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.

GES says Free SHS not cancelled, warns against GH¢1,500 chop box claim
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Ghana Education Service Dismisses Rumors of Free SHS Cancellation and GH"1,500 Payment Demands

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a firm rebuttal against social media rumors claiming that the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy has been cancelled. In addition to debunking the alleged policy reversal, the GES clarified that there is no directive requiring parents or guardians to pay GH"1,500 for student essentials such as chop boxes and trunks. The service labeled these viral reports as completely false and urged the public to treat them with the contempt they deserve. In an official circular dated August 18, the GES emphasized that the Director-General does not possess the administrative authority to unilaterally cancel a national policy of such magnitude. The statement, issued by Daniel Fenyi, the Head of Public Relations for the GES, reiterated that the Free SHS program remains fully intact and operational across the country. The service expressed concern that such misinformation could create unnecessary panic among parents and students who are preparing for the upcoming school terms. The GES further warned parents against making any payments to individuals or groups based on these unverified social media claims. By providing this clarification, the education authority seeks to insulate families from potential extortion and ensure that the transition into the senior high school system remains free of unauthorized financial burdens. This move highlights the persistent challenge of misinformation targeting government social intervention programs and the need for rigorous verification of information from official sources. To avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes, the Ghana Education Service has advised all stakeholders to rely strictly on official communications released through their formal channels. The service remains committed to the successful implementation of the Free SHS policy and encourages the public to remain vigilant. Parents are encouraged to report any school official or third party demanding illegal fees to the GES for immediate investigation and action.

UTAS and Let’s Go North Empower Upper East Youth through Digital Media Influence Bootcamp
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UTAS and Let’s Go North Empower Upper East Youth through Digital Media Influence Bootcamp

Students and young professionals in Ghana’s Upper East Region have been equipped with vital skills for the modern digital economy following the successful conclusion of the Digital Media Influence Bootcamp 2025. Hosted by the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Navrongo, in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Let’s Go North, the initiative was designed to transform participants from passive consumers into active, responsible creators and entrepreneurs. The program highlights a strategic shift in regional educational focus toward practical, market-ready expertise that addresses the specific demands of the 21st-century job market. The bootcamp offered hands-on training across a variety of disciplines, including digital media monetization, storytelling, blogging, and digital marketing. Beyond technical skills, the sessions also tackled critical modern challenges such as cybersecurity awareness and the fight against online misinformation. By providing tools for immediate application, organizers aimed to foster a new generation of digital innovators who can leverage the internet for economic growth while maintaining a professional and ethical online presence. Vice-Chancellor of UTAS, Professor Albert Luguterah, emphasized the university’s commitment to providing students with life-changing skills that extend beyond conventional academic qualifications. He noted that such practical competencies are essential for ensuring that graduates remain competitive on a global stage. Supporting this vision, Ms. Maltiti Sayida Sadick, the founder of Let’s Go North, encouraged the youth to begin building their digital careers as early as possible, stressing that the barriers to entry in the digital space are lower than traditional industries if one possesses the right skill set. This initiative marks a significant step toward bridging the digital divide that often persists between Northern Ghana and the southern sectors. By nurturing a localized ecosystem of content creators and digital business owners, UTAS and its partners hope to drive regional development and youth employment. Looking forward, both UTAS and Let’s Go North have signaled their intention to expand these training programs, reaching more youth across the region to ensure that the Upper East remains a hub for digital innovation and responsible social media influence.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Secures 240 Fully Funded Russian Scholarships for Ghanaian Students
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Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Secures 240 Fully Funded Russian Scholarships for Ghanaian Students

