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.

Dr. Mariam Abubakar Credits MTN Bright Scholarship for Journey from Financial Crisis to Medical Career
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Dr. Mariam Abubakar Credits MTN Bright Scholarship for Journey from Financial Crisis to Medical Career

Dr. Mariam Abubakar, a graduate of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has shared a moving account of how the MTN Bright Scholarship rescued her medical career from the brink of collapse. Facing severe financial constraints that nearly forced her to defer her studies, Dr. Abubakar’s trajectory was transformed when she was selected for the scholarship scheme. She successfully completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in 2025, proving that targeted financial intervention can bridge the gap between academic talent and economic opportunity. The scholarship provided comprehensive support, covering her tuition fees and accommodation while providing essential learning resources. This financial relief allowed Dr. Abubakar to focus entirely on her demanding medical training without the looming threat of withdrawal. Her academic dedication resulted in her receiving multiple awards upon graduation. Following her successful completion of medical school, she transitioned into her professional career as a Junior House Officer, beginning her internship at the Holy Family Hospital in April 2026. She credits the foundation for not only helping her achieve her dream of becoming a doctor but also for significantly easing the financial burden on her family. Since its launch in 2017, the MTN Bright Scholarship has become a cornerstone of MTN Ghana’s social investment in the education sector. Over the past nine years, the program has supported 1,220 talented but underprivileged students across 18 tertiary institutions in Ghana. The initiative is designed to ensure that financial lack does not prevent high-achieving students from reaching their potential and contributing to the nation's development. Dr. Abubakar’s story is a prominent example of the program’s success in fostering academic excellence and professional growth in critical fields like healthcare. As Dr. Abubakar continues her service in the healthcare sector, her journey highlights the vital role of corporate-led educational support in addressing professional shortages in Ghana. By investing in individual students, programs like the MTN Bright Scholarship create a ripple effect that benefits local communities and the national healthcare system at large. Her success underscores the importance of sustained private-sector commitment to human capital development and the transformative power of education when accessible to all.

Dr. Palgrave Boakye Danquah Appointed Adjunct Lecturer at Academic City University
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Dr. Palgrave Boakye Danquah Appointed Adjunct Lecturer at Academic City University

Academic City University has appointed Dr. Palgrave Boakye Danquah as an Adjunct Faculty Member to lead its Leadership Seminar for Level 200 students. Dr. Boakye Danquah, a seasoned academic and governance expert, described the appointment as a "humbling call to service." This move is expected to strengthen the university’s commitment to providing students with high-level mentorship and practical insights into leadership within the Ghanaian and broader African context. Alongside his new role at Academic City, Dr. Boakye Danquah maintains his full-time position as a lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). His work at UPSA focuses on Corporate Governance, Business Administration, and Public Administration. By bridging his work at both institutions, he brings a wealth of knowledge in ethical leadership and innovation. He holds a Doctorate in Business Leadership and possesses extensive experience in governance and security, which he intends to leverage in his teaching to foster the next generation of leaders. Dr. Boakye Danquah’s curriculum at Academic City will prioritize a practical learning experience, utilizing real-world case studies to prepare students for modern professional challenges. He has expressed a particular interest in the intersection of ethics and leadership, especially concerning the rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on global business operations. This focus aligns closely with Academic City University’s strategic emphasis on STEM, innovation, and the development of ethically minded leaders who are ready to navigate complex global scenarios. The appointment underscores a growing trend in Ghanaian higher education toward integrating industry-experienced practitioners into the classroom to provide a more holistic education. Dr. Boakye Danquah aims to inspire his students by fostering a culture of integrity and innovative thinking. Through this partnership, Level 200 students are set to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of leadership, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute to Ghana’s development and the continent's socio-economic growth.

Ministry of Finance Confirms Full Payment of 6,300 GES Staff Recruited Without Initial Clearance
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Ministry of Finance Confirms Full Payment of 6,300 GES Staff Recruited Without Initial Clearance

