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.

UCC confers honorary doctorate on Kwesi Pratt Jnr
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UCC Honours Kwesi Pratt Jnr. as Frank Adu Jnr. Assumes Chancellorship at AUCB

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the African University College of Communications and Business (AUCB) marked significant leadership milestones this September, celebrating veteran contributions to journalism and the start of a new era in digital-focused higher education. At a special congregation held on September 18, 2026, UCC conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) on veteran journalist and Pan-Africanist Kwesi Pratt Jnr. The honor recognizes Pratt’s decades of commitment to independent journalism, democracy, and the ideals of African emancipation. During the ceremony, UCC Chancellor Sir Sam Jonah praised Pratt’s role in shaping public discourse, while Vice-Chancellor Prof. Denis Aheto highlighted the university's growth, including new student accommodation and an advanced e-Campus. Speaking at the 15th Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lectures held alongside the congregation, Sir Sam Jonah urged Ghanaians to pivot from debating Kwame Nkrumah’s political legacy toward emulating his practical nation-building initiatives. He emphasized that the first President’s focus on industrialization and infrastructure, such as the Akosombo Dam, remains the blueprint for modern development. Jonah challenged academic institutions to move beyond theoretical arguments and engage in actionable knowledge production that addresses contemporary national aspirations. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Kwesi Pratt Jnr. echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the enduring influence of Nkrumah’s Pan-African ideals on his own lifelong struggle for African unity. Simultaneously in Accra, the African University College of Communications and Business (AUCB) inaugurated Mr. Frank B. Adu Jnr., the former Managing Director of CalBank, as its first Chancellor. Following the institution’s receipt of a presidential charter, Adu Jnr. outlined a transformative five-point vision aimed at making AUCB a digitally driven, financially self-sustaining leader in higher education. He pledged to modernize the curriculum by integrating artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital literacy across all programs. Adu Jnr. emphasized the necessity of ‘practice-ready’ graduates, proposing an industry-embedded model where practitioners actively participate in teaching and students utilize technology-focused facilities to prepare for a digital economy. Adding to the season of institutional milestones, the Ghana Fellowship of Evangelical Students (GHAFES) made history by inducting Amma Asamoabea Eleblu as its first female Board Chairperson during its 60th-anniversary celebrations at the University of Ghana. Succeeding Ing. Kwame Kpekpena, Eleblu—an experienced leader and entrepreneur—committed to strengthening the organization's governance and financial sustainability while fostering deeper engagement between students and alumni. Collectively, these developments across UCC, AUCB, and GHAFES signal a period of renewal in Ghana’s educational landscape, characterized by a dual focus on honoring historical legacies and embracing the technological demands of the future.

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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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Announces SHS Menu Quality Boost and GH"4.2 Billion Feeding Budget for 2026/2027 Academic Year

As Senior High Schools (SHS) across Ghana reopened on September 18 for the 2026/2027 academic year, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has assured students and parents of a significant improvement in meal provisions and nutritional standards. During a monitoring visit to Tarkwa Senior High School, the Minister announced that President John Mahama has specifically directed a comprehensive review of the SHS menu to enhance the quality of food served to students. This directive aims to address long-standing concerns regarding student welfare by introducing higher protein options, including chicken and eggs, into the daily school diet. To support these nutritional improvements, the government has allocated GH"4.2 billion for the Free SHS feeding program for the current fiscal year. Minister Iddrisu revealed plans to nearly double the feeding grant, increasing it from the previous GH"8 to GH"15 per student. This financial commitment is intended to prevent food shortages and ensure that schools are well-resourced to handle the influx of returning students. The academic calendar is already in full swing, with Form One and Form Two students projected to complete the year by July 30, 2027, while Form Three students are scheduled to finish their final examinations by June 18, 2027. While the current administration focuses on student nutrition, broader discussions regarding the structural reforms of the education sector continue to highlight both successes and systemic hurdles. Reports from the Democracy Project indicate that the Free SHS program, originally initiated under the previous Akufo-Addo administration, maintains a high level of public approval at 86%. However, the sector still faces a "placement crisis" and political nuances that complicate implementation. Key challenges identified include persistent financial barriers, varying levels of student preparedness for secondary education, and a need for better guidance for parents during the computerized school selection process. Moving forward, the Ministry of Education emphasizes that these reforms—ranging from infrastructure assessments to nutritional upgrades—are essential for the future of Ghanaian students and the nation's development. By prioritizing student welfare and addressing the complexities of the placement system, the government aims to minimize political interference in education. The Minister's ongoing school tours will continue to assess infrastructure needs and ensure that the increased feeding grants and revised menus are effectively implemented across all regions to support an uninterrupted and productive academic year.

