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.

Rev. Peter Ankrah Doodoo, Manager of Shalom D Susu Enterprise, presenting the books to one of the students
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Save Nations Foundation and Shalom D Susu Enterprise Donate Over 11,000 Exercise Books to Accra Schools

As Ghanaian schools reopen for the new academic year, several educational institutions in Accra have received significant support from non-governmental organizations and private enterprises. These donations, primarily consisting of thousands of exercise books, are aimed at easing the financial burden on parents while ensuring that students from underserved communities are adequately prepared for their studies. The surge in philanthropic activity reflects a growing commitment from local stakeholders to bolster the national education system through direct community intervention. The Save Nations Foundation recently provided a consignment of exercise books to the Nooria Islamic Basic School in Accra. Mr. Isaac Kofi Dzokpo, the Co-Executive Founder of the foundation, highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote quality education and assist marginalized groups. According to Mr. Dzokpo, investing in educational materials is a vital step toward breaking the cycle of poverty and improving national educational outcomes. Madam Dorcas Dennis, the Assistant Headteacher of the school, welcomed the donation, noting its timeliness as students return to the classroom and require essential tools for learning. In a similar gesture of community support, Shalom D Susu Enterprise donated more than 11,200 exercise books to the Kwashieman Anglican Junior High School. Led by Rev. Peter Ankrah Doodoo, the enterprise focused on ensuring that the high volume of stationery would directly alleviate the economic pressure on families within the Kwashieman area. School authorities expressed profound gratitude for the contribution, emphasizing that such support significantly enhances the preparedness of both students and teachers for the curriculum ahead. This massive donation serves as a model for how local businesses can contribute to the development of human capital in their immediate vicinities. These collaborative efforts between the private sector, NGOs, and educational institutions underscore the critical role of stakeholders in Ghana’s education landscape. While the government continues to implement national policies, the interventions of organizations like Save Nations Foundation and Shalom D Susu Enterprise provide immediate, tangible relief to families struggling with the costs of schooling. Such initiatives are seen as essential components in fostering a conducive learning environment and ensuring that no child is left behind due to a lack of basic learning materials as they pursue their academic goals.

Ernest Brogya Genfi, Presidential Advisor on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness, speaking at the conference on behalf of Dr Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff
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Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah and KNUST Experts Call for Practical Academic Solutions to Drive National Development

The Ghanaian government and academic leaders are intensifying calls for higher education institutions to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application to drive national development. Speaking at the second Applied Research Conference of Accra Technical University (ARCATU), Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah emphasized the urgent need for stronger collaboration between universities, government, and industry. Simultaneously, experts at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have raised alarms regarding the socioeconomic impacts of poorly managed land acquisition, advocating for better resettlement strategies to prevent development projects from impoverishing local communities. Representing the Office of the President, Dr. Julius Debrah highlighted the persistent challenges in translating innovative ideas into tangible solutions for the Ghanaian economy. He urged technical universities to champion the "triple helix" model of collaboration, ensuring that academic inquiry directly addresses societal needs and industry demands. A significant portion of the discourse focused on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, with Dr. Debrah and ATU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kutsenadzie, calling for curricula that adapt to the evolving requirements of the global workforce. They stressed that fostering human-centered innovation and supporting young researchers is essential for the nation's technological advancement. In a parallel effort to address development hurdles through education, Professor Helen Michelle Korkor Essandoh, Director of the Regional Transport, Research and Education Centre (TRECK) at KNUST, emphasized the critical importance of proper land acquisition and resettlement practices. During a joint training program with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and the World Bank, Prof. Essandoh noted that inadequate management of displacement often leads to the loss of more than just homes; it strips individuals of their livelihoods and vital social networks. The training, focused on Environmental and Social Risk Management, aimed to equip professionals with the legal frameworks and stakeholder engagement skills necessary to minimize the negative impacts of infrastructure expansion. These developments signal a coordinated shift toward evidence-based governance and practical academic training in Ghana. By prioritizing applied research and socio-environmental safeguards, the nation’s educational leaders aim to ensure that national growth is both innovative and inclusive. Dr. Paul Rex Dankwah of GIMPA urged participants and researchers alike to apply their new expertise to promote sustainable development, ensuring that infrastructure progress does not come at the expense of the most vulnerable citizens.