The Ministry of Finance has officially confirmed the completion of salary payments for all 6,300 Ghana Education Service (GES) staff members who were recruited in 2024 without the requisite financial clearance. In a statement released on September 8, 2026, the Ministry addressed lingering concerns regarding salary arrears, asserting that the financial obligations to these employees have been fully met. This development marks the resolution of a complex administrative challenge that saw thousands of educators working without formal budgetary backing for over a year. According to the Ministry, the current administration, led by President John Mahama since January 2025, inherited these staff members from the previous government. Despite the irregular nature of their initial recruitment, the government moved to regularize their status to ensure the stability of the education sector. To facilitate this, the Ministry secured Cabinet approval and subsequently issued the necessary financial clearances. The back-pay and ongoing salaries were processed and disbursed in four distinct tranches to manage the fiscal impact while ensuring all affected personnel received their due compensation. The Ministry also took the opportunity to debunk claims that there are still outstanding requests for financial clearance from the GES. Officials clarified that no such requests remain pending at the Ministry of Finance, signaling that the administrative bottleneck has been entirely cleared at the ministerial level. The statement emphasized that the government has fulfilled its mandate to provide the necessary fiscal space for these specific 6,300 recruits. In its closing remarks, the Ministry advised any GES staff who may still be experiencing payment delays or payroll discrepancies to seek assistance directly from the Ghana Education Service. By directing affected individuals to the GES, the Ministry aims to streamline the resolution of any remaining localized administrative errors. This move is seen as a significant step in maintaining industrial harmony within the teaching profession as the Mahama administration continues to address personnel and fiscal commitments inherited from the prior term.

EduWatch and Academic Experts Urge Shift from Grading Debate to Systemic Reform Following WASSCE Performance Decline
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EduWatch and Academic Experts Urge Shift from Grading Debate to Systemic Reform Following WASSCE Performance Decline

Educational stakeholders and experts are calling for a fundamental shift in how Ghana addresses student performance following a concerning decline in English Language results in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Provisional data from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) reveals that the percentage of candidates achieving grades A1 to C6 in English fell to 62.40% in 2026, down from 69% the previous year. While public debate has frequently focused on the fairness of the grading system, prominent voices including Africa Education Watch (EduWatch) and Professor Stephen Adei argue that the focus must instead be placed on declining academic standards and systemic failures within the educational pipeline. Kofi Asare, Executive Director of EduWatch, has emphasized that the Stanine grading system naturally categorizes students into different performance levels and should not be the primary target of criticism. Instead, he maintains that student failure is a collective responsibility involving teachers, parents, and the government. Asare questioned why students spend an extended period in basic education only to exit without meeting required standards, calling for a broader evaluation of the entire system. This sentiment is echoed by Professor Stephen Adei, former Rector of GIMPA, who asserts that the grading system has remained consistent over the years. Adei suggests that the real issues may lie in weaknesses within the school placement system and a general deterioration of academic rigor, cautioning against blaming a marking process that could simply be simplified rather than overhauled. Contributing to the analysis of the English Language decline, WAEC Head of Public Affairs John Kapi identified several cultural and instructional factors at play. He pointed to the widespread use of pidgin, poor reading habits, and the influence of informal language on social media as primary drivers of poor grammar and limited exposure to standard English. To combat this, Angel Carbonu, former President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), has urged the government to refocus resources on public basic schools. Carbonu criticized the disproportionate emphasis placed on senior high school education, arguing that a failure to prioritize foundational literacy and numeracy at the primary level inevitably leads to the deteriorating performance seen at the secondary level. To reverse these trends, stakeholders are advocating for practical, classroom-level interventions rather than administrative policy shifts. Proposed solutions include intensive teacher training in grammar, the formal incorporation of reading assessments into the curriculum, and a renewed focus on foundational education. As the government, currently led by President John Mahama, continues to navigate educational policy, the consensus from experts suggests that unless the root causes of academic underperformance are addressed at the basic level, the cycle of declining WASSCE results is likely to persist.

Don’t admit outside CSSPS - Minister directs SHS heads
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Ministry of Education Places 527,932 BECE Candidates Amid Calls for CSSPS Reforms and Resolution of Placement Challenges

