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.

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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Announces Furniture Procurement for SHSs to End Double-Track System

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance to procure essential furniture for Senior High Schools (SHSs) across Ghana. This initiative is specifically designed to address the furniture shortages that currently prevent many schools from transitioning from the double-track system to a single-track academic calendar. During a monitoring visit to schools in the Western Region, including Tarkwa SHS, the Minister highlighted that while several institutions possess the necessary physical classroom space, they currently lack the desks and chairs required to accommodate all students at once. The Minister emphasized that the primary goal of this procurement is to maximize the utility of existing infrastructure. By equipping schools with the necessary furniture, the government aims to increase their capacity to host full student populations simultaneously, thereby phasing out the separate academic tracks. This transition is seen as a critical step in streamlining secondary education and improving the overall learning environment for both students and staff. The collaboration with the Ministry of Finance ensures that the financial backing is in place to support these vital infrastructure enhancements and infrastructure optimizations. The announcement underscores the government's ongoing efforts to improve educational infrastructure and ensure equitable access to quality secondary education. As the procurement process moves forward, the expected shift to a single-track system in selected schools will provide a more consistent academic schedule and reduce the logistical burdens on school administrations. This initiative marks a significant development in the government's strategy to bolster the Free SHS policy and provide students with the resources necessary for academic success, ensuring that no student is left behind due to physical resource constraints.

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to Lead New 11-Member Council for Legal Education and Training Board
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Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to Lead New 11-Member Council for Legal Education and Training Board

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has been appointed to chair the newly inaugurated 11-member Board of the Council for Legal Education and Training (CLET). This strategic appointment follows the recent passage of the Legal Education Act, a legislative milestone intended to overhaul the administration and standards of legal training across the country. The council is tasked with providing rigorous oversight and ensuring that the development of legal education in Ghana meets modern judicial and professional requirements. The board’s composition reflects a high-level collaboration between the judiciary, the government, and the academic community. Joining Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie are distinguished legal minds, including Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang and Court of Appeal Justice Jennifer Abena Dadzie. The inclusion of representatives from various academic institutions and leading law schools ensures that the board maintains a balanced perspective on the pedagogical and practical challenges facing legal students today. A primary focus for the new CLET board will be the full implementation of the Legal Education Act. The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has already signaled its support for the board’s mandate, emphasizing that the effective execution of this legislation is critical for the advancement of the legal profession. By providing structured oversight of professional law courses and training modules, the board aims to address longstanding concerns regarding the accessibility and quality of legal education in Ghana. As the legal sector transitions into this new regulatory era, the Baffoe-Bonnie-led council is expected to serve as a bridge between academic preparation and professional practice. The board’s efforts are geared toward fostering a more transparent and efficient training system, which is seen as a vital step in strengthening the rule of law and enhancing the overall administration of justice. The coming months will likely see the board rollout specific reform initiatives aimed at modernizing the path to the bar for future legal professionals.

Ghana Education Service Prohibits SHS Heads from Rejecting Students Over Trunk and Chop Box Types
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Ghana Education Service Prohibits SHS Heads from Rejecting Students Over Trunk and Chop Box Types

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a stern directive to heads of Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) across the country, prohibiting them from denying boarding accommodation to newly admitted students based on the type of storage containers they bring. This move comes in response to numerous reports of schools turning away students who arrived with traditional metal trunks or wooden chop boxes that did not align with specific, often more expensive, institutional preferences. The directive aims to ensure that no student is denied their right to education based on their choice of personal storage. The GES emphasized that this intervention is primarily aimed at alleviating the mounting financial pressures on parents and guardians. By mandating the acceptance of various container types, the Service seeks to ensure that students from diverse economic backgrounds are treated with equity and respect. The directive clarifies that as long as the storage items are of a "reasonable size" and do not pose a safety risk to other students or the school environment, they must be permitted within the boarding houses. This policy is intended to prevent schools from imposing unnecessary costs on families who may already be struggling with other educational expenses. In its official communication, the Service warned that any school head found to be in violation of these instructions would face severe disciplinary action according to service regulations. The GES has committed to investigating all reported cases of discrimination or refusal of admission linked to storage preferences. This strict stance highlights the government's broader effort to minimize barriers to entry for students entering the secondary education cycle, reinforcing the principle that institutional preferences should not supersede student access. As the reporting date for new students approaches, the GES's directive serves as a critical reminder to educational administrators of their obligation to facilitate a smooth transition for all learners. The Service maintains that no student should be penalized or marginalized due to their financial circumstances, ensuring that the start of the academic year is defined by academic readiness rather than the material quality of a student's luggage. This directive is expected to provide significant relief to thousands of households during the current admission cycle.

