Education News from Ghana

The latest education news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

A group of educators attends an in-service training session for Early Childhood Development (ECD) in a classroom. A female facilitator at the front points to a projection screen displaying 'Early Morning Activity' while participants listen attentively.
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AAMUSTED Vice-Chancellor Urges Practical Focus for New Teachers as 400 Sunyani Educators Complete Early Childhood Training

Stakeholders in Ghana's education sector are intensifying efforts to reform teaching standards by prioritizing practical skills and foundational learning. This week, Professor Frederick Kwaku Sarfo, Vice-Chancellor of the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), called on newly graduated teachers to move beyond their academic certificates and embrace innovation. Simultaneously, in the Sunyani East and West municipalities, approximately 400 kindergarten educators completed an intensive two-week training program designed to modernize classroom activities and implement the national early childhood curriculum. Speaking at the 16th convocation of the Komenda College of Education, Professor Sarfo emphasized that the modern educational landscape requires teachers to act as facilitators of knowledge rather than mere transmitters of information. The ceremony celebrated the graduation of 457 students, including 207 females, across various Bachelor of Science Education programs. Both Professor Sarfo and the College Principal, Dr. Kwesi Nkum Wilson, underscored the necessity of ethical professionalism, digital literacy, and innovative pedagogies. They urged the new cohort to remain lifelong learners and adapt to rapid technological changes to drive national development. Complementing this push for professional excellence, Sabre Education, in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES), organized specialized in-service training for kindergarten heads and proprietors in the Bono Region. The program focused on the revised KG curriculum, which aims to equip young learners with essential 21st-century skills. Mr. Theophilus Cudjoe of Sabre Education noted that the training is particularly vital for the private sector, where many teachers may lack formal backgrounds in early childhood education. By addressing these professional gaps, the initiative seeks to ensure a stronger foundation for students entering the formal school system. These dual initiatives reflect a growing national priority to address learning gaps from the earliest stages of schooling through to higher education. By fostering partnerships between non-governmental organizations, the GES, and tertiary institutions, Ghana aims to produce a workforce of educators who are not only certified but are also skilled practitioners. As these 457 new graduates enter the field and 400 existing teachers update their methodologies, the collective focus remains on transforming the classroom experience to better serve the needs of the next generation and enhance the country's overall educational quality.

Awudome, Dzodze Penyi, and Keta SHTS Advance in National Public Speaking Competition After Volta Regional Stage
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Awudome, Dzodze Penyi, and Keta SHTS Advance in National Public Speaking Competition After Volta Regional Stage

The Volta Region stage of the National Public Speaking competition recently concluded at Sogakope Senior High School, providing a vital platform for students to address pressing social challenges. Three schools—Awudome Senior High School (SHS), Dzodze Penyi SHS, and Keta Senior High Technical School (SHTS)—distinguished themselves through exceptional oratorical performance, successfully qualifying for the next stage of the national contest. The event brought together student leaders from across the region to deliberate on themes critical to youth welfare and national development. The competition centered heavily on the escalating issues of drug abuse and mental health among young people. Participants engaged in rigorous discussions on topics such as "A Drug-Free Generation: Dream or Possibility?" and explored the systemic links between substance abuse and rising school dropout rates. These presentations were not merely academic; they served as a call to action, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and the need for robust drug prevention strategies within the Ghanaian educational system. Judges at the event praised the participants for their insightful presentations, noting the high level of critical engagement and communication skills displayed by the students. The competition underscored the broader objective of equipping the next generation with the tools necessary to navigate and influence complex social dialogues. By fostering these essential skills, the event aims to empower students to become advocates for change in their communities. As the qualifying schools prepare for the national finals, the focus remains on using public speaking as a catalyst for positive social transformation and informed national discourse.

