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.

Peki Secondary School alumni break ground for security fence project
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Peki Secondary School alumni break ground for security fence project

Alumni groups from the 2003 and 2011 batches of Peki Secondary School have officially commenced a project to construct an ultra-modern entrance and a comprehensive security fence for the institution. The groundbreaking ceremony represents a major step toward enhancing campus safety and improving the physical appearance of the 70-year-old school. The initiative is being spearheaded by former students, including CEO Mr. David Aziago, as part of a broader effort to revitalize the school's aging infrastructure which has faced challenges since its founding. Since its establishment in 1957, Peki Secondary School has navigated various infrastructural difficulties that have persisted for decades. The current intervention aims to address persistent security concerns and provide a modern facelift that matches the school's historic reputation. Headmistress Madam Peace Goka welcomed the project, stating that the new perimeter wall and entrance are essential for maintaining a secure environment. She noted that such improvements are particularly vital given the school's expanding enrollment, especially among female students, which necessitates stricter access control and better onsite safety measures. The project has garnered significant support from the local community, with the Paramount Chief and other traditional leaders attending the ceremony to endorse the alumni's commitment. Madam Goka emphasized that the development of the school should not rest solely on government interventions, urging parents and other alumni year groups to play an active role in institutional growth. As the 2003 and 2011 cohorts begin work, the initiative is expected to serve as a catalyst for future infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing the school's facilities for current and future generations.

Alhassan Abdul Fataw Jofa donates 1,500 mono desks to Yendi schools
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Alhassan Abdul Fataw Jofa donates 1,500 mono desks to Yendi schools

Alhassan Abdul Fataw Jofa, the Member of Parliament for the Yendi constituency, has presented 1,500 mono desks to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to address critical furniture deficits within the municipality. The donation is intended to alleviate the plight of students who have been forced to study under difficult conditions, including sharing limited seating or sitting on the floor during lessons. This intervention aims to restore dignity to the classroom environment and ensure that every child has a comfortable place to sit while learning. Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Mr. Jofa emphasized his unwavering dedication to improving educational standards in Yendi. He noted that the lack of adequate furniture has long been a significant barrier to effective learning and expressed his commitment to providing further support to educational institutions in the area. The desks are expected to provide immediate relief to several basic schools across the municipality that have been identified as having the greatest infrastructure needs. Receiving the furniture on behalf of the GES, Akolgo, the Deputy Director of Education, expressed profound gratitude for the MP's timely intervention. He acknowledged that the shortage of desks has been a persistent challenge for the directorate, affecting academic performance and student morale. Akolgo assured the MP and the community that the desks would be distributed fairly across the municipality and pledged that schools would implement strict maintenance protocols to ensure the longevity of the newly donated furniture. This initiative follows broader efforts to bridge the infrastructure gap in the education sector within the Northern Region. By addressing the furniture shortage, the donation aims to create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning, which is expected to improve student attendance and overall engagement. The Ghana Education Service is set to begin the distribution of the desks to the beneficiary schools immediately to ensure that students can benefit from the improved seating arrangements as soon as possible.

Solicity Amankwa-Taylor wins three awards at UMaT after MTN scholarship support
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Solicity Amankwa-Taylor wins three awards at UMaT after MTN scholarship support

Solicity Amankwa-Taylor, a graduate of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), has achieved exceptional academic success by securing three prestigious awards, including the title of Best Graduating Student in both her department and faculty. Her journey to academic excellence was significantly bolstered by the MTN Bright Scholarship, which provided critical financial support at a time when her educational future was in jeopardy due to severe economic constraints. Amankwa-Taylor's academic path faced a major hurdle when her father lost his job, leading to a financial crisis that nearly forced her to defer her studies. The strain on her family's resources meant that basic university requirements, such as tuition and accommodation, were becoming unattainable. However, the intervention of the MTN Bright Scholarship program covered these essential costs, allowing her to transition from the verge of dropping out to focusing entirely on her academic responsibilities. The relief provided by the scholarship translated into outstanding classroom performance, culminating in her multiple awards at graduation. Beyond her academic achievements at UMaT, the scholarship has paved the way for her professional career. Amankwa-Taylor is currently serving as a Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) personnel at YILPORT-ATSL. her story serves as a testament to the impact of targeted educational funding in helping brilliant but financially challenged students reach their full potential.