GES and TVET Service Launch Crackdown on Unauthorized Admission Fees and Mandatory Prospectus Sales
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GES and TVET Service Launch Crackdown on Unauthorized Admission Fees and Mandatory Prospectus Sales

The Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ghana TVET Service have issued stern warnings and launched investigations into Senior High Schools (SHS) and technical institutions over the collection of unauthorized fees and the compulsory sale of school supplies. These directives, announced on September 22, 2026, come in response to numerous complaints from parents regarding financial barriers imposed during the ongoing admissions cycle. Both regulatory bodies emphasized that such practices undermine the government's commitment to equitable access to education and the integrity of the Free TVET policy. The GES is specifically probing reports that some SHS heads are compelling parents to purchase prospectus items directly from the schools at inflated prices rather than allowing them to buy from the open market. Daniel Fenyi, the GES Public Relations Officer, clarified that while schools may offer items for sale, they are strictly prohibited from making these purchases mandatory. Furthermore, the GES has issued guidance to ensure no student is denied admission due to financial constraints, including a specific directive against rejecting students based on the type of personal storage containers or trunks they bring to school. Simultaneously, the Ghana TVET Service has cautioned Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions against charging unapproved admission processing fees or requiring the purchase of prospectuses. The Service stated that these actions violate the mandates of the Free TVET policy, which aims to provide quality vocational training without unnecessary costs to families. To enforce compliance, the TVET Service is deploying Academic Calendar Monitoring Teams nationwide to assess admission processes. Heads of institutions found to be facilitating unauthorized charges have been warned they will face swift disciplinary action. These coordinated efforts by education authorities are designed to protect parents from exploitation and ensure a transparent enrollment process. Parents and guardians have been urged not to make any payments outside of officially approved fees and to report any instances of extortion or unauthorized demands to the appropriate authorities. By maintaining strict oversight, the GES and TVET Service aim to ensure that the transition to secondary and vocational education remains accessible to all Ghanaian children, regardless of their economic background.

An official, likely the Bono East Minister, wearing an orange hard hat and safety vest, speaks to the camera during an inspection of a school construction site. He is accompanied by another official in a lime green vest and a police officer in camouflage uniform, with a partially completed yellow and brown school building in the background.
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Bono East Regional Minister Addresses Severe Teacher Deficits and Infrastructure Challenges in Pru and Sene Districts

The Bono East Region is currently grappling with a significant educational crisis, as the Pru East, Pru West, and Sene West districts face acute teacher shortages and a lack of basic infrastructure. Despite ongoing government efforts under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration to eliminate "schools under trees," local education directors report that hundreds of teaching positions remain vacant, and dozens of schools still operate without permanent classrooms. Regional Minister Francis Owusu Antwi has been conducting inspection tours across these districts to monitor progress on new classroom blocks, while simultaneously demanding higher construction standards and greater urgency from contractors to meet the needs of thousands of students. In the Pru East District, Education Director Sylvester Tabiasi-Naa revealed a staggering deficit of 376 teachers and a shortage of nearly 3,000 pieces of furniture. Currently, 19 schools in the district are forced to hold classes outdoors, a situation mirrored in the Sene West District, where approximately 35 schools operate under trees. Sene West Education Director Seidu Iddrisu Bawa highlighted the severe impact on academic performance, noting that students in riverine communities often lose critical contact hours whenever it rains. Although some new teachers were posted this year—such as the 23 assigned to Sene West and 12 to Pru West—these numbers fall far short of the demand, especially as many existing staff members frequently apply for transfers out of these remote areas. Infrastructure improvements are underway, but they have not escaped criticism. During an inspection in Pru West, Minister Antwi expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of some projects and the slow pace of work. He specifically directed contractors to ensure that all new classrooms are disability-friendly and built with durable materials. In Sene West, the District Chief Executive, Khaari Fuseini, announced the construction of a modern block for Banyarko D/A Primary School, which will include dedicated washrooms and changing rooms. These facilities are designed to improve school attendance for girls during their menstrual cycles, addressing a key barrier to gender-equitable education in the region. To mitigate the immediate crisis, local leaders are turning to community-based solutions. In Pru East, the Member of Parliament is currently funding 11 volunteer teachers to fill gaps in remote schools. Educational authorities across the three districts are now calling for a policy shift toward localized recruitment, urging the government to prioritize the employment of trained teachers from the area who are more likely to remain in their postings. Minister Antwi concluded his tour by emphasizing that while the government will continue to provide infrastructure, the responsibility for maintaining these facilities rests with the local communities to ensure they serve future generations of Ghanaian students.