Haruna Iddrisu — Education Minister
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Ghana Police Arrest Two for CSSPS Placement Fraud as GES Issues Stern Directives to SHS Heads

The Ghana Police Service has arrested two individuals, Vicentia Appiah Antwi, 24, and Suzzy Owusu, 18, for allegedly defrauding parents and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) graduates seeking senior high school placements. The suspects were apprehended at the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) Resolution Centre in Accra following a tip-off from the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu. The duo is accused of soliciting bribes ranging from GH"9,500 to GH"22,000 by promising to secure preferred school placements. While the suspects have been released on police enquiry bail, investigations continue to track down several named accomplices, including individuals known as Nana Yaw Boateng and Alex Asumani. The Ministry of Education has reiterated that the placement process is entirely free and urged the public to remain vigilant against such fraudulent schemes. Simultaneously, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a series of stern directives to heads of Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) to ensure a fair admission process. Signed by Deputy Director-General Prof. Smile Dzisi, the GES mandate explicitly prohibits school heads from imposing unauthorized charges or compelling parents to purchase items like uniforms and trunks directly from the schools. Furthermore, the GES has banned the practice of denying accommodation to boarding students based on the type of storage containers they bring, such as metal trunks or wooden chop boxes. The service emphasized that students must be treated fairly regardless of their economic background and warned that any school head found violating these guidelines would face severe disciplinary sanctions. Amidst these enforcement measures, the admission process for the 2026/2027 academic year is progressing across the country. Reports from the Tsito Senior High Technical School in the Volta Region indicate a smooth reporting process, with students arriving with essential items to complete their formalities. Of the 604,567 candidates who qualified for placement this year, 527,932 have been successfully placed. To support this transition, several Members of Parliament and local assemblies have stepped in to alleviate the financial burden on families. In Nkwanta South, MP Geoffrey Kini donated over 200 trunks and mattresses to students, while in the Birim North District, MP Charles Asuako Owiredu provided similar supplies to 2,000 freshers. Similarly, the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly distributed mattresses and chop boxes to 120 graduates to encourage enrollment under the government's Free SHS policy. As the academic term begins, officials are also focusing on the safety and professional environment of schools. During his donation event, Abirem MP Charles Asuako Owiredu issued a strong caution to teachers against engaging in inappropriate sexual relationships with students, emphasizing that educators must maintain professional boundaries to ensure a safe learning environment. This multifaceted approach—combining criminal prosecution of fraudsters, strict administrative oversight by the GES, and community-led financial support—aims to stabilize the secondary education sector and ensure that all qualified students can access their placements without exploitation or discrimination.

Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey — Eastern Regional Minister
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Eastern Regional Minister and NCPTA Urge Accountability and Parental Support Amidst New Academic Transitions