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced a significant expansion of educational opportunities for Ghanaian youth following successful bilateral engagements in Russia. During an official state visit, the Minister revealed that the Russian government has agreed to double the number of annual fully funded scholarships available to Ghanaian students. The allocation will increase from the previous 120 slots to 240, providing an additional 120 students each year the chance to pursue higher education abroad without financial burden. This strategic increase is specifically tailored to address critical gaps in Ghana’s technical and scientific workforce. The scholarship program will prioritize students pursuing degrees in high-growth and essential development sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Engineering, Petroleum Sciences, and Pharmaceuticals. By focusing on these specialized fields, the initiative aims to equip a new generation of Ghanaian professionals with the expertise required to drive the nation’s industrial and technological ambitions under the current administration of President John Mahama. Beyond the immediate educational benefits, Minister Ablakwa’s visit served to deepen the diplomatic and economic partnership between the two nations. High-level discussions covered a broad spectrum of mutual interests, most notably Russia’s support for Ghana’s peaceful nuclear energy program. This collaboration is viewed as a vital step toward diversifying Ghana’s energy mix and ensuring long-term energy security. Additionally, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to addressing global challenges, including counterterrorism efforts, climate change mitigation, and ongoing debates surrounding United Nations reforms. The doubling of scholarship slots represents a milestone in Ghana-Russia relations and a substantial investment in the country's human capital. As these 240 students begin their academic journeys in Russia, the expertise they acquire is expected to play a pivotal role in national development. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that these educational exchanges are part of a broader strategy to foster international cooperation that yields tangible benefits for Ghanaian citizens, reinforcing the government’s focus on education as a cornerstone of economic transformation.

Haruna Iddrisu — Minister of Education
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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Unveils GH¢2.8bn Infrastructure Plan and Launches 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has outlined a comprehensive strategy to transform Ghana's educational landscape, committing approximately GH¢2.8 billion to infrastructure while emphasizing that increased access must translate into improved learning outcomes. Speaking at several high-profile events, including the launch of the 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize and the Regional Foundational Learning Evidence and Implementation Support Day, the Minister highlighted a significant shift toward evidence-based policy and foundational competency in literacy and numeracy. This vision is supported by a substantial GH¢33.3 billion allocation to the education sector in the 2026 budget. The GH¢2.8 billion infrastructure push, funded through the US$300 million STARR-J facility, is designed to address critical gaps in secondary and basic education. Minister Iddrisu underscored the urgency of this investment by citing an Auditor-General’s report which revealed that approximately 10,700 public basic schools currently lack classrooms, affecting millions of pupils nationwide. He advocated for transparent procurement processes and stressed that while infrastructure is vital, the ultimate measure of success is the competency of students. The Minister also noted the constitutional mandate for free, compulsory, and universal basic education, suggesting an emergency response is needed to address foundational gaps even as the nation maintains free secondary education. Parallel to physical infrastructure, the Ministry and the National Teaching Council (NTC) have officially launched the 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize to recognize the invaluable contributions of educators to national development. NTC Board Chairman Kwami Alorvi and Minister Iddrisu emphasized that teacher welfare is central to the government's agenda. To this end, the government is introducing a new rural posting allowance and working to address long-standing accommodation challenges for teachers. These incentives are intended to provide professional support and improve the conditions under which teachers operate, particularly in underserved communities. Looking toward the future, the government is modernizing the classroom experience through a revised curriculum for kindergarten to Primary Six. This update integrates digital skills, including robotics, coding, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as core components of foundational learning. By combining large-scale infrastructure investment with teacher incentives and a technology-driven curriculum, the Ministry aims to ensure that every Ghanaian child gains the necessary literacy, numeracy, and digital skills to thrive in a modern economy. These initiatives, including the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP), reflect a commitment to data-driven educational reform.