Mr. Peter Kofi Marfo, Ashanti Region Cultural Centre Director
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Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS Triumphs at Ashanti STUDRAFEST as Regional Director Calls for Creative Investment

Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School (SHS) emerged as the champion of the Ashanti Regional Students Drama Festival (STUDRAFEST) held at the Apatakesie Theatre on September 26, 2026. The school’s drama troupe captivated the audience and judges with their performance of "The Treasure We Broke," securing first place among eight competing institutions. St. Louis Senior High School and Kumasi Wesley Girls Senior High School followed in second and third places, respectively, in a competition that showcased the depth of theatrical talent within the region. Organized by the National Commission on Culture (NCC) in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES), the festival serves as a vital platform for talent incubation and cultural preservation. The participating schools presented plays focused on themes of discipline, cultural values, and youth development. Beyond the overall rankings, the event recognized individual excellence with awards for Best Indigenous Play, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Costume, and Best Script, highlighting the multifaceted nature of theatrical production in schools. Mr. Peter Kofi Marfo, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Centre for National Culture (CNC), emphasized during the event that STUDRAFEST is essential for nurturing a creative workforce capable of contributing to national development. He described the festival as a strategic tool for education and future job creation. While praising the dedication of teachers and school administrators who prepared the students despite various logistical challenges, Mr. Marfo also appealed to corporate bodies and philanthropists to provide more support and performance spaces for the arts in schools. Following their regional victory, Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS will move on to represent the Ashanti Region at the national STUDRAFEST competition scheduled for October 2026. The festival’s success underscores the growing importance of the performing arts in the Ghanaian educational curriculum. Advocates of the program hope that the upcoming national finals will further demonstrate how theatre can be used to foster creativity and character-building among the youth, ultimately preparing them for roles in the country's expanding creative economy.

NCPTA Reaffirms GH¢200 Cap on Semester Dues and Challenges GES Directive to Halt Collections
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NCPTA Reaffirms GH¢200 Cap on Semester Dues and Challenges GES Directive to Halt Collections

The National Council of Parents-Teacher Associations (NCPTA-Ghana) has reaffirmed that the maximum allowable Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues and levies for senior high schools are capped at GH¢200 per parent per semester. This announcement comes as the council firmly opposes a directive from the Ghana Education Service (GES) ordering a cessation of all such collections. NCPTA President Christian Aikins Atsu has asserted that the council is relying on a standing High Court injunction that protects existing collection practices, arguing that the GES order ignores legal precedents that preserve the autonomy of the associations in gathering funds for school development. The GH¢200 fee structure, clarified following an Extraordinary National Conference held from August 25 to 27, 2026, is specifically divided into GH¢50 for membership dues and GH¢150 as a development levy. President Atsu emphasized that these rates are the standard for all member associations, and any local PTA seeking to charge more than this stipulated amount must obtain express written clearance from the NCPTA national leadership. This move is designed to curb unauthorized financial demands on parents and maintain the credibility of the associations across the country while ensuring that school projects remain adequately funded. Beyond setting financial limits, the NCPTA leadership has urged local PTA executives to maintain transparency and resist external pressures. Atsu specifically cautioned executives against allowing school heads to influence financial practices or dictate the use of PTA funds. Parents have been encouraged to verify any demands exceeding the GH¢200 threshold with national executives to ensure they are not being overcharged. The council maintains that proper accounting and strict adherence to approved charges are essential for fostering trust between parents, teachers, and school administrators. The ongoing tension between the NCPTA and the Ghana Education Service highlights a significant struggle over the management and funding of secondary education. While the GES seeks to regulate or eliminate additional financial burdens on families, the NCPTA argues that these levies are vital for completing essential infrastructure projects and improving educational quality. By reinforcing its fee structure and citing legal protections, the NCPTA aims to solidify its role as a key stakeholder in the education sector, ensuring that parents remain active contributors to the maintenance of school environments.