A close-up photograph of a man, identified as the Talensi District Chief Executive, speaking during a media engagement. He is captured in a radio studio setting with a professional microphone in the foreground and a Dreamz 101.9 FM logo on the wall behind him.
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Talensi DCE John Millim Nabwomya Highlights Strategic Education Infrastructure and Welfare Interventions

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Talensi, Hon. John Millim Nabwomya, has detailed a series of strategic interventions aimed at revitalizing the educational landscape within the district. Speaking in a recent interview with Apexnewsgh, the DCE emphasized that his administration has prioritized the construction of new facilities and the provision of essential learning materials to ensure a conducive environment for students. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to improving literacy and academic performance across the district through targeted investments in human capital and physical infrastructure. Key among the completed projects are new school blocks situated in Gazore and Gatu, alongside a significant facility upgrade at the Tongo Senior High Technical School. Beyond structural developments, the Talensi District Assembly has addressed the acute shortage of learning equipment by procuring and distributing 1,200 dual desks. Additionally, a variety of tables and chairs have been supplied to schools across the district to alleviate the furniture deficit that previously hindered student comfort and concentration in the classroom. The Assembly has also demonstrated resilience in the face of natural disasters, specifically regarding the repair of school infrastructure damaged by recent storms. Hon. Nabwomya noted that these restoration efforts were financed primarily through internal funds, bolstered by timely contributions from local individuals within the community. Recognizing that teacher motivation is critical to educational success, the DCE also announced that plans are currently underway to construct new housing units for educators, a move intended to resolve long-standing accommodation challenges that often deter staff from accepting postings in rural areas. Looking toward the future, the DCE reaffirmed his office's dedication to promoting girl-child education, identifying it as a pillar of the administration's social development strategy. He expressed gratitude to various partners whose collaborations have been instrumental in executing these initiatives. By combining infrastructure growth with social advocacy and teacher welfare, the Talensi District Assembly aims to create a sustainable educational framework that serves all learners and prepares them for future opportunities.

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Education Experts Link 50,000 BECE Failures to Ghana's Crisis in Foundational Learning

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reported that over 50,000 students failed the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), sparking a national debate on the state of Ghana’s education system. While the high failure rate has caused alarm among parents and stakeholders, experts argue that these results are merely a symptom of a much deeper, long-standing crisis in foundational learning. The data suggests that many students are reaching the Junior High School (JHS) level without the basic literacy and numeracy skills required to navigate more complex academic curricula, leading to a predictable breakdown during national assessments. Analysis from the "Let’s Talk Education Africa" podcast suggests that the educational journey is compromised long before students sit for their final basic exams. Current studies indicate that a significant percentage of younger learners across the country fall well below basic proficiency levels in core subjects. This cumulative deficit means that as students progress through the years, the gap between their actual ability and the curriculum’s demands widens. Educationist Senyo Tettegah emphasizes that the focus of national discourse should shift from blaming the BECE results to addressing the systemic learning deficiencies that begin in early childhood education. To address this challenge, there is an urgent call for a simplified curriculum and a more strategic allocation of resources toward foundational levels. Proponents of reform highlight successful local initiatives such as the Differentiated Learning Plus program, which has already demonstrated positive outcomes by tailoring instruction to individual student needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. By prioritizing foundational skills, the government and educational agencies can ensure that students are not merely pushed through the system but are actually acquiring the competencies necessary for higher-level learning. Ultimately, the 2026 BECE results serve as a wake-up call for the current administration under President John Mahama to intensify efforts in educational reform. Addressing these inequalities early on is essential to ensuring that every Ghanaian child, regardless of their background, has an equal opportunity for academic success. Experts conclude that until the nation treats foundational learning as a critical systemic priority rather than an isolated early-grade concern, the cycle of high failure rates at the BECE level is likely to persist.