The Ministry of Education has announced that 527,932 candidates, representing 87.3 percent of the 604,567 students who sat for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), have been successfully placed in second-cycle and technical institutions. Despite this high placement rate, approximately 55,000 candidates remain unassigned to schools, leading to significant congestion at resolution centers across the country. In Accra and Kumasi, thousands of parents and students have besieged facilities like the GNAT Hall and Kumasi Technical Institute, citing concerns over changes in placement status from boarding to day, the separation of twins into different schools, and long travel distances. Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Clement Apaak has encouraged unplaced students to utilize the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) self-placement portal to find available vacancies. Addressing the challenges, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has issued a strict directive prohibiting heads of Senior High Schools (SHS) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions from admitting any students outside the CSSPS. This measure is intended to preserve the integrity of the placement process. Furthermore, the Ministry clarified that failing one or two core subjects, including Mathematics or English, does not automatically disqualify a student from secondary education. A "lifeline" policy allows these candidates to participate in self-placement or opt for remedial programs. To mitigate future congestion, the Ministry plans to fully digitize the placement complaints process by 2027, allowing for remote resolution through the CSSPS portal. However, the current placement exercise has faced sharp criticism from political and educational stakeholders. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected the reliance on self-placement, arguing it does not guarantee actual enrollment and calling for the government to utilize private schools to accommodate the surplus. Former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Adutwum also urged a redesign of the CSSPS, warning that the current cutoff criteria and system flaws disproportionately marginalize students from rural and disadvantaged communities. Additionally, the National Council of Parent-Teacher-Associations (NCPTA) has called for a technical review of the 2026 BECE results processing by independent experts to ensure transparency in grading and restore public confidence in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). While some districts, such as Kadjebi in the Oti Region, report a smoother placement assistance process, the overall national landscape remains tense as the September 18 start date for the new academic year approaches. The Ministry of Education has pledged to monitor the performance of placed candidates and has urged school authorities to facilitate timely admissions. As the resolution centers continue to process thousands of queries, the debate over systemic reforms to the CSSPS—including proposals to restrict unqualified students from choosing oversubscribed Category A schools—continues to intensify, highlighting the need for a more efficient and equitable transition to secondary education in Ghana.

Participants and stakeholders after the event
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Vice President Opoku-Agyemang and Education Stakeholders Advance Literacy, Safety, and Vocational Excellence

As Ghana enters the 2026/2027 academic year, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and key education stakeholders are emphasizing a multi-faceted approach to national development through literacy, safety, and digital skills. During the 3rd Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church Ghana Northern Accra Diocese Women’s Fellowship, the Vice President urged the integration of technical, vocational, and digital training into educational programs. She highlighted that economic empowerment for women is essential for national growth, noting that the government's forthcoming Women’s Development Bank will provide critical financing to support these educational and entrepreneurial initiatives. This call for modernization is mirrored in the private sector, where Republic Bank PLC and the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance staff skills through industry-academia collaboration and continuous professional development. Academic excellence and institutional recognition have also taken center stage, with Greater Accra Region emerging as the 2026 Literacy Challenge champions. The team secured 88 points, narrowly defeating the Northern Region's 85 points in a competition that tested critical thinking and knowledge of artificial intelligence in education. Sarah Augusta Akosua Otoo was named the Most Outstanding Student, earning an additional cash prize for her performance. In the vocational sector, Abrantie College was honored as the Best Catering School of the Year at the 2026 Ghana Cake Business Awards, underscoring the importance of industry-focused practical training in the hospitality and culinary sectors. These achievements highlight the competitive spirit and rising standards within Ghana's diverse educational landscape. Despite these successes, significant challenges remain regarding student safety and foundational literacy. The MISORNU Safety Center has issued an urgent advisory ahead of school reopenings, citing National Road Safety Authority statistics of 2,949 road fatalities in 2025. Stakeholders are calling for special safety operations and speed reductions near school zones to protect young learners. Simultaneously, the JustED Foundation reported that despite high enrollment figures, literacy rates remain low in several communities, such as Donyina and Akurafu, due to a lack of libraries and reading materials. This assessment aligns with global trends where 42% of primary students lack minimum reading proficiency, prompting calls for more community-led interventions like the JustEd Scholars Club to bridge the gap between enrollment and actual learning outcomes. Furthermore, the government is intensifying efforts to create a safer and more inclusive environment within tertiary institutions. Harriet Krakani, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Education, recently urged universities to strengthen sexual harassment prevention and reporting mechanisms to protect the dignity of students and staff. These systemic improvements are being bolstered by progress in administrative foundations; the Births and Deaths Registry in the Northern Region reported meeting over 51% of its annual birth registration target for 2026. Regional Director Fuseini Damba Issifu emphasized that securing birth certificates is a vital first step for children to access their educational rights and other social benefits. Together, these developments reflect a comprehensive national strategy to improve both the quality and the safety of the Ghanaian educational experience.