Obuasi East Assembly donates relief items to 32 Christ the King Catholic SHS fire victims
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Obuasi East Assembly Supports SHS Fire Victims as Challenging Heights Strengthens Child Protection Governance

In a significant move to safeguard the welfare of students and vulnerable children in Ghana, the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly has stepped in to support fire victims at Christ the King Catholic Senior High School (SHS), while the prominent non-governmental organization Challenging Heights has launched a major governance overhaul. These parallel developments underscore a renewed national focus on institutional accountability and emergency response within the educational and social protection sectors. Following a devastating fire that gutted a dormitory block at Christ the King Catholic SHS, Municipal Chief Executive William Kofi Adzowu led a delegation to provide immediate relief items to 32 affected students. The assembly’s intervention included the donation of essential school supplies, such as trunks, beds, and other learning materials, aimed at alleviating the financial burden on the school and the parents of the victims. During the presentation, Mr. Adzowu commended the Ghana National Fire Service for their rapid response, which prevented further damage to the facility. While two students sustained injuries while attempting to save their belongings, they are receiving necessary care, and the school has confirmed that renovation works on the damaged dormitory are already underway. The Municipal Education Director praised the assembly for its timely fulfillment of promises, noting that such support is critical for maintaining the academic stability of the affected students. Simultaneously, the broader landscape of child protection in Ghana is seeing structural improvements through the reforms at Challenging Heights. The organization, which has dedicated two decades to child-centered advocacy, recently transitioned its Advisory Board into a fully-fledged Board of Directors, now chaired by Professor Mavis Amo-Mensah. This governance reform is designed to create a clear separation between oversight and daily management, ensuring that the NGO remains resilient beyond individual leadership. The new board has also adopted a comprehensive data protection framework in line with Ghana’s Data Protection Act, reinforcing the organization's commitment to the privacy and safety of the children it serves. These initiatives, ranging from localized emergency relief to national-level institutional reforms, highlight the multifaceted approach required to protect the next generation of Ghanaians. By combining immediate material support for students in crisis with long-term governance improvements in child advocacy organizations, stakeholders are working to build a more robust safety net. Moving forward, the focus remains on fire safety education within schools and the implementation of independent evaluations to ensure that social protection programs deliver maximum impact for the country's youth.

Local Leaders and Philanthropists Spearhead Educational Support in Jirapa and Ekumfi Municipalities
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Local Leaders and Philanthropists Spearhead Educational Support in Jirapa and Ekumfi Municipalities

Educational infrastructure and resource availability in rural Ghana have received a significant boost through separate initiatives led by public officials and private philanthropists. In the Jirapa Municipality of the Upper West Region, Member of Parliament Cletus Seidu Dapilah and Municipal Chief Executive Peter N. N. To-ang have commissioned critical academic and health facilities. Simultaneously, in the Ekumfi District of the Central Region, gospel musician Essi Donkor has launched a foundation-led initiative to provide essential learning materials to primary school pupils, reflecting a multi-sectoral commitment to improving basic education standards. In Jirapa, the collaborative effort between the MP and the MCE resulted in the handover of a newly constructed Junior High School (JHS) block alongside several cross-sectoral projects. To address the acute shortage of seating in classrooms, the officials distributed 970 pieces of school furniture to local institutions, with an additional 2,000 desks expected to be delivered in the coming weeks. Beyond education, the development tour included the commissioning of a Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound and public sanitation facilities in Tiza. Mr. Dapilah and Mr. To-ang emphasized that these investments are vital for the holistic development of the municipality, urging residents to maintain the new facilities and prioritize household sanitation to complement public efforts. Meanwhile, gospel musician Essi Donkor has turned her attention to her hometown in Ekumfi through the inaugural project of her namesake foundation. The initiative targets approximately 1,500 pupils at the Ekumfi Akwansa Kokodo D/A Primary School, who are set to receive exercise books and other essential stationery items. Ms. Donkor highlighted the importance of supporting the school where her own journey began, stating that enhancing educational accessibility is the foundation's primary goal. She expressed optimism that this maiden project will pave the way for future interventions in neighboring towns, ensuring that her rising musical career also serves as a platform for community development and child welfare. These localized efforts come at a crucial time as the administration of President John Mahama continues to address the challenges of providing quality education across all regions. While the central government manages large-scale policy, the contributions of MPs like Cletus Seidu Dapilah and private citizens like Essi Donkor illustrate the importance of community-level intervention in bridging resource gaps. As these projects move from commissioning to daily use, the focus shifts to sustainability and the long-term impact on student performance and community health outcomes in rural Ghana.

