Kwarteng, the Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Education in Ghana, at an official event. He is wearing a white traditional-style shirt with blue accents and a blue lanyard, while other attendees are seen blurred in the background.
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Education Ministry: Over 50% of Unplaced Students Secure Schools via CSSPS Self-Placement

The Ministry of Education has announced that more than 50% of the 53,000 students who initially faced placement challenges have successfully navigated the self-placement process. According to the Ministry, these students utilized the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to secure spots in various secondary institutions after failing to receive automatic placements. This update brings the total number of students who have accessed secondary education in this cycle to approximately 97,000, combining those placed automatically and those who used the manual selection portal. The Press Secretary to the Education Minister provided further insight into the ongoing efforts to resolve placement issues, noting that resolution centers have been instrumental in this progress. While the Ministry observed significant improvements in the operations and efficiency of centers across the Northern regions, concerns remain regarding the high-pressure zones of the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. These metropolitan areas continue to see a high volume of parents and students seeking assistance, leading to ongoing monitoring and resource allocation by the Ministry to manage the demand. The self-placement module serves as a critical safety net for students who either did not meet the competitive requirements of their initial school choices or had technical issues with their applications. By accessing a list of available schools with vacancies, students can choose institutions that align with their academic standing and geographic preferences. Moving forward, the Ministry is encouraging the remaining unplaced students to promptly engage with the CSSPS portal or visit local resolution centers to ensure they are enrolled before the start of the academic calendar. This initiative remains a cornerstone of the government's commitment to ensure no student is left behind in the transition to senior high school.

GES Director-General Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis Orders SHS Heads to Refund Unauthorized Fees or Face Dismissal
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GES Director-General Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis Orders SHS Heads to Refund Unauthorized Fees or Face Dismissal

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a stern ultimatum to heads of Senior High Schools (SHS) across the country, demanding the immediate cessation and refund of all unauthorized fees and items collected from parents and students. Under the leadership of Director-General Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, the service warned that school administrators who fail to comply with this directive risk severe disciplinary action, including summary removal from their positions. This move signals a rigorous enforcement of government directives aimed at protecting the integrity of the nation's educational system and ensuring that financial barriers do not impede student access. According to the GES, the collection of these unapproved levies directly contradicts the foundational principles of the Free Senior High School policy. The policy was designed specifically to eliminate the financial burdens previously placed on families, thereby broadening access to secondary education for all eligible students. Professor Davis emphasized that any headteacher found to be undermining this flagship initiative through illegal charges is effectively sabotaging the state's efforts to provide equitable education. The Director-General reiterated that the GES will maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward practices that exploit parents or deviate from official budgetary guidelines. To ensure compliance and transparency, the GES has called upon parents and guardians to be vigilant and proactive in reporting any demands for unauthorized payments or materials to the service. By empowering the public to act as monitors, the GES aims to create a more accountable administrative environment within the secondary education sector. This directive serves as a clear reminder to all educational stakeholders that the current administration remains committed to the total elimination of hidden costs, ensuring that the promise of free education remains a reality for all Ghanaian households.

“Violence has no place in our schools” – Zanetor mourns Kinbu SHS student
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MP Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings Demands Action After Fatal Stabbing at Kinbu Senior High School

Tragedy has struck the Kinbu Senior High School in Accra following the fatal stabbing of a student, an incident that has sent shockwaves through the local community and the national education sector. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle, has condemned the act in the strongest terms, describing the loss of life as both "tragic and senseless." The incident, which occurred in the heart of the capital, has brought the issue of campus security and student safety to the forefront of national discourse. Speaking on the matter, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings emphasized that educational institutions must remain sanctuaries for learning rather than sites of violence. She called on the Ghana Police Service to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to ensure that justice is served for the deceased student and their grieving family. The MP underscored that such acts of violence are entirely unacceptable and have no place within the Ghanaian school system, urging for a firm response to deter future occurrences and provide closure to the affected community. Beyond the immediate call for justice, the lawmaker is advocating for a comprehensive reassessment of safety protocols within Senior High Schools across the country. She highlighted the urgent need to address the underlying causes of such violence, including the mental health challenges often faced by students in high-pressure academic environments. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings pledged to collaborate closely with school authorities, parents, and security agencies to implement enhanced safety measures and provide robust mental health support systems for learners. This fatal incident at Kinbu SHS serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the school environment. As stakeholders mourn the loss of a young life, the focus now shifts to how the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service will respond to the growing calls for increased security personnel and improved counseling services on campuses. The outcome of the police investigation and the subsequent safety reviews are expected to set a critical precedent for handling student safety in the Klottey-Korle constituency and across the nation.