Minister Francis Owusu Directs Review of New Ampoma-Jema Health Training Facility Over Infrastructure Gaps
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Minister Francis Owusu Directs Review of New Ampoma-Jema Health Training Facility Over Infrastructure Gaps

The Ghanaian government has commenced the construction of a new health training facility strategically located between Ampoma and Jema in the Kintampo South District of the Bono East Region. This initiative is designed to bolster health education infrastructure and significantly increase the admission capacity for aspiring medical professionals in the region. Bono East Regional Minister Francis Owusu has expressed strong optimism that the facility will play a critical role in addressing historical shortfalls in health training admissions, ensuring that more qualified personnel are equipped to enter the national healthcare workforce. During a recent assessment of the site, Minister Owusu noted that while construction is progressing at a rapid pace, significant gaps in the original architectural plan have come to light. Specifically, the Minister flagged the absence of essential amenities, including dedicated dining halls and toilet facilities. Recognizing that these features are vital for a conducive learning and living environment for students and staff, the Minister has directed the project consultant to immediately seek a formal review of the project’s scope to incorporate these necessary additions before the project reaches its final stages. District Chief Executive Wilfred Zuria joined the Minister in highlighting the project's transformative potential for the local community and the wider Bono East Region. Zuria emphasized that the facility is not merely an educational institution but a long-term solution to the persistent shortage of health professionals in the area. Local authorities have pledged their full support and commitment to monitoring the site to ensure the project reaches completion without further delays, despite the adjustments requested for the project design. This development marks a significant step in efforts to decentralize health education and improve healthcare delivery across the country. By providing state-of-the-art training grounds for the next generation of nurses and health workers, the Ampoma-Jema facility is expected to bridge the gap between educational demand and institutional capacity. The upcoming review of the project's scope will be crucial in ensuring that the final structure meets the holistic needs of a modern vocational health training institution, providing both academic excellence and adequate welfare facilities.

A man, likely the Bono East Regional Minister, wearing a white hard hat and a lime-green high-visibility vest, stands at a construction site. In the background, a woman in an orange safety vest and construction vehicles are visible on the red earth terrain of the St. Dominic College project site in Tuobodom.
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Bono East Regional Minister Francis Owusu Antwi Commends Progress on New St. Dominic College of Education in Tuobodom

Bono East Regional Minister Francis Owusu Antwi has expressed high satisfaction with the ongoing construction of the St. Dominic College of Education in Tuobodom. This major infrastructure project is set to become the second teacher training institution in the Bono East Region, significantly expanding the area's tertiary education capacity. During a recent site inspection, the Minister commended the contractor for the quality of work and noted that the foundational structures and substructures have already been successfully completed. The region has historically faced challenges in teacher training, as the Atebubu College of Education has remained the sole institution of its kind in the area. This has led to intense pressure on admissions, with many qualified applicants unable to secure spots. To address this, the new college in Tuobodom, alongside another planned facility in Jema, aims to decentralize education and provide local residents with better access to professional training. District Chief Executive Johnson Adom emphasized that the expansion is vital for meeting the high demand for tertiary education in the western part of the region. The development of St. Dominic College of Education was initiated by the Member of Parliament for Techiman North, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare. The project is being fully funded through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), ensuring that the campus will feature comprehensive infrastructure. Planned facilities include modern administrative blocks, student hostels, and specialized educational wings designed to create a conducive learning environment for future educators. As construction continues, the completion of this college is expected to have a transformative impact on the Bono East Region's educational landscape. By bringing tertiary institutions closer to home, the government aims to reduce the travel and financial burdens on students while simultaneously boosting the local economy. The Minister’s endorsement of the current progress signals a commitment to timely completion, paving the way for a new era of teacher training and academic excellence in Tuobodom and the surrounding communities.