Theresa Tetteh — Ledzokuku Municipal Director of Education
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Youth Minister and Education Leaders Advocate for Values-Based Development and Growth Mindset in Ghana

Ghanaian leaders and education stakeholders are calling for a renewed focus on character building, early childhood support, and a growth mindset as essential pillars for national progress. During recent high-profile events across the country, government officials and experts emphasized that while academic and technical skills are necessary, the underlying values of discipline, integrity, and resilience will ultimately determine the success of the next generation in an increasingly digital and complex global economy. At the opening of the National Youth Conference at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Minister of Youth Development, George Opare Addo, stressed that fostering good character is a prerequisite for national advancement. Speaking under the theme 'Building values, inspiring patriotism: Empowering the youth in the digital age,' the Minister urged young Ghanaians to leverage digital technologies for economic opportunities rather than unproductive activities. This sentiment was echoed by the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, who maintained that hard work and moral values must accompany skill acquisition to create a foundation for genuine success. Complementing this focus on youth development, the Ledzokuku Municipal Director of Education, Theresa Tetteh, has called for increased stakeholder investment in early grade education. Speaking at the 30th-anniversary launch of the Morning Glory Montessori Child Development Centre, Tetteh argued that a solid educational foundation is critical for reducing future dropout rates and fostering a lifelong love of learning. She highlighted that nurturing character and leadership at the earliest stages of a child's development significantly improves long-term academic outcomes and benefits the entire educational ecosystem. The importance of mental fortitude was further emphasized during the launch of two books by tax expert and Deloitte Ghana partner Gloria Boye-Doku in Accra. The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, encouraged Ghanaians to adopt a growth mindset to navigate life's challenges. Reviewing Boye-Doku’s works, 'The Power of Hope' and 'Mindset for Success,' Ahiafor noted that visionary thinking and resilience are vital for effective leadership and national development. He praised the author’s perspective on how a positive mindset can transform adversity into opportunity. Collectively, these directives from the Ministry of Youth Development, the educational directorate, and the leadership of Parliament signal a strategic shift toward holistic development. By integrating moral character at the youth level, providing robust support for early childhood learners, and encouraging a resilient mindset among professionals, Ghana aims to cultivate a workforce capable of driving sustainable growth and innovation in the years ahead.

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CSIR-WRI Introduces Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture System to Boost Food Production and Sustainability

Scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI) have unveiled a groundbreaking integrated aquaculture-agriculture system designed to revolutionize food production in Ghana. Led by Dr. Seth Agyakwah, the Head of Aquaculture at CSIR-WRI, the initiative focuses on recycling nutrient-rich wastewater from fish farming to serve as a high-quality input for crop cultivation. This innovative approach aims to address two critical challenges: reducing environmental pollution caused by fish farm effluents and maximizing the utility of limited water resources for sustainable agriculture. The system operates by channeling effluents from fish production tanks—which are typically loaded with organic nutrients—into irrigation systems for specific crops. Recent trials have already yielded promising results, with successful harvests of vegetables such as cucumbers that thrive on the nutrient profiles of the wastewater. Dr. Agyakwah highlighted that this method not only provides a steady supply of irrigation water but also significantly reduces the health risks associated with farmers using untreated or polluted water sources. By aligning crop nutrient demands with fish production waste, the system creates a circular economy model that enhances overall farm productivity while protecting the environment. Beyond the technical development, the CSIR-WRI has prioritized technology transfer and capacity building. Supported by training initiatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), the technology is being introduced to local farmers and youth groups. However, despite the potential for widespread adoption, Dr. Agyakwah noted that limited access to financing remains a significant hurdle for small-scale farmers looking to implement the infrastructure required for such integrated systems. To ensure the long-term success and scalability of the project, CSIR-WRI is calling for greater institutional synergy. Dr. Sylvester Afram Boadi emphasized the necessity of coordinated policies between water, energy, food, and environmental sectors to avoid missed opportunities for infrastructure development. As the administration of President John Mahama continues to focus on sustainable food systems, the CSIR-WRI is urging the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to officially adopt and integrate this system into national agricultural strategies, particularly for regions facing acute water scarcity.