Some of the stranded students on UCC campus
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GAUA Strike Paralyzes Administrative Functions and Student Registration at UCC

An industrial action by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) is causing significant disruptions to administrative operations across the country's public universities, with the University of Cape Coast (UCC) being particularly affected. The strike has brought essential services to a halt just as the new academic year begins, leaving many institutions unable to perform routine functions. The absence of administrative staff has created a vacuum in the management of campus affairs, resulting in a standstill for critical processes that facilitate the smooth running of the academic environment. The impact is most visible among the fresh student population, who are currently facing mounting difficulties with academic registration and orientation exercises. Without the presence of administrative officers to oversee these processes, many students are unable to finalize their enrollment or access vital resources. MPhil candidate Priscilla Loo is among the many students who have voiced concerns over the situation, noting that the strike has made it nearly impossible to complete course registrations or obtain necessary documentation like academic transcripts. These delays are causing significant distress for students who rely on these services to maintain their academic standing and progress. The leadership of GAUA has remained firm in its stance, declaring that the strike will continue indefinitely until their specific demands are addressed by the government. This resolve follows a series of discussions with the Minister of Education that the association described as inconclusive, failing to provide the necessary assurances to end the labor dispute. As the standoff persists, there are growing fears that the prolonged absence of administrative staff will lead to a total disruption of the academic calendar, potentially forcing universities to postpone key dates and activities. The situation now hinges on a swift and effective resolution between the association and state authorities to prevent further academic setbacks.

Former GNAT President Rev Isaac Owusu Urges Reassignment of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu
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Former GNAT President Rev Isaac Owusu Urges Reassignment of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu

Rev Isaac Owusu, the former President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), has publicly called for President John Mahama to reassign Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu. Speaking in an interview on Adom FM on September 29, 2026, Rev Owusu expressed concerns that the Minister is currently "struggling" to manage the significant challenges facing Ghana's education sector. This recommendation comes as the administration continues to push its "Resetting Ghana" agenda, which aims to reform and stabilize key national institutions. During the broadcast, Rev Owusu suggested that a change in leadership at the Ministry of Education is necessary to align with the government's broader strategic goals. He characterized the Minister's current performance as insufficient to meet the sector's demands, implying that the complexities of educational administration require a different leadership approach. The call for reassignment highlights the internal and external pressures on the Mahama administration to deliver tangible results in the public sector following his 2025 inauguration. The Education Ministry remains one of the most high-pressure portfolios in the Ghanaian government, tasked with managing teacher union relations, infrastructure development, and curriculum implementation. While Rev Owusu did not provide an exhaustive list of the Minister's failures, his public critique as a veteran of the teaching fraternity signals a potential friction point between the government and educational stakeholders. It remains to be seen if President Mahama will consider these calls for a reshuffle as he moves forward with his second non-consecutive term in office.

GNAT Warns of Retirement Risk for 80,000 Teachers Amid Promotion and Payment Delays
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GNAT Warns of Retirement Risk for 80,000 Teachers Amid Promotion and Payment Delays