A male official in a grey suit delivers a speech at a wooden lectern during a US-themed event. Beside him is a decorative arch of red, white, and blue balloons, and a person in a 'USA' branded shirt is visible in the background. The setting suggests an official ceremony or announcement by the US Embassy in Ghana.
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US Embassy Hosts 2026 EducationUSA Fair as Ghanaian Enrollment in American Universities Triples

The United States Embassy in Ghana recently concluded its 2026 EducationUSA College Fair in Accra and Kumasi, drawing more than 3,000 students and parents eager to explore higher education opportunities in America. Rolf Olson, Charg d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, headlined the event, urging Ghanaian youth to leverage the diverse academic programs offered by accredited U.S. institutions. The fair highlighted the deepening educational ties between the two nations, providing a direct platform for prospective students to interact with representatives from over 30 American colleges and universities. Central to the discussions was the remarkable growth in Ghanaian student enrollment in the United States. According to embassy officials, the number of Ghanaian students studying in America has tripled over the last six years, rising from approximately 4,000 in 2019 to 12,800 in 2024. This surge has propelled Ghana to the position of the second-highest source of students from Sub-Saharan Africa and the 14th globally. To sustain this momentum, Olson emphasized the embassy’s commitment to prioritizing student visa applications, assuring attendees that adjudication processes are being expedited to ensure successful applicants can begin their studies on time. The fair served as a comprehensive resource hub, offering detailed insights into admission processes, tuition structures, and competitive scholarship opportunities. Participants expressed significant appreciation for the chance to engage directly with university officers, which allowed them to align their academic aspirations with specific institutional requirements. EducationUSA, the U.S. Department of State's network of over 430 international student advising centers, played a pivotal role in the event. Officials from the program reaffirmed their dedication to providing accurate and comprehensive information through their permanent offices in Accra and Kumasi, guiding students through the complex application and financial aid landscape. Beyond individual academic achievement, the initiative is viewed as a strategic investment in Ghana’s socio-economic development. Olson noted that the knowledge and skills acquired by Ghanaians in the U.S. are vital for national growth, strengthening bilateral relations through cultural and educational exchange. As the embassy continues to facilitate these pathways, the success of the EducationUSA Fair underscores a robust and growing demand for international education among Ghanaian youth, positioning the next generation of leaders to contribute effectively to the country's future.

The image displays the prominent main entrance gate of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). It features a large blue and white archway with the university's name clearly displayed across the top, overlooking an asphalt road with light traffic and security bollards.
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UPSA Uncovers Massive Academic Fraud Involving 178 Students and 500 Altered Results

The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) is currently managing the fallout of an unprecedented academic fraud scheme that has compromised over 500 academic results. Vice Chancellor Professor Kwaku Mensah Mawutor publicly disclosed the "serious institutional crisis" during the university’s 18th congregation ceremony, revealing that 178 students have been implicated in the scandal. The breach involved unauthorized access to the university's institutional databases, allowing records to be manipulated to artificially boost student grades through illegal hacking and data tampering. Internal investigations into the matter have exposed a sophisticated financial market operating within the student body. According to university leadership, many of the implicated students confessed to paying external actors to alter their transcripts, with some students even acting as brokers to facilitate these illicit transactions. While UPSA officials acknowledged that minor security breaches had occurred in previous years, they emphasized that the scale, coordination, and depth of this current incident are entirely unprecedented in the institution's history. As an immediate consequence of the discovery, all 178 students linked to the fraud were barred from participating in the graduation ceremonies. The university maintains that this firm stance was necessary to protect the sanctity of its degrees and uphold the reputation of the institution. The Vice Chancellor underscored that the university would not tolerate academic dishonesty and is committed to holding all perpetrators accountable to ensure that only deserving students receive their qualifications. Moving forward, the university is conducting comprehensive disciplinary reviews to determine the final fate of those involved. Sanctions under consideration include permanent expulsion and potential legal prosecution for both students and external collaborators. In addition to punitive measures, UPSA is prioritizing an overhaul of its digital security infrastructure, implementing more robust safeguards to prevent future database penetrations and restore full confidence in the integrity of its academic records.