Ghana TVET Service Partners with UNESCO, KPMG, and Microsoft to Train 100,000 Facilitators in Artificial Intelligence
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Ghana TVET Service Partners with UNESCO, KPMG, and Microsoft to Train 100,000 Facilitators in Artificial Intelligence

The Ghana TVET Service has entered into a landmark strategic partnership with UNESCO, KPMG, and Microsoft to equip 100,000 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) facilitators with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital competencies. Launched under the "AI EmpowerED" initiative, the collaboration is designed to modernize the nation’s vocational education system and address the evolving needs of a technology-driven labor market. This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, represents a significant investment in Ghana’s human capital, aiming to bridge the digital divide and ensure that the country’s workforce remains competitive in an increasingly automated global economy. The initiative focuses on a multi-pronged approach that includes curriculum enhancement, instructor training, and the deployment of advanced digital tools across various institutions. Dr. Eric Kofi Adzroe, the Director-General of the Ghana TVET Service, emphasized that the program is a response to the necessity of a dynamic educational approach that aligns teaching methodologies with modern industry requirements. By strengthening institutional readiness and embedding AI-driven approaches into training, the partnership seeks to improve the overall quality and relevance of TVET delivery, ensuring facilitators are prepared to educate in a complex technological landscape. Beyond technical proficiency, the AI EmpowerED program places a significant emphasis on the ethical and responsible application of artificial intelligence in educational settings. Facilitators will be trained to navigate the challenges of AI, including mitigating risks such as algorithmic bias and misinformation. This focus on digital responsibility ensures that technology serves as an empowering tool for both instructors and students while maintaining the integrity of the educational process. The framework also aims to expand access to innovative learning resources, making technical education more inclusive and adaptive to the shifting demands of the global labor market. The implementation of this nationwide effort will be spearheaded by the Ghana TVET Service with strategic oversight from UNESCO and technical support from KPMG and Microsoft. The collaboration is expected to have far-reaching implications for youth employment and entrepreneurship in Ghana, creating new pathways for innovation and economic growth. As the program unfolds, it is positioned to serve as a sustainable blueprint for integrating emerging technologies into technical education, ultimately preparing a future-ready workforce capable of thriving in a rapidly changing economic environment.

Yango Group Concludes 2026 Pan-African Fellowship, Awarding $12,000 to Emerging African Tech Innovators
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Yango Group Concludes 2026 Pan-African Fellowship, Awarding $12,000 to Emerging African Tech Innovators

The Yango Group has successfully concluded its 2026 Pan-African Fellowship with a high-stakes Graduation and Pitch Day held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The ceremony marked the culmination of a rigorous 12-week program that brought together 24 talented fellows representing six African nations. These individuals were selected from a massive pool of over 600 applicants, highlighting the competitive nature of the initiative and the high demand for advanced technical training and mentorship among the continent’s burgeoning youth population. The program focused on building a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical, market-ready technological applications. Throughout the intensive three-month fellowship, participants focused on developing "locally rooted" technological solutions designed to address specific challenges within the African landscape. The projects presented during the Pitch Day spanned several critical sectors, including innovations in cashless payment systems, digital financial identities, and smart waste management. Among the standout participants was the team from Africoded, whose AI-driven job platform secured a portion of the USD 12,000 prize fund. These solutions demonstrate a shift toward leveraging artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to solve logistical and economic hurdles unique to the region. Beyond the financial awards, the Yango Fellowship serves a broader mission to strengthen local technical expertise and foster a sustainable digital ecosystem across the continent. By providing young innovators with direct access to mentorship and technical resources, the program aims to bridge the gap between academic education and industry-ready skills. This focus on internal capacity building ensures that the technological growth observed in Africa is not merely imported but built by those who understand the socio-economic context of their respective nations. As the 2026 cohort transitions into the professional world, the implications of their work are expected to resonate across the six participating countries. The success of this fellowship underscores the importance of private sector investment in advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and innovation. By investing in the next generation of tech leaders, Yango Group is helping position Africa as a proactive contributor to the global digital economy, ensuring that local talent has the tools to drive the continent's digital transformation.

Save Nations Foundation Donates Essential Learning Materials to Nooria Islamic Basic School in Accra
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Save Nations Foundation Donates Essential Learning Materials to Nooria Islamic Basic School in Accra

Save Nations Foundation (SNF), a non-governmental organization committed to social empowerment, has made a significant contribution to the Nooria Islamic Basic School in Accra by donating a substantial quantity of exercise books. This timely intervention is designed to bolster educational efforts in underserved urban communities, specifically targeting the financial hurdles families face during the school reopening period. By providing these basic academic supplies, the foundation seeks to ensure that every student has the necessary tools to participate fully in their lessons without the burden of resource scarcity. Isaac Kofi Dzokpo, the Co-Executive Founder of Save Nations Foundation, spoke passionately during the donation event about the critical role of education in socio-economic mobility. He noted that the initiative is rooted in the belief that education is the primary vehicle for breaking the cycle of poverty that affects many families in the region. Mr. Dzokpo further pledged that the foundation’s relationship with Nooria Islamic Basic School would be an ongoing partnership, promising continued advocacy and resource support to help the institution meet its educational goals. This gesture highlights the broader need for multi-stakeholder collaboration in the Ghanaian education sector. SNF's leadership expressed that the responsibility of nurturing the next generation should not fall solely on the government or the school administration. Instead, it requires the active participation of NGOs and private entities to address the systemic gaps that disadvantage children in low-income areas. As the academic year progresses, the foundation remains focused on creating sustainable educational outcomes through direct community engagement and resource mobilization.