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has expressed grave concern over persistent delays in processing teacher promotions, a crisis that threatens the retirement benefits of over 80,000 educators. National President Prosper Tackie revealed that the backlog includes roughly 58,000 higher-ranked staff and thousands more in lower ranks whose careers are currently in limbo. The urgency of these promotions is underscored by the fact that many affected teachers are nearing retirement age, and any delay in their official rank advancement directly reduces their final pension payouts. Tackie noted that President John Mahama is aware of the situation, having acknowledged the pending promotion issues during a recent public engagement where the welfare of the teaching workforce was prioritized. To avoid losing government financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance, thousands of teachers were reportedly forced to sit for promotion examinations during the December holiday period. Tackie explained that the exams were scheduled at short notice to beat the expiration of budget year clearances, forcing many teachers to sacrifice their Christmas celebrations to ensure their eligibility for advancement. Despite these sacrifices, the processing of results and subsequent salary adjustments have remained sluggish. Discrepancies in data have further complicated the matter, with GNAT criticizing the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) for only accounting for a portion of the affected workforce while ignoring lower-ranked personnel in the payment pipeline. In response to the mounting pressure and potential threats to industrial peace, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has called for an end to the "blame game" between government agencies. GES Public Relations Officer Daniel Fenyi emphasized that the service is working around the clock to meet a strict deadline for submitting the necessary documentation, including promotion letters and input forms, to the CAGD. While the CAGD recently confirmed it had processed payments for a preliminary batch of 6,079 newly promoted teachers, this represents only a small fraction of the tens of thousands of expected cases. Fenyi urged all stakeholders to focus on technical solutions rather than finger-pointing to ensure teachers can remain in the classroom and maintain the stability of the academic calendar. The ongoing crisis highlights systemic friction between the Ghana Education Service, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department. As teacher unions demand prompt placement on updated salary scales and the immediate payment of arrears dating back to early 2026, the government faces significant pressure to resolve the administrative bottleneck. The successful resolution of these promotion and payment disputes is seen as critical not only for teacher welfare but also for preventing widespread strikes that could derail the national education agenda under the Mahama administration.

Angel Carbonu, President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), is seen speaking into a microphone at a podium. He is wearing a distinctive green and yellow shirt featuring the NAGRAT logo, set against a background of a red brick wall and colorful artwork.
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Teacher Unions Maintain Nationwide Strike Over Promotion Arrears as Government Appeals for Return to Classrooms

A nationwide strike by pre-tertiary teacher unions is entering a critical phase as classrooms across Ghana remain empty. The industrial action, initiated on September 25, 2026, by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Education Teachers’ Association of Ghana (PRETAG), centers on unresolved financial and administrative grievances. Key demands include the payment of outstanding promotion arrears, the automatic placement of newly promoted teachers on their correct salary scales, and the urgent negotiation of a new Collective Agreement. Union leaders emphasize that their members will not return to work until the government provides tangible evidence of progress, rather than mere verbal assurances. The impact of the strike is being felt acutely in several regions. In Dormaa-Ahenkro, approximately 2,000 teachers across 25 basic schools have complied with the stay-at-home directive, leaving most public schools closed. Similar reports from Sekondi-Takoradi describe students arriving at locked gates and classrooms, while in the Upper West Region, parents and students have expressed deep concern over the lack of regular instruction for final-year students preparing for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). PRETAG Communications Director Kingsley Anyimadu warned that nearly 99% of schools currently lack teaching staff, signaling a near-total shutdown of the public basic education system. In response to the crisis, the government, through Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, has urged the unions to suspend the strike while negotiations continue with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC). The government has proposed a 20% allowance for teachers in rural deprived areas to take effect in January 2027 and claims to have validated over 30,000 teachers for promotion out of an expected 80,000. Education Minister Iddrisu assured that efforts are being made to process affected salaries by October. Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, cautioned that the ongoing industrial action threatens to disrupt the recently stabilized academic calendar, urging teachers to reconsider their stance for the sake of the students. Despite the government's appeals, union leaders remain cautious and have signaled potential escalation if their demands are not met. NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba stated that the association is currently consulting its regional and district councils to verify the government's claims regarding validated promotions and the list of eligible schools for the rural allowance. PRETAG has also threatened to intensify the strike if outstanding payments are not resolved promptly. As the FWSC meetings resume, the resolution of the strike hinges on the government's ability to provide a concrete roadmap for the payment of arrears and the formalization of improved conditions of service.