Busola Ajibola (seated left), Deputy Director of the Journalism Programme at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development; with Dapo Olorunyomi (middle), Chief Executive Officer of CJID, and Professor Abena Yeboah Banin (right), Dean of the School of Communication and Information Studies at the University of Ghana, with the student journalists during the training
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Ghana Strengthens Digital Economy and Professional Standards Through Massive Multi-Sector Skills Training Initiatives

Ghana is witnessing a comprehensive surge in professional and digital capacity building, with new initiatives targeting university graduates, journalists, artisans, and persons with disabilities. Central to this push is the government's commitment to inclusive growth, highlighted by the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Samuel Nartey George, who announced that 50,000 persons with disabilities (PWDs) will be trained under the One Million Coders Programme. This initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and the University of Ghana, aims to ensure that the digital economy is accessible to all, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation across diverse social groups. In tandem with these digital inclusion efforts, the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) recently held a special congregation where Dr. Arnold Kavaarpuo, Executive Director of the Data Protection Commission, challenged graduates to become creators rather than mere consumers of technology. Emphasizing the importance of local infrastructure and intellectual property, Dr. Kavaarpuo urged the new cohort to contribute to the National AI Strategy to secure Ghana’s digital sovereignty. This call to innovation is being matched by institutional reforms at GCTU, where Professor Ebenezer Malcalm noted that programs are being rapidly adapted to meet the shifting demands of the global digital landscape. The drive for professional excellence extends into the informal sector and the media. The Design and Technology Institute (DTI) recently graduated over 1,500 Master Craft Persons (MCPs) and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners from its Precision Quality (PQ) training programme. DTI founder Constance Elizabeth Swaniker highlighted that the program equips artisans with vital skills in business management and workplace safety, aiming to formalize Ghana’s informal sector and enhance its regional competitiveness. Simultaneously, twenty student journalists from across the country completed an intensive clinic organized by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and UNESCO, focusing on data journalism, fact-checking, and investigative reporting to combat misinformation and improve newsroom standards. Collectively, these programs represent a strategic investment in Ghana's human capital, bridging the gap between traditional education and the practical requirements of a modern economy. By equipping journalists with verification tools, artisans with precision standards, and PWDs with coding skills, the nation is building a more resilient and inclusive workforce. As these graduates and trainees enter their respective fields, the focus shifts toward the long-term sustainability of these skills and the expansion of such training modules to every corner of the country to ensure no Ghanaian is left behind in the digital age.

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National Service Authority Bars Graduates from 13 Unaccredited Institutions from Deployment

The National Service Authority (NSA) has officially declined a request to deploy graduates from 13 tertiary institutions for the mandatory national service scheme due to a lack of proper accreditation. This decision follows a verification process which revealed that the affected schools have not secured or maintained the necessary credentials from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). The NSA Director-General, Ms. Ruth Dela Seddoh, confirmed that the refusal is a necessary measure to uphold the standards and legality of the national deployment process. Among the institutions cited in the directive are the Multimedia Institute of Ghana and the Abbeam Institute of Technology, along with 11 other schools. According to the NSA, the decision to block these students is rooted in the need to maintain the integrity and transparency of the National Service Programme. By ensuring that only graduates from GTEC-recognized institutions are mobilized, the Authority protects the quality of the workforce assigned to various public and private sectors across the country. The Authority has indicated that the current restriction is not necessarily permanent but is contingent upon the institutions regularizing their status. Ms. Seddoh emphasized that graduates from these 13 schools will have the opportunity to be mobilized for service once their accreditation issues are fully rectified and officially confirmed by GTEC. This development highlights the government's commitment to ensuring that all tertiary education providers adhere to national regulatory benchmarks to protect the interests of students and the public. This move serves as a significant warning to prospective students and parents to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrollment. For the affected graduates, the delay in national service deployment could impact their immediate career prospects, as a national service certificate is a legal requirement for formal employment in Ghana. The NSA continues to urge all educational institutions to prioritize their regulatory standing to avoid disenfranchising their students during the transition to the professional world.