Ghana TVET Service launches National TVET Week 2026 in Tamale
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Ghana TVET Service launches National TVET Week 2026 in Tamale

The Ghana TVET Service has officially launched the National TVET Week 2026 at the Dabokpa Technical Institute in Tamale. Held under the theme "Resetting TVET for National Development," the event serves as a platform to reaffirm the government's commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a cornerstone of Ghana’s economic agenda. The initiative aims to increase public awareness regarding the value of technical skills and foster stronger partnerships between educational institutions and industrial players. Speaking at the launch, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu emphasized the urgent need for a skilled workforce that is specifically equipped to meet the evolving demands of the modern economy. He noted that the "Resetting TVET" agenda is designed to ensure that vocational training is no longer seen as a secondary option, but as a primary driver of national growth. The Director-General of the Ghana TVET Service supported this stance, highlighting the importance of aligning curricula with industry requirements and enhancing institutional support to ensure effective training delivery across the country. The week-long celebration, which runs from October 12 to 16, features a series of strategic activities including policy dialogues, industry engagements, and career guidance sessions. These programs are tailored to promote technical careers and demonstrate the potential for youth employment and entrepreneurship through skilled trades. Organisers expect these engagements to provide students and practitioners with the necessary insights to navigate the job market and contribute to the country's industrial transformation. By focusing on skills development and industry collaboration, the Ghana TVET Service intends to shift the national perception of technical education towards being a prestigious and viable career pathway. The successful implementation of these programmes is expected to bridge the skills gap in the labour market, thereby reducing youth unemployment and supporting the broader goal of sustainable economic development. The events in Tamale mark the beginning of a nationwide effort to integrate technical skills more deeply into the fabric of the Ghanaian economy.

General Legal Council admits 1,568 new lawyers to the Ghana Bar
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General Legal Council admits 1,568 new lawyers to the Ghana Bar

The General Legal Council has formally admitted 1,568 new lawyers to the Ghana Bar during the 63rd Call to the Bar ceremony held in Accra on October 9, 2026. This significant milestone marks the induction of a new cohort of legal practitioners into the profession after they successfully completed the professional law course. The ceremony, which drew a large crowd of family members, friends, and legal luminaries, was characterized by a celebratory atmosphere that observers described as resembling a street festival. Among the highlights of the event was the recognition of exceptional academic performance through various awards. Akosua Achiaa Sarpong, a graduate of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, was honored as the best all-round student of the graduating class. For her outstanding performance across the curriculum, she was presented with the prestigious John Mensah Sarbah Award. The ceremony also saw the attendance of several notable figures, including four Members of Parliament and various prominent media personalities, who gathered to witness the candidates being sworn in as officers of the court. Despite the festive mood, the occasion served as a platform to reflect on the significant hurdles faced by many aspiring lawyers in Ghana. Discussions surrounding the ceremony highlighted the heavy financial burdens and intense academic pressures endured by students during their rigorous legal education. There were renewed calls for the legal fraternity and stakeholders to provide enhanced support systems to ensure that deserving candidates from all backgrounds can access and succeed in the profession, ensuring that the cost of entry does not become a barrier to those seeking to serve the cause of justice.

Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tamale South, is captured speaking at a formal engagement while standing behind a podium. He is dressed in a dark navy suit and reddish-brown tie, set against a vibrant geometric background with a Ministry of Education logo visible.
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Haruna Iddrisu proposes 5-10% annual rent increase cap for universities

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced plans to establish a committee tasked with regulating annual rent adjustments in public universities. The proposal aims to create a predictable system for accommodation costs, suggesting a potential cap of 5 to 10 percent for annual increases. This move is designed to curb arbitrary price hikes that have left many students struggling to afford housing at tertiary institutions across the country. The Minister explained that the committee would provide formal recommendations to the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, on permissible rent adjustments. These recommendations would account for prevailing economic factors, such as inflation, ensuring that prices remain fair for both students and accommodation providers. By moving toward a more structured and regulated approach, the government intends to prevent the sudden and steep increases that have characterized the private hostel market in recent years. This policy intervention follows a growing outcry from students at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), who have raised concerns about the escalating costs of private housing. Students reported paying upwards of GH‵6,000 for shared private hostel rooms, many of which they described as cramped and inadequately equipped. The high costs relative to the quality of the facilities have prompted urgent calls for the government to act as a regulator to protect students from exploitation by private developers. The proposed committee is expected to investigate the specific drivers of rising accommodation costs and suggest long-term solutions to improve affordability. Beyond price caps, the initiative seeks to ensure that private hostels provide value for money by maintaining proper living standards and adequate facilities. Students and educational stakeholders are now looking to the Ministry for a swift implementation of these measures to alleviate the significant financial burden on the student population.

