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.

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UESD hosts Nkabom conference to drive 55,000 youth jobs by 2030

The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has hosted the "Nkabom Collaborative and Student Networking" event in Somanya. This initiative is a central component of a decade-long project designed to empower 55,000 young Ghanaians—with a specific focus on women and vulnerable groups—to secure fulfilling employment by the year 2030. The conference served as a platform for students to demonstrate innovative solutions to pressing environmental and economic challenges within the Eastern Region and beyond. During the event, students showcased more than 17 distinct projects that centered on sustainable agro-waste management and aquaculture technologies. These presentations highlighted practical applications of academic research, focusing on the potential of the fisheries sector and post-harvest waste management to generate new livelihoods. By transforming agricultural waste into viable economic opportunities, the program seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industrial needs, ensuring that graduates possess marketable skills for the green economy. Addressing the participants, Prof. Richard Amfo-Otu encouraged the students to leverage the new connections and perspectives gained during the sessions. He emphasized that the collaboration between academia and industry partners is essential for fostering an environment where youth can thrive. The "Nkabom" initiative reflects a multi-university effort to align educational outcomes with the demands of the modern job market, providing students with the networking opportunities necessary to navigate their early careers. As the 10-year project progresses, the UESD and its partners aim to solidify Somanya as a hub for sustainable vocational innovation. The success of these networking events is expected to provide a blueprint for how Ghanaian universities can integrate career development with environmental stewardship. This long-term commitment by the Mastercard Foundation and UESD underscores a strategic shift toward practical, sector-specific job creation for the next generation of Ghanaian professionals.

Sir Sam Jonah urges African universities to train technology creators
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Sir Sam Jonah urges African universities to train technology creators

Sir Sam Jonah, Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, has called on African higher education institutions to shift their focus toward producing technology creators rather than mere consumers. Speaking at the Methodist University Ghana International Conference on October 15, 2026, the statesman warned that the continent's continued reliance on imported technological solutions could stifle long-term development and economic independence. He emphasized that the current educational model must evolve to keep pace with global advancements. During his address, Sir Sam Jonah highlighted the transformative power of artificial intelligence and automation. He noted that while these advancements offer significant opportunities for growth, they also pose substantial risks if Africa remains on the periphery of innovation. He urged African universities to equip graduates with the technical capacity and innovative mindset required to build homegrown solutions tailored to the continent's specific challenges, rather than simply adopting tools developed elsewhere. The Chancellor argued that the rapid growth of the global digital economy requires a radical rethink of university curricula. By fostering an environment of creativity and research, he believes African institutions can bridge the digital divide and ensure that graduates are not just job seekers but job creators. He stressed that developing local capacity is essential for ensuring that African perspectives and needs are integrated into the global technological landscape. Sir Sam Jonah concluded by urging stakeholders in the education sector to prioritize investments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) alongside entrepreneurship. He maintained that such a shift is necessary to ensure that graduates are prepared to lead the continent's industrial and technological revolution, moving Africa from a state of technological dependency to a position of leadership in the global arena.

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GTEC directs public universities to reopen by October 16

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a mandatory directive for all public universities to reopen for the 2026/2027 academic year by October 16, 2026. This order requires academic lectures to begin no later than October 19, 2026, to prevent further disruptions to the national academic calendar. The directive specifically overrides previous postponement announcements made by several major institutions, including the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). In alignment with the GTEC order, university managements are required to ensure that all essential services are fully operational by October 15, 2026. The Commission stressed that these dates are necessary to maintain the predictability of the academic cycle and to ensure that students can complete their studies without further delay. The Ministry of Education has backed this decision, warning that additional postponements could negatively impact graduation timelines and jeopardize international collaborations and exchange programmes. The directive comes at a time when university staff unions are engaged in ongoing industrial action over labour grievances. While acknowledging these concerns, GTEC and the Ministry of Education have encouraged staff members to resume their duties to facilitate the reopening. Negotiations between the government and the unions are expected to continue concurrently with the resumption of academic activities. The focus remains on safeguarding the educational progress of students while addressing the underlying issues raised by the university personnel. By enforcing a uniform start date, GTEC aims to restore stability across the tertiary education sector. This move is intended to provide certainty for students, parents, and international partners who rely on a consistent academic schedule. Public universities are now tasked with finalizing their preparations to meet the mid-October deadline and ensuring that the 2026/2027 academic year commences as directed.