Hon. Kofi Obiri Yeboah Supports Subin Students with Essential Supplies for Senior High School Transition
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Hon. Kofi Obiri Yeboah Supports Subin Students with Essential Supplies for Senior High School Transition

On September 21, 2026, the Member of Parliament for Subin Constituency, Hon. Lawyer Kofi Obiri Yeboah, launched a significant educational support initiative aimed at easing the transition for Junior High School (JHS) graduates entering Senior High School (SHS). The MP distributed a wide array of essential items to students and their families to mitigate the rising costs associated with secondary education enrollment. This initiative specifically targets the financial hurdles that often arise during the transition phase between basic and secondary levels of education. The donation included critical school supplies such as metal trunks, chop boxes, and mattresses, alongside various food items. During the presentation, Hon. Obiri Yeboah highlighted that these provisions are intended to lift the financial weight from the shoulders of parents within the constituency. He shared personal reflections on how education served as a transformative force in his own life, expressing a desire to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the academic aspirations of the youth in his community. This recent gesture is part of a structured, long-term commitment to education in the Subin district. The MP's office revealed that this initiative follows a previous program where scholarships were awarded to 500 deserving students. Moving forward, Hon. Obiri Yeboah announced that this distribution exercise would be established as an annual event, ensuring that subsequent batches of students can look forward to similar support as they advance in their academic journeys. Beyond the material donations, the MP used the platform to offer counsel to the beneficiaries. He urged the students to maintain a steadfast focus on their studies and to steer clear of negative social influences that could derail their progress. By investing in both the physical tools and the moral encouragement of students, the MP aims to foster a more resilient and educated workforce for the future of the Subin Constituency.

Spokesperson for Dr. Adutwum Alleges Administrative Turf War Compromising Free SHS Program
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Spokesperson for Dr. Adutwum Alleges Administrative Turf War Compromising Free SHS Program

A spokesperson for Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has alleged that a 'turf war' between the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) is undermining the stability of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program. The core of the disagreement reportedly involves the admission figures for approximately 60,000 students, a discrepancy that has caused significant delays in the release of essential funds to secondary schools across the country. This administrative deadlock is leaving many school heads unable to meet basic operational costs, creating a burgeoning crisis in the education sector. The consequences of these funding delays are already being felt on the ground, with reports emerging that schools have ceased providing certain items previously covered by the government. Specifically, uniforms and housedresses—which were designed to be free under the policy—are allegedly being sold to parents by some institutions. The spokesperson described these sales as a 'silent protest' from school administrators who are struggling to keep their doors open in the face of inadequate financial support. The shift from free provision to direct sales marks a significant departure from the established norms of the Free SHS initiative. There are growing concerns that if the impasse between the Ministry and the GES is not resolved promptly, the situation could escalate to widespread school closures. The spokesperson warned that the current lack of coordination is pushing the educational system toward a breaking point. As the government navigates these administrative challenges, the priority remains ensuring that the 60,000 students at the heart of the dispute, and their peers nationwide, do not suffer further academic or financial disruptions due to internal governance failures.

Jomoro MP Dorcas Affo-Toffey Awards Scholarship Packages to Over 1,000 BECE Candidates
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Jomoro MP Dorcas Affo-Toffey Awards Scholarship Packages to Over 1,000 BECE Candidates