Ghana Education Oversight: Adaklu Tackles Teacher Absenteeism as Stakeholders Call for Enhanced Student Safeguards
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Ghana Education Oversight: Adaklu Tackles Teacher Absenteeism as Stakeholders Call for Enhanced Student Safeguards

Recent developments across Ghana's educational landscape highlight a multi-faceted push for accountability, ranging from teacher attendance monitoring in the Volta Region to the protection of student environments in the Bono East Region. In the Adaklu District, the Directorate of Education has established a dedicated monitoring and supervision committee to address teacher absenteeism and tardiness. Announced by District Director Mac-Peter Dumatonu during the commissioning of a new classroom block at Adaklu Vodze District Assembly Basic School, the initiative involves random checks of attendance registers and lesson plans. Adaklu District Chief Executive Jerry Yao Ameko emphasized that teachers must prioritize their professional responsibilities over personal business during school hours, warning that non-compliance will face strict consequences. Simultaneously, concerns regarding the physical and digital safety of students have prompted high-level interventions. In the Bono East Region, Minister Francis Owusu Antwi directed local authorities to halt a private developer's hotel project adjacent to the New Konkrompe Senior High School. The decision followed alarms raised by Assistant Headmistress Catherine Antwiwaa regarding the potential negative influence such an establishment could have on female students. Meanwhile, in Adidome, parents have urged the government to configure Senior High School tablets to block access to adult content. During a community session organized by the Department of Gender, with support from UNFPA and Global Affairs Canada, parents expressed fears that unrestricted internet access was distracting students from their academic goals. On the administrative and social front, the Ghana Education Service (GES) and non-governmental organizations are working to alleviate the burdens on parents and students. The GES recently clarified that the purchase of educational products from Prospectus Ghana Limited is entirely voluntary, following reports of a partnership with the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations to market items in 200 schools. At the same time, Fairuza Abdul-Rahman Safian, Executive Director of CAMFED Ghana, highlighted that social barriers—such as the disproportionate load of domestic chores—still threaten rural girls' education. Speaking at an event at KNUST, she called for a shift in traditional attitudes and more equitable household responsibilities to ensure both genders can thrive academically. Finally, efforts to improve student welfare through nutrition and infrastructure continue to gain momentum. World Vision has commended the government's decision to fully fund the School Feeding Programme, though it urges a stronger emphasis on sourcing food from local farmers to enhance nutrition and support the agricultural economy. These combined efforts from district directors, regional ministers, and international NGOs reflect a broader national commitment to improving educational standards. By addressing teacher accountability, student safety, and social equity, stakeholders aim to create a more supportive and effective learning environment for the current generation of Ghanaian students.

MPs Commission New School Infrastructure in Ellembelle and Kpandai Amidst Renewed Focus on Abandoned Projects
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MPs Commission New School Infrastructure in Ellembelle and Kpandai Amidst Renewed Focus on Abandoned Projects

In a significant boost to Ghana’s educational sector, Members of Parliament have recently inaugurated several key infrastructure projects aimed at improving learning conditions for students in rural communities. The Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and the MP for Kpandai, Mathew Nyindam, have collectively handed over new Junior High School (JHS) and technical facilities to the Ghana Education Service (GES). These developments align with the broader national agenda under President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize human capital development and bridge the infrastructure gap between urban and rural populations. In the Ellembelle constituency, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah commissioned three major projects designed to provide equal opportunities for rural youth. These include a 12-unit classroom block at the Kikam Technical Institute (KIMTECH) and two three-unit JHS blocks located at Mandumgbane and Atababo. During the handing-over ceremony, the MP emphasized that education remains the most potent tool for national development. District Chief Executive Joseph Armah Agyekum supported these efforts, noting that the infrastructure is part of a holistic development strategy that also includes improvements to road networks, health services, and electricity within the district. Simultaneously, in the Kpandai Constituency, Hon. Mathew Nyindam fulfilled a 2024 commitment by commissioning a newly built JHS block in Meme. Nyindam highlighted the necessity of investing in education as a primary strategy to combat poverty and build a stronger economic future for the region. The District Director of Education commended the initiative, assuring that the facility would be used effectively to enhance the educational aspirations of local children. Community leaders in Meme praised the project, noting that such infrastructure is vital for the development of the area’s youth. While new facilities are being celebrated, attention has also turned to the long-standing challenge of abandoned state resources, specifically the "E-Block" project in Anyima, Kintampo South. For nearly a decade, the Community Day Senior High School project sat unfinished, leading to the deterioration of thousands of wooden desks. However, there is renewed hope as contractors have recently returned to the site. Local leaders are urging authorities to salvage existing resources and expedite the completion of the school to address furniture shortages in nearby institutions. This combination of new commissions and the revitalization of stalled projects underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure every Ghanaian child has access to quality learning environments.