Bennet Nyasembi (middle), Financial Controller, Farmerline Consult Ltd, presenting the dummy cheque for GH¢3.5 million to Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture
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President John Mahama Launches Ghana Agricultural Education Transformation Fund to Secure GH"100m for Sector Growth

President John Mahama has officially launched the Ghana Agricultural Education Transformation Fund (GAFET), a strategic initiative aimed at bridging the GH"12 million annual funding gap within the nation's agricultural education sector. Established as a cornerstone of the government's "Feed Ghana Initiative," the fund is designed to modernize training, enhance infrastructure, and build a highly skilled workforce to lead the country's agricultural transformation. During the launch, President Mahama emphasized that investing in human resources is the most critical step toward ensuring long-term national food security and economic resilience. The initiative has successfully mobilized an initial seed fund of GH"3.5 million, contributed by five prominent agribusiness partners. This initial capital represents the first step in an ambitious financial roadmap that targets GH"10 million by the end of 2026, with a long-term goal of reaching GH"100 million by 2028. Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, highlighted the importance of these public-private partnerships, noting that the collective effort of the private sector is essential for developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. As part of the proceedings, five agricultural colleges presented comprehensive strategic plans detailing how the fund will be utilized to upgrade their educational facilities. Beyond immediate financial support, GAFET is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing post-harvest losses and improving overall production efficiency by equipping students with modern technical expertise. Minister Opoku called on stakeholders across various sectors to continue supporting the fund to ensure its sustainability and impact. By focusing on educational transformation today, the government aims to create a robust agricultural ecosystem that provides stable employment for the youth and guarantees food sufficiency for all Ghanaians in the years to come.

Prof. Elsie Kaufmann Celebrated for Two Decades of Excellence as National Science and Maths Quiz Mistress
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Prof. Elsie Kaufmann Celebrated for Two Decades of Excellence as National Science and Maths Quiz Mistress

The National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has officially honored Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann for her remarkable two decades of dedicated service as the competition's lead moderator. During the grand launch of the 2026 NSMQ season on August 13, the academic luminary was celebrated for her unwavering commitment to promoting science and mathematics education across Ghana. Since stepping into the role of Quiz Mistress in 2006, Professor Kaufmann has become the face of the prestigious competition, known for her sharp intellect, firm hand, and the distinct poise she brings to one of the country's most-watched television programs. Throughout her 20-year tenure, Professor Kaufmann has evolved into a national icon and a pivotal role model, specifically for young women pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). At the tribute ceremony, she was presented with a commemorative bouquet and received heartfelt praise for her lasting impact on the Ghanaian educational landscape. Stakeholders noted that her consistent presence has helped elevate the standards of the competition, inspiring generations of students to strive for academic brilliance and fostering a culture of healthy intellectual rivalry among secondary schools. Reflecting on the milestone, Professor Kaufmann expressed both surprise and deep gratitude for the recognition. She noted that her long association with the NSMQ has been a journey of witnessing the incredible potential of Ghanaian youth firsthand. As she prepares to moderate the upcoming edition, the 2026 season is poised to be historic, with a record-breaking 174 schools set to participate. This expansion reflects the growing reach of the program and the continued importance of scientific literacy as Ghana, under the administration of President John Mahama, seeks to further strengthen its educational foundations and innovation-driven economy.