Oduraa Botchway (left), Company Secretary, Republic Bank; DDP Yayra Ashong-Mettle (2nd from left), Officer-in-Charge at the Senior Correctional Centre; Dr Benjamin Dzoboku (2nd from right), Managing Director, Republic Bank, and Dr Abena Ampomah (right), University of Ghana Department of Social Work
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Ghana’s Education Sector Faces Funding Crises as Teachers Protest Unpaid Salaries and Basic Schools Struggle

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and various educator groups have raised urgent alarms regarding a deepening funding crisis within the nation’s basic education sector. Thomas Musah, the General Secretary of GNAT, recently revealed that teachers and headteachers are increasingly forced to use their personal salaries to purchase essential resources and maintain school operations. According to Musah, a staggering disparity exists in the Ministry of Education's budget allocation, with only 9% directed toward basic education compared to 62% for senior high schools. This imbalance, attributed to the high political stakes of the SHS program, has contributed to persistent infrastructure deficits and led to nearly 55,000 candidates failing to secure placements following the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Adding to the sector's volatility, teachers from the 2022 cohort of Colleges of Education have launched protests over 14 months of unpaid salaries. Despite repeated engagements with the Ministry of Education, these educators claim they have not received payments since 2025, resulting in severe financial hardship and mounting debt. The teachers are also demanding the immediate issuance of staff identification cards and have signaled their intent to petition the Ministry of Finance. This financial tension is further exacerbated by public criticism of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). Former lawmaker Alexander Abban recently challenged reports of the fund making a "profit," arguing that GETFund was established to improve education through tax revenue rather than acting as a commercial entity, questioning whether it is fulfilling its foundational mandate. In the absence of sufficient state funding, private organizations and individual leaders are stepping in to bridge the gap through infrastructure and social support. Federated Commodities PLC has broken ground on new Junior High School classroom blocks in the Amenfi West district to save students from traveling long distances for lessons. Similarly, in Cape Coast South, MP George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan provided essential school items—including mattresses, trunks, and school bags—to over 300 freshers entering SHS. Health-focused initiatives like the People and Culture Network’s "Pad a Girl for a Year" program have also targeted the Ahafo Region, providing sanitary products and reproductive health education to students at Yamfo Anglican SHS to ensure that menstruation does not hinder academic participation. Beyond traditional classrooms, specialized programs are showing success in rehabilitation and financial literacy. Fifty young individuals at the Senior Correctional Centre recently graduated from the RESET programme, a collaborative effort between the University of North Carolina, the University of Ghana, and Republic Bank. By completing modules on budgeting and entrepreneurship, and receiving seed funding for post-release business initiatives, these graduates are being equipped to break the cycle of poverty and stigma. While these grassroots and specialized efforts provide vital support, the overarching challenge remains a systemic need for more equitable government funding to ensure the stability of the basic education system and the welfare of the nation’s teaching workforce.

Mariam Abubakar’s Medical Success and Global Recognitions Highlight a Season of Achievement in Ghanaian Education
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Mariam Abubakar’s Medical Success and Global Recognitions Highlight a Season of Achievement in Ghanaian Education

The transformative power of educational support in Ghana is being celebrated through the success of Mariam Abubakar, a medical doctor who recently overcame significant financial hurdles to complete her studies. Originally from Wenchi in the Bono Region, Abubakar was at the brink of deferring her medical education at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) until she secured the MTN Bright Scholarship. The initiative, which has supported over 1,220 students since its 2017 inception, covered her tuition and expenses, enabling her to graduate in 2025 with top honors in Surgery, Family Medicine, and Microbiology. Now a Junior House Officer at Holy Family Hospital, Abubakar’s journey serves as a primary example of how corporate social investment can safeguard the future of Ghana’s healthcare professionals. Building on this momentum of excellence, the British Council has launched the thirteenth annual Study UK Alumni Awards to recognize the global contributions of international UK alumni. Applications for the 2026 awards opened in September, with categories spanning Business and Innovation, Science and Sustainability, and Social Action. The awards highlight the lasting impact of UK-educated Ghanaians, such as past winners King Adawu Wellington and Adaku Ufere-Awoonor, who have utilized their international exposure to drive local development. This initiative underscores the importance of global education networks in fostering leadership and innovation within the Ghanaian workforce. In tandem with these alumni recognitions, legal practitioner and former Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA), Edward K. Osei, received high-level international honors in New Delhi, India. On September 5, 2026, Osei was presented with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Social Service and the Innovative Education Excellence Award. Recognized for his vast academic background and his success in implementing efficiency reforms at Tema Port, Osei’s achievements reflect the high standard of Ghanaian professional expertise on the world stage. Currently a partner at Kaveti International Law Firm, his career trajectory provides a blueprint for academic and professional versatility. Future leaders in the legal field are also preparing for a landmark gathering as the Legal Green Association (LGA) of the Ghana School of Law prepares to host its inaugural Law Students’ Conference. Scheduled for September 11, 2026, at the Ghana Shippers House in Accra, the conference is themed ‘Bridging Justice and Governance: The Role of Lawyers in Political Leadership.’ The event features prominent speakers, including Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo and Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine. By providing a platform for law students to discuss their role in the legislative process and political leadership, the conference aims to integrate legal education with national governance, ensuring that the next generation of lawyers is equipped to lead Ghana’s democratic institutions.