St. Augustine’s, WASS, and Wesley Girls Among Top Schools Advancing to 2026 National Investment Quiz Semi-Finals
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St. Augustine’s, WASS, and Wesley Girls Among Top Schools Advancing to 2026 National Investment Quiz Semi-Finals

The 2026 National Investment Quiz (NIQ) has reached a fever pitch as six premier Senior High Schools have secured their places in the semi-finals following a series of high-stakes quarter-final contests at the University of Ghana. Leading the pack with the highest score recorded thus far is St. Augustine’s College, which amassing 56 points to dominate its round. Joining them in the next stage are Prempeh College, West Africa Senior High School (WASS), St. Louis Senior High School, Corpus Christi School, and Wesley Girls’ High School. The competition, now in its eighth edition, is designed to cultivate financial literacy and investment culture among Ghana’s youth through rigorous testing and practical simulations. In the most recent quarter-final matchups, West Africa SHS emerged as a formidable contender, topping the third contest with 50 points, while St. Louis SHS followed with 32 points to secure the second qualifying spot. Their victory came at the expense of Our Lady of Mercy SHS and E.P.C. Mawuko Girls, who finished with 29 and 15 points, respectively. Earlier, St. Augustine’s College’s 56-point performance saw them outpace Prempeh College’s 46 points, though both schools comfortably advanced past Kumasi High School and Adisadel College. In the opening quarter-final, Corpus Christi claimed the top spot with 45 points, narrowly leading Wesley Girls’ High School, which scored 42 points. Organized by the Young Investors Network (YIN) in strategic partnership with the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), the Central Securities Depository, and Joy Business, the NIQ evaluates students on their grasp of complex investment concepts, market operations, and financial management. Beyond theoretical knowledge, the 2026 edition incorporates practical components such as simulated trading and investment advisory exercises. This approach ensures that the 20 participating schools are not just competing for trophies, but are gaining the necessary tools to navigate the modern financial landscape. Participants are vying for prizes including investment accounts, educational grants, and mentorship opportunities from leading financial institutions. As the remaining quarter-final rounds conclude to finalize the semi-final lineup, the focus shifts toward the grand finale scheduled for October 2, 2026, at the University of Ghana. The organizers emphasize that the competition serves a broader national purpose: bridging the financial literacy gap in Ghana. By engaging students in topics like capital markets and money management today, the Young Investors Network and its partners aim to foster a new generation of informed investors capable of contributing to the country's economic growth and personal wealth creation.

Ghanaian Teacher Unions Extend Strike as Government Struggles to Process Promotion Arrears
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Ghanaian Teacher Unions Extend Strike as Government Struggles to Process Promotion Arrears

Public pre-tertiary education across Ghana remains at a standstill as the three primary 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 rejected government appeals to end their nationwide strike. The industrial action, which began on September 25, has left thousands of students unsupervised in major metropolitan areas including Accra, Kumasi, and the Eastern Region. Despite high-level meetings with Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, union leaders maintain that they will not return to the classroom until their demands regarding promotion arrears and salary placements are visibly reflected in their bank accounts and payslips, dismissing verbal assurances as "promises upon promises." At the heart of the dispute is a significant administrative bottleneck between the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD). While the CAGD has confirmed the processing of salary adjustments for 6,079 newly promoted teachers, this represents only a fraction of the 58,620 cases expected. The department clarified that the delay is primarily due to missing documentation from the GES, which is required to validate the master list of promoted staff. Beyond promotion arrears, the unions are demanding the immediate implementation of a new Collective Agreement to replace the one that expired in June, as well as the payment of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Allowance typically settled in September. In response to the escalating crisis, Minister Haruna Iddrisu has directed the Director-General of the GES to submit all outstanding data on promoted teachers by the end of the week to facilitate payments in the October salary cycle. The government has also proposed a 20% Deprived Area Allowance for teachers in rural sectors, though this is not slated for implementation until January 2027, following a validation exercise by a joint committee. These measures have so far failed to placate union leadership. NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba and GNAT’s Head of Salaries Isaac Baah have criticized the government for a lack of seriousness, particularly regarding the stalled negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), which are now scheduled to resume on October 6. The strike has drawn sharp criticism from political and social observers. Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, a member of the Parliamentary Education Committee, has urged the government to prioritize the GH"5c2 billion owed to educators over infrastructure projects like the Accra–Kumasi Expressway. Meanwhile, students in affected regions have appealed to both the government and teachers to find common ground, citing fears that the prolonged closure of schools will jeopardize their upcoming end-of-term examinations. As the deadlock continues, the unions remain firm: the strike will only be suspended once documented evidence of payment and formal timelines for the Collective Agreement are provided.