New Juaben North Schools Struggle with Severe Furniture Shortage as Four Pupils Share Single Desks
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New Juaben North Schools Struggle with Severe Furniture Shortage as Four Pupils Share Single Desks

The New Juaben North Education Directorate has issued an urgent appeal for additional furniture to address a critical shortage in schools across the municipality, where as many as four pupils are currently forced to share a single desk. This overcrowding crisis has significant implications for student concentration and academic performance. Despite recent efforts to bolster school infrastructure, officials warn that the current supply of desks and chairs remains woefully inadequate to meet the needs of the growing student population in the Eastern Region municipality. Okyere Boateng Samuel, the Head of Planning and Statistics at the Education Directorate, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the furniture deficit creates a physical environment that is fundamentally unsuited for effective teaching and learning. The discomfort and lack of personal space for students not only hinder their writing and reading activities but also disrupt the overall classroom dynamic. While the Municipal Assembly has recently provided over 1,000 chairs, Mr. Samuel emphasized that this contribution is only a partial solution to a much larger systemic problem that requires sustained investment. Addressing the initiative, Municipal Chief Executive Samuel Adongo explained that the recent provision of furniture was driven by a central government directive to utilize a portion of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) for educational improvements. This strategic use of funds aims to alleviate some of the most pressing infrastructural gaps in the district. The 1,000 newly donated chairs are slated for immediate distribution to schools that have been identified as having the most acute furniture shortages. The situation in New Juaben North underscores a broader national challenge regarding school infrastructure and the equitable distribution of resources. As the Municipal Assembly continues to identify and prioritize schools in need, the Education Directorate maintains that additional support from the private sector and non-governmental organizations may be necessary to bridge the gap. Improving these learning conditions is seen as a vital step in ensuring that students in the municipality can pursue their education in a dignified and conducive environment.

Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, at the CSSPS Resolution Centre at the GNAT Hall to monitor the ongoing exercise and assess the progress being made in addressing placement concerns
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Democracy Project Outlines Critical Reforms to Resolve Senior High School Placement Crisis

Ghana’s education sector is currently grappling with significant structural challenges, particularly concerning the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). A recent analysis by the Democracy Project has highlighted the political complexities surrounding these reforms, especially the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program. Introduced by the previous administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, the program has successfully expanded access to secondary education, yet it continues to face logistical hurdles that complicate the placement process for students across the country. Despite the operational difficulties and political debates, public support for the Free SHS initiative remains remarkably high. Data indicates that approximately 86% of Ghanaians back the program, viewing it as an essential pillar for the nation's development. However, this popular support coexists with serious concerns regarding the implementation of the policy. The Democracy Project notes that political nuances often influence education policy, and there is a growing consensus on the need to minimize partisan interference to ensure the system’s long-term stability and effectiveness. To address these issues, the Democracy Project has identified three critical areas for reform. The first focuses on overcoming financial barriers without sacrificing the academic readiness of students entering senior high school. Second, there is a call to expand access while ensuring that students have clear pathways for progression into post-secondary education. Finally, the analysis emphasizes the need for better guidance for parents and students during the school selection process, a move intended to reduce the recurring placement crisis that causes anxiety for families each academic year. The ongoing discussion regarding education reform is vital for the future of Ghanaian students and the nation’s economic prospects. As the country moves forward under the current leadership of President John Mahama, the lessons learned from the Free SHS rollout will be crucial. By balancing the goals of accessibility and quality, and by addressing the specific technical failures in the placement system, Ghana can better prepare its youth for the challenges of the modern economy and ensure that the education system remains a powerful driver of social mobility.

Shatta Wale Urges UPSA Students to Prioritize Entrepreneurial Mindset and Mental Preparedness
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Shatta Wale Urges UPSA Students to Prioritize Entrepreneurial Mindset and Mental Preparedness