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UTAG-UG sets October 16 deadline for 2026 research allowance payment

The University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) has issued a formal ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate payment of the 2026 Book and Research Allowances. The association has set a deadline of October 16, 2025, for the disbursement of the funds, warning that failure to meet this requirement will result in industrial action across the campus. The lecturers have indicated that they are prepared to escalate their protest if their demands remain unaddressed by the mid-October cutoff. According to the association, the planned industrial action includes the total withdrawal of teaching services starting on October 19, should the government fail to comply with the set deadline. The lecturers contend that the continued delay in processing and paying these essential allowances has significantly hampered their ability to conduct academic research and fulfill their professional responsibilities. They argue that the Book and Research Allowance is a critical component of their conditions of service, designed to support scholarly work and the procurement of necessary academic materials for the university's faculty. The current friction stems from what UTAG-UG describes as a clear violation of a 2020 Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed between the association and the government. This agreement was specifically established to ensure the timely and predictable release of academic allowances to prevent the recurring industrial unrest that has historically plagued the tertiary education sector. By failing to release the 2026 payments on the agreed schedule, the union maintains that the government has breached the terms of this established labor framework. The potential strike poses a significant threat to the academic calendar at Ghana's premier university. As the October 16 deadline approaches, student groups and university management are watching the situation closely, fearing that a protracted standoff could disrupt lectures and upcoming examinations. While UTAG-UG has signaled it remains open to engagement, the association emphasized that its members are prepared to stand firm on their demands to protect their negotiated welfare benefits and ensure the sustainability of academic research.

Haruna Iddrisu, a prominent Ghanaian politician, is captured speaking into a microphone during an official engagement. He is dressed in a dark blue suit and seated in front of a Ghanaian flag, indicating a formal government or parliamentary context.
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Haruna Iddrisu plans Free SHS feeding allowance increase in 2027 Budget

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that the government intends to increase the feeding allocation for students under the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme. Speaking at the 64th Annual National Conference of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) in Ho, the Minister revealed that the proposed adjustment is slated for the 2027 Budget. This move follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama to improve the nutritional quality of meals provided to students across the country. Under the new directive, school meals will be enhanced by the addition of protein sources, specifically chicken and eggs. The Minister emphasized that these improvements are part of a broader strategy to ensure the well-being of students while maintaining the sustainability of the flagship education policy. Currently, the per-student feeding allocation stands at GH₵15, and the Education Ministry has already initiated discussions with the Ministry of Finance to determine the scale of the increase for the upcoming fiscal cycle. In addition to the feeding allowance hike, Iddrisu addressed the financial pressures facing second-cycle institutions. He confirmed that the government is taking steps to clear approximately GH₵161 million in outstanding debts owed to various schools. This backlog has been a significant concern for school administrators, and its resolution is intended to stabilize school operations and improve relationships with suppliers who provide essential goods to the institutions. The Minister also signaled a potential shift in administrative procedures regarding the disbursement of funds. He indicated that the government is exploring a system where schools would receive their full allocations at the start of the academic year rather than in staggered payments. These measures are expected to provide much-needed financial relief to school heads and improve the overall educational experience for students in the second-cycle sector by ensuring resources are available when needed.

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KNUST sets October 15 for reopening of 2026/2027 academic year

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has scheduled October 15, 2026, as the new reopening date for the 2026/2027 academic year. The decision follows an emergency management meeting held on October 14, where officials finalized a revised timeline to restore the university's academic calendar after industrial action forced a postponement of the original start date. Fresh students are now expected to arrive on campus on Thursday, October 15, marking the end of recent uncertainty regarding the institution's operational status. Following the arrival of fresh students, continuing students are scheduled to report on Saturday, October 17, 2026. According to the revised schedule, formal academic lectures for all categories of students will officially commence on Monday, October 19. University management has emphasized that adherence to these specific dates is essential for a smooth transition and an orderly start to the first semester. The university had previously announced an indefinite postponement of the academic year on October 9, just days before the originally planned reopening of October 13. Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, the University Relations Officer, stated at the time that the strike by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) had significantly disrupted administrative and operational functions. The strike, which affected several public universities across Ghana, had made it impossible for the university to provide the necessary services to welcome students back to campus. Management has expressed its regret to students, parents, and stakeholders for the inconveniences caused by the strike-related delays. With the new schedule in place, the university aims to provide a stable environment for the 2026/2027 session and ensure that the academic timeline remains manageable despite the initial disruption. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor official university channels for any further administrative updates as the reopening progresses.