Dorcas Affo-Toffey, the Member of Parliament for Jomoro and Deputy Transport Minister, has launched a significant educational support initiative by providing scholarship packages to more than 1,000 students. This move targets needy but talented individuals who recently completed their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and are now transitioning into various Senior High Schools (SHS) across the country. The initiative underscores her ongoing commitment to human capital development within the Jomoro constituency, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder the academic progress of promising young learners. The scholarship program is designed to alleviate the financial burden on families whose children have excelled academically but face economic constraints in pursuing secondary education. By targeting over 1,000 candidates, the MP's intervention ensures that a substantial portion of the youth in Jomoro can access the benefits of second-cycle education without immediate financial distress. This support comes at a critical juncture in the academic calendar as students prepare for admission into their respective institutions, providing a much-needed safety net for households navigating the costs of the new school term. Beyond the immediate financial relief, this initiative reflects a broader strategy by Affo-Toffey to improve literacy and educational outcomes in her district. As the Deputy Minister for Transport, her dual role allows her to leverage influence to secure resources for local development projects, with education remaining a primary pillar of her service. The scholarships are expected to cover essential costs and logistical requirements for the students, many of whom might have otherwise struggled to secure the necessary supplies to begin their SHS journey. The MP’s continued focus on educational advocacy is viewed by constituents as a vital contribution to the long-term prosperity of the Jomoro area. By investing in the academic potential of the youth, the initiative aims to build a more skilled workforce capable of contributing to national development. This latest round of support follows previous efforts by the MP to bolster social services, signaling a sustained interest in bridging the gap between talent and opportunity for the next generation of Ghanaian leaders.

Archbishop Charles Palmer-Buckle Cautions Against 'Protocol' Admissions to Protect Catholic School Standards
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Archbishop Charles Palmer-Buckle Cautions Against 'Protocol' Admissions to Protect Catholic School Standards

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Reverend Charles Palmer-Buckle, has issued a stern warning to Catholic parents against using improper influence, commonly referred to as "protocol," to secure admissions for underperforming children in Catholic schools. Speaking at the 80th Anniversary Lecture of St Paul’s Commandery, the Archbishop emphasized that such practices risk diluting the academic excellence and high standards for which Catholic educational institutions are known across Ghana. He urged parents to prioritize merit and focus on supporting their children’s educational development rather than relying on social or religious status to bypass competitive admission processes. Archbishop Palmer-Buckle clarified that being a member of the Catholic Church does not serve as a guaranteed ticket for admission into these prestigious institutions. He expressed concern that when parents use influence to place children in schools they may not be academically prepared for, it places an undue burden on the schools and can lead to a decline in overall performance. Instead of seeking shortcuts, the Archbishop encouraged parents to actively engage in their children's learning journey, ensuring they meet the required benchmarks through hard work and discipline. The discourse on admissions comes amid a significant policy shift by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference. In 2025, the Conference decided to advocate for reserving 20% of admissions in Catholic schools specifically for Catholic candidates. While this policy aims to preserve the Catholic identity of these schools, the Archbishop’s latest comments serve as a reminder that this quota should not be exploited to lower educational standards. As the dialogue between the Church and the Ghana Education Service continues, the focus remains on balancing religious heritage with the pursuit of academic rigor and integrity in the national education system.

St Peter’s SHS Old Boys Launch 70th Anniversary Countdown with Plans for New 1,000-Seater Dining Hall
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St Peter’s SHS Old Boys Launch 70th Anniversary Countdown with Plans for New 1,000-Seater Dining Hall

The St Peter’s Old Boys Association (PERSCOBA) has officially launched the countdown to the school’s 70th anniversary with a major commitment to upgrade the institution’s infrastructure. At a ceremony held on September 19, 2023, at the University of Ghana, the alumni association unveiled plans for a signature legacy project: the construction of a new 1,000-seater dining hall and a modernized kitchen facility. The initiative, themed "Run to 70 – Every Step Counts," marks the beginning of a four-year journey leading up to the grand anniversary celebrations in 2027. The proposed legacy project seeks to address the urgent need for expanded facilities at St Peter’s Senior High School (PERSCO). In addition to the massive dining hall, the plans include a complete overhaul of the school’s kitchen and pantry areas to replace outdated infrastructure that has struggled to keep pace with the growing student population. Chairman Ing. Patrick Okoto and Global President David Adade Boafo have called on all old boys to embrace their collective responsibility in funding and executing the project, ensuring that the school continues to provide a conducive environment for future generations of students. To kickstart the mobilization efforts, the alumni organized a community health and networking event featuring walking, jogging, and aerobics. This "Run to 70" event served as a platform for various year groups to reconnect and foster a sense of camaraderie essential for the fundraising tasks ahead. President David Adade Boafo emphasized that the journey to 2027 is about more than just a single celebration; it is about building momentum and strengthening the bond between the alumni and their alma mater. As the school prepares for its platinum jubilee, the series of planned activities will focus on both institutional development and community engagement. The successful launch of the legacy project signals a proactive approach by PERSCOBA to take the lead in school development, a trend increasingly seen in the Ghanaian education sector where alumni associations play a pivotal role in maintaining academic and residential standards. The project is expected to be a centerpiece of the 2027 celebrations, standing as a testament to the enduring impact of the St Peter’s community.