Ghanaian dancehall icon and entrepreneur Shatta Wale has challenged students at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), to look beyond their academic certificates and cultivate a robust entrepreneurial mindset. Speaking at the UPSA 1000 and Ghana Entrepreneurship Conference, the musician emphasized that while formal education provides a foundation, real-world success in Ghana's evolving economy requires a shift in mental preparedness and a proactive approach to wealth creation. He urged the student body to recognize that academic achievements are only the beginning of their professional journeys. During his address, Shatta Wale highlighted the critical roles of adaptability, discipline, and lifelong learning as the true drivers of career longevity. He encouraged students to view every challenge encountered during their studies and early careers as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback. By stressing that personal growth must precede financial accomplishments, the artist emphasized that building a sustainable business requires a foundation of character and resilience. This perspective aims to shift the focus from quick wealth to the long-term development of professional value. A significant portion of the discourse focused on the digital economy and the power of modern tools. Shatta Wale encouraged the university community to leverage technology and social media platforms for income generation, pointing out that the digital landscape offers unprecedented avenues for starting small businesses and reaching global markets. He advised students to maintain the discipline necessary to use these tools effectively for wealth creation rather than mere entertainment. The engagement at UPSA reflects a growing trend of industry leaders providing practical insights within academic spaces to better prepare the next generation of Ghanaian leaders. By bridging the gap between entertainment and professional development, the conference aimed to equip students with the mental resilience needed to navigate a competitive job market. Shatta Wale’s message serves as a compelling call to action for youth to take ownership of their professional destinies through innovation, self-discipline, and a commitment to continuous self-improvement.

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Nicholas Boadi Baafi Calls for Urgent CSSPS Reform Amid Placement Crisis Affecting 55,000 Students

The Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) is currently facing significant operational hurdles, leading to a crisis that has left approximately 55,000 students without initial school placements. Mr. Nicholas Boadi Baafi, the former Free SHS Coordinator for the Oti Region, has identified management weaknesses and recent system changes as the primary drivers of this year's placement difficulties. While the CSSPS has experienced periodic challenges since its 2005 inception, Baafi noted that the current resurgence of issues in 2025 coincides with the transition of personnel following the change in government, suggesting a loss of institutional memory and expertise within the system's administration. Baafi specifically criticized the lack of adequate training for officials overseeing the current school selection process. A major point of contention is the new approach where students select their preferred schools after receiving their examination results. Although this shift was intended to streamline the process by matching students to schools based on actual performance, Baafi argues it has instead yielded widespread confusion. Furthermore, the decision to allow students to select two Category A schools has significantly heightened expectations and increased anxiety among parents and candidates as competition for top-tier institutions intensified, leading to a higher volume of unplaced students. Beyond the technical failures of the placement system, Baafi highlighted broader educational disparities, particularly within the Oti Region. He pointed to persistent teacher shortages as a critical barrier to student performance, which in turn complicates the placement process when students do not meet the competitive thresholds of their chosen schools. He warned that the success of the Free SHS policy is being undermined by these administrative and structural gaps, which require immediate attention from the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service. In his concluding remarks, the former coordinator urged the government and educational stakeholders to adopt a strictly non-partisan approach to school placement and general educational policy. Baafi asserted that the focus must remain on the academic success and well-being of all Ghanaian children, rather than political considerations. He called for the reintegration of experienced hands who understand the nuances of the Free SHS policy to stabilize the CSSPS and ensure that no student is left behind due to technical or managerial inefficiency.

A group of officials and traditional leaders are seen during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the commissioning of new school blocks. A man in a suit cuts the ceremonial white ribbon with scissors while holding a microphone, flanked by a traditional chief in vibrant kente cloth. In the background, school children and community members gather under event tents for the occasion.
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Atwima Nwabiagya North DCE Commissions First-Ever School Blocks for Nketia and Akwaboa

Mr. Mba Zechariah Alenbilla, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya North, has inaugurated the first-ever kindergarten and primary school blocks for the Nketia and Akwaboa communities in the Ashanti Region. This milestone development ends years of hardship for local children who, until now, were forced to travel to neighboring communities to access basic education. Funded through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), the new infrastructure is designed to provide a foundational learning environment within the immediate reach of the two communities, significantly reducing the risks and fatigue associated with long-distance travel for young learners. During the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Alenbilla emphasized that these projects align with President John Dramani Mahama’s priorities to enhance local education and social amenities across the country. The DCE urged the residents to demonstrate a strong sense of ownership and cooperation to ensure the facilities are well-maintained. He also issued a stern warning to the public against using the classrooms for improper behaviors or non-academic activities, stressing that the integrity of the learning environment must be preserved for the benefit of the students. Providing technical and administrative assurance, the District Director of Education, Mr. Frank Duah Boateng, announced that the Ghana Education Service is prepared to post teachers to the new schools immediately. He encouraged parents in the area to prioritize their children's future by registering them for the upcoming academic term. While celebrating the new blocks, community leaders, led by Akwaboahene Nana Kusi Agyapong Appau I, noted that this is only the first step. They appealed to the government for further support, specifically citing the need for a Junior High School (JHS) block and improved sanitation facilities to ensure a complete and healthy educational cycle for the local youth.