GAUA: University Administrators suspend strike, members to resume work Monday
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GAUA suspends nationwide strike to restore university operations

The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has officially suspended its nationwide industrial action, effective October 16, with members scheduled to resume their duties on Monday, October 19. The decision, reached by the association's National Executive Committee, follows negotiations with the Ministry of Education where approximately 80% of the union's grievances were addressed. The strike, which originally commenced on August 10, had significantly disrupted administrative functions across public universities, and this suspension is intended to restore operational stability and campus peace. At the heart of the labor dispute were long-standing concerns regarding disparities in market premiums and salary structures between teaching and non-teaching staff. GAUA National President, Rev. Kwaku Karikari Amoah, explained that the association has been advocating for greater equity in remuneration and allowances to reflect the essential role administrators play in the management and academic delivery of higher education. The government's progress in resolving these primary issues was cited as the principal reason for members returning to their posts. While the suspension marks a major step forward, GAUA noted that discussions will continue to address the remaining 20% of their concerns that are yet to be resolved. The union leadership emphasized that the decision to return to work is a show of good faith aimed at maintaining a conducive academic environment while they monitor the implementation of agreed-upon measures. GAUA remains committed to further engagement with government stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive settlement of all outstanding administrative grievances.

Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor (4th from right), Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, with students and officials after the launch of the UPSA Laptop Assembly Plant in Accra
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UPSA opens assembly plant to train students in laptop manufacturing

The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has inaugurated a laptop assembly and digital technology facility at its AFOA ATA Building, marking a significant shift toward practical technology education. Launched on October 14, 2026, the project integrates hardware manufacturing directly into the university's curriculum. Under this new educational model, every incoming student will be required to assemble their own laptop, ensuring they acquire hands-on experience in hardware assembly, maintenance, and repair alongside their academic studies. Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor introduced the facility, which boasts a weekly production capacity of approximately 1,000 laptops. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and industry requirements, addressing longstanding concerns about the lack of practical exposure in higher education. During an initial pilot phase, students from various faculties successfully assembled 25 laptops following just three days of training. The programme is designed to be inclusive, extending technical training to students across all departments rather than limiting it to those in Information Technology. The project is a public-private partnership involving Mind Dey Talent and IT Co. Ltd, with support from the UPSA Governing Council and the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly. The initiative is structured in phases, with the second phase focusing on commercializing operations and engaging with the local business community. UPSA has set a target to source 30% of laptop components locally within the next three years, a move intended to foster national technical capacity and reduce the country's reliance on imported computing devices.

University of Ghana sets October 19 reopening for 2026/2027 academic year
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University of Ghana sets October 19 reopening for 2026/2027 academic year

The University of Ghana (UG) has announced that it will officially reopen for the 2026/2027 academic year on Monday, October 19, 2026. This decision follows the suspension of a nationwide industrial action by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), which had previously forced a postponement of the original October 12 start date. According to a notice signed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs, Professor Gordon A. Awandare, students are expected to return to campus and begin settling into their halls of residence on the new reopening date. The revised academic calendar outlines several key milestones for the commencement of the semester. A random bed allocation exercise for students seeking on-campus accommodation is scheduled for October 16. Following the official reopening, fresh student orientation sessions will be held from October 21 to October 23, 2026, to help new entrants acclimate to university life. Formal academic activities and lectures across various departments are set to begin on Monday, October 26, 2026. The initial delay was necessitated by the GAUA strike, which had significantly disrupted administrative operations, including the registration of new and continuing students. The association's industrial action was centered on concerns regarding disparities in allowances and other conditions of service. However, following successful negotiations with the Ministry of Education and other government stakeholders, the administrators agreed to resume work on October 19, clearing the way for the university to resume its operations. In light of these developments, university management has urged all students to utilize the online portals to complete their course registrations and pay the required fees promptly. Management emphasized that adhering to these online processes is essential for a smooth transition and to avoid congestion upon the physical return to campus. While other institutions like the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) also faced similar postponements due to the same labor dispute, the University of Ghana's updated schedule provides a clear roadmap for students and staff to begin the new academic session.