Ghana Advances Human Capital Development Through Burkina Faso Cooperation and US Exchange Initiatives
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Ghana Advances Human Capital Development Through Burkina Faso Cooperation and US Exchange Initiatives

Ghana is intensifying its commitment to human capital development and public sector modernization through new regional partnerships and international exchange programs. At the HR CAFÉ 2026 event, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo announced the introduction of new governance guidelines for the digital conduct of public institutions. This initiative, occurring under President John Mahama’s administration, aims to streamline the public sector's digital presence while ensuring ethical standards in the age of rapid technological advancement. The event served as a platform for Ghana and Burkina Faso to deepen their bilateral cooperation, focusing on technical and human resource exchanges to support mutual growth. Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. David Kabré, highlighted his country’s desire to leverage Ghana’s experience to support Burkina Faso’s industrialization agenda. This collaboration extends beyond traditional administration into the realm of emerging technology. Air Vice Marshal David Anetey Akrong, Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, emphasized the critical need to balance artificial intelligence innovation with ethical considerations. By sharing experiences and technical expertise, both nations aim to transform their public sectors to meet modern demands and enhance institutional effectiveness through a shared regional vision. Parallel to these regional efforts, the US Embassy in Ghana recently hosted a session for alumni of US Exchange Programmes as part of the celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary. The session focused on the transformative impact of these programs on Ghanaian journalism and leadership. Seasoned journalists and program alumni shared how their international exposure reshaped their professional approaches, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, public service, and the protection of free speech. Participants noted that these programs are vital for strengthening the media landscape and fostering social change within Ghanaian communities, providing a template for professional excellence. The convergence of these initiatives underscores a growing momentum in Ghana to equip its workforce with both technical skills and global perspectives. While the partnership with Burkina Faso focuses on institutional transformation and regional industrialization, the US exchange programs continue to build the individual leadership capacity necessary for a robust democracy. Moving forward, stakeholders from both sectors have called for increased funding and sustained international cooperation to ensure these educational and professional opportunities remain accessible to more Ghanaians, ultimately driving the nation's long-term socio-economic development.

Beneficiaries at the new ICT Centre
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Minister Sam George and Partners Launch Major Digital and Technical Skills Initiatives Across Ghana

Ghana is undergoing a significant transformation in its educational landscape, with the government and international partners launching a series of initiatives aimed at equipping the youth with digital and technical skills. At the forefront of this movement is the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, which is spearheading programs to bridge the digital divide and prepare students for a rapidly evolving global economy. These efforts range from high-level university partnerships to grassroots community infrastructure projects, all designed to foster a future-ready workforce. Minister Samuel Nartey George recently announced a landmark partnership between the government and 11 Ghanaian universities, including the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). This collaboration aims to embed certifications from the "One Million Coders Programme" directly into existing degree and diploma courses, ensuring students gain practical competencies in fields like cybersecurity and data analytics alongside their academic qualifications. KNUST has already reported that over 1,000 students have enrolled in the program. Additionally, the Minister opened the 2025 Girls-In-ICT Open Day, a five-day initiative designed to empower young girls with leadership and AI skills, encouraging them to transition from tech users to innovators and leaders. While urban centers benefit from university-level integrations, rural digital literacy is being addressed through community-focused projects. The Hunger Project - Ghana recently inaugurated a new ICT Centre in Domi Achiansa, located in the Ayensuano District. Equipped with 11 laptops and internet access, the facility is set to provide training to 300 young people from nine surrounding communities. Agatha Quayson, Country Leader for The Hunger Project - Ghana, emphasized that such infrastructure is vital for improving employability and access to information. Local leaders, including Barima Korli Wayo I, have urged the youth to maximize these resources to secure their professional futures. Beyond information technology, the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector is receiving a boost through the Hyundai KOICA NextGen Project. This five-year initiative, launched in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Plan International, focuses on the automotive industry. The project aims to train over 400 direct beneficiaries and support approximately 20,000 TVET students in emerging technologies such as electric vehicles. By validating curricula with the Ministry of Education, the program ensures that Ghanaian graduates are ready for the technical demands of a modern, competitive automotive market. These diverse initiatives represent a coordinated effort to future-proof Ghana’s workforce under the current administration. By combining academic certification, rural infrastructure, and industry-specific technical training, the country is positioning its youth to lead in both the digital and industrial sectors. As Minister Sam George highlighted, the goal is not just to produce graduates, but to foster a generation of digitally literate leaders capable of driving Ghana's economic growth and technological independence.