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Kosmos Innovation Centre Propels Youth Agribusinesses as 2026 AgriTech Challenge Pro Completes Initial Pitching Milestone

The 2026 Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC) AgriTech Challenge Pro has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of its initial pitching phase. This program, which focuses on identifying and nurturing young entrepreneurs, aims to address critical challenges within Ghana's agricultural and food value chains by transforming innovative ideas into sustainable, market-ready agribusinesses. Through this initiative, KIC is fostering a new generation of agricultural leaders equipped to drive economic growth and food security across the country. Participating startups, including Food Resilience Ltd, Kebab Masters, and SheaTech Innovations, have progressed through a rigorous curriculum of structured training, coaching, and professional mentorship. This year's program places a heightened emphasis on product development and food innovation, ensuring that the solutions presented are not only creative but also technically sound and commercially viable. These young innovators are being prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern market, moving from conceptual stages to operational realities. Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, the Executive Director of KIC, underscored the organization's dedication to supporting young innovators as they navigate the hurdles of building sustainable enterprises. This initiative is a core component of the Mastercard Foundation's Initiative for Youth in Agricultural Transformation (IYAT). By providing a robust support system, the collaboration aims to promote job creation and modernize the agricultural sector, ensuring that the youth are at the forefront of Ghana's agricultural evolution. As these startups move forward from the first pitching milestone, the focus remains on refining their business models and scaling their impact. The continued mentorship and resource allocation provided by KIC and its partners are expected to result in a suite of new businesses that can effectively tackle local agricultural issues. This progression highlights the vital role of specialized training and innovation hubs in securing the future of Ghana's agribusiness landscape.

Dr (Sir) Sam Esson Jonah (right), the Chancellor of UCC, presenting certificate of honour to Kwesi Pratt Jr. (3rd from right). With them include Marian Baaba Pratt (2nd from right), wife of the awardee and some UCC management
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University of Cape Coast Confers Honorary Doctorate on Veteran Journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr.

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has formally recognized the lifelong contributions of veteran journalist and activist Kwesi Pratt Jnr. by conferring upon him an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree. The special ceremony, which coincided with the 15th Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lectures, celebrated Pratt’s unwavering commitment to journalism, the advancement of democracy, and the cause of African emancipation. UCC Chancellor Dr. Sam Esson Jonah presented the honor, emphasizing Pratt’s role as a stalwart of independent media and a champion of civic engagement in Ghana. In his remarks, Dr. Sam Esson Jonah highlighted the significant impact Pratt has had on public discourse, noting that his work has consistently challenged the status quo and promoted accountability. The university acknowledged that Pratt's career represents a dedicated struggle for social justice and the realization of Pan-African ideals. The alignment of the award ceremony with the memorial lectures for Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah served to underscore the intellectual and ideological connection between Pratt's professional life and the legacy of Ghana's first president. Accepting the honor, Dr. Kwesi Pratt Jnr. reflected on his long-standing association with the University of Cape Coast, which began as far back as 1976. He credited Kwame Nkrumah as the primary influence on his work and his commitment to the broader "African project," urging the audience to maintain courage in their civic responsibilities. Pratt emphasized the importance of independent journalism as a tool for liberation and unity, stating that the struggle for African emancipation remains as relevant today as it was during the era of decolonization. The ceremony concluded with Pratt expressing profound gratitude to the university and pledging his ongoing support for its institutional development. Describing UCC as a pivotal force in shaping national discourse, he reaffirmed his dedication to the values that earned him the doctorate. This recognition serves as a significant milestone in Pratt’s career and highlights the University of Cape Coast’s commitment to honoring individuals who have shaped the nation’s socio-political landscape through consistent and principled advocacy.