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Teacher unions suspend nationwide strike to resume work on October 12

Three major pre-tertiary teacher unions—the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG)—have suspended their nationwide industrial action. Following successful negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Council of State, union members have been directed to return to their classrooms starting Monday, October 12, 2026. The strike, which commenced on September 25, had disrupted academic activities across the country as teachers pushed for the resolution of several long-standing grievances regarding their conditions of service. A central component of the agreement is a commitment from the Ministry of Education to settle outstanding promotion-related salary adjustments. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu confirmed that eligible teachers will receive these payments by October 16, 2026. During a visit to the Osu Presbyterian Cluster of Schools to assess the situation, the Minister explained that the government is currently fast-tracking the necessary administrative processes and record validations required to facilitate the disbursements. He assured educators that the government remains dedicated to addressing financial arrears despite broader economic challenges. In addition to salary adjustments, the negotiations addressed the demand for a 20 percent deprived-area allowance and the finalization of a new collective agreement. While the strike has been suspended to allow for the resumption of teaching, the government has indicated that further validation is necessary to confirm eligibility for the proposed allowances. The Council of State played a significant role in mediating the dispute, initiating dialogues between PRETAG and the Ministry of Education to ensure that the concerns of the teaching staff were heard and incorporated into the final resolution framework. The Ministry of Education has expressed its appreciation to the leadership of the three unions for their willingness to engage in dialogue and for prioritizing the interests of students. Press Secretary Hashmin Mohammed noted that the suspension of the strike is a positive step toward ensuring long-term stability in the education sector. The Ministry urged all parties to maintain the current spirit of cooperation to prevent future disruptions, emphasizing that continued collaboration with stakeholders is essential for improving teacher welfare and the quality of education in Ghana.

NUGS demands investigation into Obuasi SHTS headmaster
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NUGS demands investigation into Obuasi SHTS headmaster

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) and Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) are demanding a comprehensive investigation into the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, following allegations of sexual abuse against at least 16 female students. The student advocacy groups and education experts have expressed grave concern over the safety of students and the apparent failure of administrative systems to protect them. The calls come amid reports that the headmaster’s suspension by the Ghana Education Service (GES) was delayed for several months despite authorities being aware of the complaints. NUGS President Rashid Ibrahim has insisted that if the allegations are confirmed, the headmaster must face full criminal prosecution to serve as a deterrent. Simultaneously, Eduwatch is pushing for a probe into the conduct of GES officials who handled the initial reports. The organisation highlighted that safeguarding procedures were not strictly followed, allowing the alleged abuse to persist even after formal complaints were made. Former Education Ministry Public Relations Officer Kwasi Kwarteng further questioned the delay, pointing to an investigation by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni which revealed that the ministry had knowledge of the allegations long before taking action. The handling of the case has also drawn criticism from Dr. Kojo Asante, Director of Policy Engagement and Partnerships at CDD-Ghana, who called for the formation of a special taskforce to review protocols for managing sexual abuse allegations in schools. Dr. Asante argued that the current systems are inadequate and called for immediate police involvement in cases of this nature. He emphasized the need for a national audit of sexual misconduct in secondary schools and the establishment of safer reporting mechanisms to ensure that students can come forward without fear of victimization or institutional neglect.

CAGD pays promotion salary arrears to 56,003 teachers
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CAGD pays promotion salary arrears to 56,003 teachers

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has fulfilled its commitment to pay promotion-related salary adjustments and arrears to 56,003 teachers within the Ghana Education Service (GES). These payments, which address financial entitlements dating back to January 1, 2026, were processed and disbursed by October 15, 2026. This achievement comes ahead of the October 16 deadline previously agreed upon during negotiations between the government and teacher unions, marking a significant step in resolving recent labor disputes in the education sector. According to the CAGD, the vast majority of the beneficiaries—49,725 teachers—received their arrears alongside their regular October salaries. This follows an earlier round of disbursements in September 2026, when 6,278 teachers received their adjusted payments. While 56,633 teachers were initially slated for the adjustment, 630 cases remain pending due to specific verification issues. The department has indicated that these outstanding cases will be cleared as soon as the necessary documentation is validated. The disbursement follows a period of industrial unrest within the pre-tertiary education sector. Teacher unions launched a nationwide strike on September 25, 2026, to protest delays in the payment of promotion-related benefits. The industrial action, which disrupted academic calendars across the country, was suspended on October 9 following a stakeholder meeting led by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu. At that meeting, the government provided firm assurances that the financial benefits associated with the teachers' new ranks would be paid by the October 16 deadline. Despite the successful payment to over 56,000 staff, approximately 23,367 promoted teachers are still waiting for their cases to be processed. The CAGD explained that it is currently waiting for the Ghana Education Service to submit the required documentation for these remaining personnel. The department expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, the GES, and various teacher unions for their cooperation in meeting the payroll requirements and pledged to finalize the remaining payments as soon as accurate records are provided.