University of Ghana Opens Application Verification Portal Following Release of 2026 WASSCE Results
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University of Ghana Opens Application Verification Portal Following Release of 2026 WASSCE Results

The University of Ghana (UG) has issued a critical advisory to prospective students, urging them to verify their application details on the university's online portal following the release of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. With these results serving as a key determinant for admission, the university has reopened its system to allow candidates to align their academic profiles with their official documents. This verification phase is essential for ensuring that the 2026/2027 academic year admissions process proceeds without administrative bottlenecks. Applicants are specifically directed to confirm that their personal data, including full names and dates of birth, match their official records exactly. University officials cautioned that discrepancies between application data and official WASSCE results could lead to significant processing delays or administrative errors. To assist in program selection, the university also encouraged students to review historical cut-off aggregates and performance metrics. This data-driven approach is intended to help applicants assess the competitiveness of various degree programs and make adjustments to their selections where necessary. The window for finalizing applications is closing soon, with the university setting a final deadline of September 8, 2026. Prospective students can still initiate or complete their applications through authorized channels, including the use of USSD codes or e-vouchers purchased from partner banks. By emphasizing accuracy and timely action, the University of Ghana aims to facilitate a transparent and efficient transition for the incoming class of students.

Prof. Stephen Adei and EduWatch Advocate for Systemic Education Review Amid WASSCE Performance Concerns
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Prof. Stephen Adei and EduWatch Advocate for Systemic Education Review Amid WASSCE Performance Concerns

Prominent education experts and advocacy groups are calling for a comprehensive review of Ghana’s education system following recent West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. Professor Stephen Adei, former Rector of GIMPA, and Africa Education Watch (EduWatch) have both dismissed suggestions that the current grading system is responsible for student failures. Instead, they argue that the national discourse must shift toward addressing declining academic standards, systemic placement flaws, and a foundational literacy crisis that continues to hamper student progress. Professor Stephen Adei asserted that the WASSCE grading system has remained consistent over time and cannot be blamed for the fluctuations in candidates' performance. While acknowledging that the marking process could be simplified for greater clarity, Adei emphasized that the core issues likely stem from the school placement system or a broader dip in educational quality. Echoing this sentiment, Kofi Asare, the Executive Director of EduWatch, argued that the grading curve naturally categorizes students into different performance levels. He stressed that stakeholders—including the government, teachers, and parents—must accept collective responsibility for poor outcomes rather than focusing on the mechanics of the grading curve. The call for reform is further bolstered by Dr. Peter Anti, Executive Director of the Institute for Education Studies, who highlighted a growing literacy and numeracy crisis in the country. Dr. Anti pointed to the poor performance in English Language and Mathematics as a symptom of deep-seated foundational gaps. The scale of the challenge is underscored by the fact that approximately 55,000 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates failed to qualify for advancement due to deficiencies in these core subjects. Dr. Anti advocated for urgent interventions at the basic education level to ensure students possess the necessary skills before reaching higher levels of academic study. Beyond academic standards, EduWatch has also called for administrative improvements within the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). Kofi Asare urged WAEC to conclude all investigations into suspected examination malpractice before releasing results, noting that the current practice of withholding results during investigations can prevent students from meeting tertiary admission deadlines. Although such a shift might cause initial delays, Asare suggested that enhancing WAEC’s operational capacity could expedite the process. Ultimately, these experts conclude that without a fundamental shift toward improving learning outcomes and systemic efficiency, the cycle of poor examination performance is likely to persist.