Management and students of the College have called for urgent infrastructure development to promote effective teching and learning .
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Nkanchina Nursing College Appeals for Infrastructure Support to Secure Diploma Accreditation

Six years after its inception, the College of Community Health Nursing-Nkanchina in the Kpandai District of the Northern Region continues to operate under dire conditions, stalling its transition into a diploma-awarding institution. Despite its critical mission to train healthcare professionals for Ghana’s most underserved rural areas, the college remains tethered to outdated infrastructure originally intended for leprosy treatment. This stagnation highlights the growing gap between the demand for trained medical personnel and the facilities provided to educate them. The institution currently accommodates over 500 students, yet it lacks the fundamental facilities required for modern medical education. Management reports significant hurdles including a severe shortage of classrooms, unstable electricity, and non-existent internet connectivity, which are essential for academic research and administrative functions. Furthermore, transportation challenges persist, complicating the movement of staff and students within the district and limiting their ability to reach remote communities for field training. These infrastructural deficits have directly impacted the college’s academic progression. While the institution seeks to introduce diploma programmes to better equip its graduates for the complexities of modern nursing, accreditation has been delayed because the current facilities do not meet the standards set by national regulatory bodies. The college management has expressed frustration that the very institution designed to bolster rural healthcare is being held back by a lack of basic state investment, forcing students to learn in an environment that was never intended for academic use. As the college enters its seventh year, the management is urgently calling on the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize the construction of purpose-built academic and residential blocks. Addressing these needs is seen as a vital step toward improving healthcare delivery in the Northern Region. Without immediate intervention to improve connectivity and infrastructure, the college risks falling further behind, potentially hampering the national goal of achieving universal health coverage in rural Ghana.

Ghana to Host High-Level West African Conference on Sustaining Education During Emergencies
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Ghana to Host High-Level West African Conference on Sustaining Education During Emergencies

Ghana's capital, Accra, is preparing to welcome education leaders, researchers, and international partners for the second West African High-Level Conference on Scaling Education Initiatives in Emergencies. Scheduled for September 29 and 30, 2026, this pivotal gathering aims to address the critical challenge of maintaining educational continuity for children during times of crisis. The conference serves as a strategic platform for regional stakeholders to share expertise and develop robust frameworks that ensure schooling remains uninterrupted by unforeseen national or global disruptions. Highlighting the urgency of the meeting, Ghana’s Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, emphasized the lasting impact of previous crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed significant vulnerabilities in education systems across the sub-region. Minister Iddrisu called on participants to critically examine and discuss effective interventions that have been tested in various contexts. He noted that the lessons learned from the pandemic must be institutionalized to create more resilient academic structures that can withstand future shocks, whether they are health-related, environmental, or security-driven. Beyond immediate crisis response, the conference will focus on the necessity of deep regional cooperation to strengthen education systems. By fostering a collaborative environment, West African nations aim to synchronize their efforts and resources, creating a unified front to protect the right to education. The discussions are expected to produce actionable strategies for scaling up successful localized initiatives into broader regional policies. As the hosting nation, Ghana reinforces its commitment to leadership in educational reform and regional stability, setting the stage for a collective approach to securing the future of the next generation in the face of uncertainty.