Education Minister asks GETFund to allocate GH¢100million to St. Paul's Technical School to produce beds for schools
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Haruna Iddrisu requests GH‵100m for St Paul’s Technical School furniture

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has requested the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to allocate GH‵100 million to St Paul’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) School in Kukurantumi. This funding is intended to transform the Eastern Region institution into a hub for the local production of school furniture, specifically beds and desks, to alleviate the chronic shortage currently affecting senior high schools across the country. The initiative aims to leverage the technical capacity of the school to manufacture essential items locally rather than relying on external procurement. Minister Iddrisu emphasized that this approach represents an innovative way to address the furniture deficit while promoting practical skill development. He further noted that other technical schools with the necessary manufacturing capabilities may be invited to join the partnership to ensure a steady supply of furniture for educational institutions nationwide. In addition to the GETFund request, the Minister disclosed broader plans for education financing, including a request for US$200 million from the World Bank. These funds are intended to support a new integrated basic education model. This proposal is separate from the US$300 million already approved for the STARR-J Project, which is dedicated to constructing and upgrading facilities specifically for students with special needs. Regarding the timeline for these improvements, Iddrisu indicated that major infrastructural projects typically require 12 to 18 months to reach completion. During his announcement, the Minister also touched upon the importance of the national democratic atmosphere, advocating for greater tolerance of dissent and the value of constructive criticism as the government works to improve the country's educational infrastructure.

Haruna Iddrisu inaugurates 19-member National Defence University Council
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Haruna Iddrisu inaugurates 19-member National Defence University Council

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has inaugurated the 19-member Governing Council of the National Defence University (NDU) in Accra, marking a major step in the development of Ghana’s first independent institution for high-level security and defence studies. The government has allocated GH•25m in seed funding to support the university's transition as it unifies various defence-related educational programmes under a single academic framework. The council will provide oversight for the institution, which aims to produce strategic leaders capable of addressing evolving national and regional security threats. The council is chaired by Professor John Owusu Gyapong, who expressed his commitment to building a foundation of equity and public trust for the new university. During the ceremony, Minister Iddrisu charged the council to uphold the highest standards of meritocracy and academic excellence. He emphasized that all admissions and appointments must be transparent and free from discrimination, ensuring the university becomes a premier center for research and strategic leadership development. The establishment of the NDU follows a decade of strategic planning and legislative milestones, including the receipt of its Presidential Charter. While a permanent campus is being developed at Whistler Barracks in Teshie, the university will initially operate through six accredited colleges. By training both military personnel and civilians, the institution seeks to strengthen military-civil relations and enhance the strategic capabilities of Ghana’s security architecture.

Haruna Iddrisu suspends Zakaria Abdulai over alleged sexual misconduct
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Haruna Iddrisu suspends Zakaria Abdulai over alleged sexual misconduct

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to immediately suspend Zakaria Abdulai, the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female student. The Minister has instructed the GES Director-General to implement the suspension to allow for a thorough investigation into the matter without interference. The Ministry emphasized that the gravity of the allegations necessitates an immediate administrative response to ensure the safety and well-being of the students at the institution. The decision to suspend the headmaster was prompted by media reports and an investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni and JoyNews. Upon reviewing the details brought to light by these investigations, the Ministry of Education deemed it necessary to take swift action. Haruna Iddrisu stated that the conduct described in the reports is entirely unacceptable and violates the trust placed in educational leaders. The Ministry is working closely with the relevant bodies to ensure all facts are gathered while the administrative suspension remains in force. In addition to the internal measures taken by the Ghana Education Service, the Minister has formally requested the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to launch its own investigation into the incident. This request aims to determine any criminal liability and ensure that justice is served according to the law. The parallel investigations by both the GES and the police will be conducted concurrently to provide a comprehensive resolution to the case and address the concerns of the affected student and her family. The Ministry of Education has used this development to reaffirm its zero-tolerance policy on all forms of sexual misconduct and abuse within educational institutions. It reminded all teachers and school administrators of their professional and ethical duty to safeguard children and maintain a secure learning environment. The Ministry further noted that it will continue to support investigations that protect the integrity of the educational sector and will not hesitate to take maximum disciplinary action against anyone found guilty of such misconduct.

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Ghana's Minister for Education, is shown speaking during an official meeting. He is dressed in a white traditional outfit and a striped fugu cap, seated at a desk with a GTV microphone and documents in front of him.
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Haruna Iddrisu urges GAUA to end strike for university reopening

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has appealed to the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) and the Technical Universities Senior Administrators Association of Ghana (TUSAAG) to call off their ongoing industrial action. The Minister expressed optimism that academic activities could resume by Sunday, October 18, 2026, with lectures officially scheduled to commence on October 19. This push follows significant delays at major institutions, including the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), which were forced to postpone their reopening dates due to the strike. The industrial action stems from several unresolved grievances, most notably a demand from GAUA to restore the market premium to 114% of the basic salary. GAUA President Rev. Kwaku Karikari Amoah noted that the premium has declined significantly since 2012, affecting the conditions of service for administrators. While salary-related negotiations fall under the jurisdiction of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Minister Iddrisu confirmed that the government is currently processing GH 12 million in outstanding allowances. Other issues, such as research allowances and retirement rollovers, were reportedly addressed during recent emergency meetings between the Ministry, GAUA, and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). In a move to ensure the 2026/2027 academic year begins without further delay, GTEC has directed all public universities to reopen by October 16. The Commission has instructed Vice-Chancellors to ensure that essential administrative services are operational by October 15 and to report on their institutional readiness. The Ministry of Education emphasized its commitment to resolving the remaining disputes through constructive dialogue, urging the unions to return to work while negotiations continue with the FWSC, which is expected to provide a formal response to the market premium demands by October 16. Minister Iddrisu emphasized that aligning the academic calendar and ensuring stability in tertiary institutions are key priorities under President John Mahama’s administration. Beyond the immediate strike resolution, the Minister addressed broader student welfare concerns, specifically the rising costs of private hostel accommodation. He suggested that the Student Loan Trust could potentially offer rent loans to students and encouraged university authorities to negotiate better terms with private hostel operators to alleviate the financial burden on students as they return to campus.

Education Minister assures teachers of salary adjustments by October 16
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Haruna Iddrisu pledges teacher salary adjustments by October 16

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has assured public pre-tertiary teachers that the government will pay outstanding promotion-related salary adjustments and arrears by October 16, 2026. This commitment follows the suspension of a two-week nationwide strike by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG). The industrial action, which began on September 25, was halted on October 9 after successful negotiations between the government and union leadership. During a monitoring visit to the Osu Presbyterian Cluster of Schools, Mr. Iddrisu emphasized that administrative processes are currently underway to validate records and ensure that all eligible teachers who received permanent promotions are paid. He acknowledged the financial constraints facing the government but reiterated a firm commitment to honoring the agreement. Beyond salary adjustments, the Minister noted that work is progressing to identify beneficiaries for a proposed 20% deprived-area allowance, which requires further validation to ensure accurate distribution to teachers in eligible regions. Following the strike's suspension, classrooms across the country officially reopened on October 12. In the Greater Accra Region, reporting indicated a high level of attendance, with teachers seen supervising assemblies and preparing lesson plans. However, the situation was more varied in other parts of the country; for instance, some primary schools in the Sunyani Municipality recorded low student attendance despite teachers being present. In contrast, Junior High Schools in the same area reported full classrooms, leading headteachers to urge parents to send their children back to school immediately to recover lost instructional time. The National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NC-PTAs) and the Council of State have both expressed relief at the resumption of classes, with the NC-PTAs specifically thanking President John Mahama for his intervention in the dispute. Both bodies have called for sustained dialogue and proactive engagement between the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the Ghana Education Service (GES), and the teacher unions. Stakeholders stressed that maintaining good faith and meeting the October 16 deadline is essential for ensuring long-term stability within the academic calendar.

WIWIK Foundation launches WIWIK 100 leadership programme for students
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WIWIK Foundation launches WIWIK 100 leadership programme for students

The What I Wish I Knew (WIWIK) Foundation has officially launched WIWIK 100, a new leadership development initiative aimed at university students across Ghana. This structured pathway is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical leadership, providing students with the tools needed to create meaningful community impact. The programme specifically targets undergraduate students at Level 200 and above from accredited institutions nationwide, offering a pathway to move beyond theoretical learning. The initiative includes several key stages, starting with a virtual summit scheduled for November 27, 2026. Following this initial engagement, selected participants will undergo a rigorous leadership journey that includes a boot camp and a comprehensive 18-month fellowship. This long-term commitment ensures that students receive consistent mentorship and structured training, moving beyond short-term seminars to foster sustained personal and professional growth through hands-on experience. Dr. Bernard Kwame Tawiah, the founder of the WIWIK Foundation, emphasized that the programme’s primary focus is on turning inspiration into tangible action. By equipping the youth with practical skills and professional guidance, the foundation aims to empower the next generation of Ghanaian leaders to solve local challenges effectively. To support the execution of this nationwide project, the foundation has also initiated a volunteer recruitment drive to assist in the delivery of the programme components. The WIWIK 100 programme represents a significant investment in Ghana's human capital, specifically focusing on the transition from student life to impactful leadership roles. Prospective applicants and interested volunteers can find more information regarding the application process and fellowship requirements through the WIWIK Foundation’s official digital platforms. This fellowship joins a growing list of private-sector-led educational interventions aimed at enhancing the employability and civic engagement of Ghanaian graduates.