As thousands of students across Ghana transition into Senior High Schools (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, education leaders and government officials are calling for a renewed commitment to discipline, parental responsibility, and professional ethics. The National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTA)-Ghana has emphasized that while the government provides tuition-free education and improved infrastructure, the role of the parent remains indispensable. Felicity Ahafianyo, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCPTA, urged parents during a zonal meeting in Ho to equip their children with essential educational materials to ensure a successful start to their secondary education. She also called on families, churches, and NGOs to provide a safety net for vulnerable children to prevent them from falling through the cracks of the educational system. Parallel to these calls for parental support, the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has issued a stern warning regarding the professional conduct of educators. Addressing male teachers at the Yilo Krobo Future Leaders Conference, the Minister cautioned against any sexual relations with female pupils, emphasizing that such actions constitute grave professional misconduct and will face full legal repercussions. The conference highlighted the urgent need for stricter discipline in schools and improved parental guidance to combat rising issues such as teenage pregnancy and substance abuse among the youth. This drive for integrity is being echoed by public figures like dancehall artist Shatta Wale, who recently urged students at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) to adopt his independent mindset and critical thinking rather than simply mimicking a flashy lifestyle. The importance of perseverance in the face of academic and professional challenges is further illustrated by the story of Dancer Rica, a member of the Dance. Grow. Live Academy. Despite the exhaustion of juggling teacher training with a high-profile dance career that often required traveling for performances, she successfully graduated with a first-class degree. Her success underscores the potential for students to balance vocational passions with rigorous academic standards when provided with the right focus. Meanwhile, on the institutional level, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is enhancing the legal literacy of the next generation of professionals by launching a legal support fund and training program to help journalists navigate litigation threats and understand the legal frameworks governing their work. On the international front, educational reforms are also taking a strategic turn as Algeria prepares for the 2026-27 school year. The country has announced a significant shift toward English as the primary foreign language in primary schools, moving away from French due to its colonial associations and the global dominance of English. This reform, which introduces English in the third year of primary education, reflects a broader trend of nations restructuring their curricula to better align with modern global realities. Together, these local and international developments point toward a future where education is defined not only by classroom access but by the quality of mentorship, professional integrity, and strategic adaptation to a changing world.

A group photograph featuring four men standing indoors against a backdrop of white window blinds. Rev. Stephen Wengam, the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, is positioned second from the right among the group.
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Assemblies of God General Superintendent Rev. Stephen Wengam Defines Loyalty as the "Currency of Development" at Leadership Retreat

Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, has identified loyalty as a fundamental pillar for organizational development and spiritual growth. Speaking at a three-day prayer retreat held at Cedar Mountain Chapel in Accra, Rev. Wengam addressed newly elected Executive Presbytery Officers, urging them to maintain unwavering devotion to God and the church. His remarks come following his significant re-election, where he secured approximately 90% of the votes, signaling strong internal support for his continued leadership and the church’s strategic direction. Describing loyalty as the "currency of development," Rev. Wengam emphasized that the success of any institution, particularly a religious body, depends heavily on the steadfast commitment of its leaders. He argued that loyalty should not be limited to mere rhetoric but must be demonstrated through tangible actions that foster unity and progress. The retreat served as a platform for leaders to engage in deep spiritual reflection and strategic planning, with participants dedicating four hours daily to prayer while discussing the church’s "Transformation Agenda." This vision aims to modernize and strengthen the Assemblies of God's impact across Ghana through disciplined leadership and clear organizational goals. The retreat was described by attendees as a refreshing and relevant intervention for the new leadership as they prepare to implement the church's long-term vision. Beyond spiritual exercises, the gathering focused on the practicalities of governance and the importance of professional conduct among the clergy to ensure organizational health. Looking ahead, the transition of leadership will be formalized through a scheduled handing-over ceremony set for September 18, 2026, at the Assemblies of God Headquarters in Osu, Accra. This period of preparation underscores the church's commitment to a structured and stable leadership succession plan under Rev. Wengam’s guidance.

Ghana TVET Service Bolsters National Skills Training Through DTI Partnership and New Institutional Leadership
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Ghana TVET Service Bolsters National Skills Training Through DTI Partnership and New Institutional Leadership

The Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service has launched a series of strategic initiatives aimed at modernizing the nation's vocational education landscape and bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements. Central to this effort is a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Design and Technology Institute (DTI) to enhance skills training across more than 235 TVET institutions nationwide. This partnership marks a shift toward comprehensive, long-term institutional reform rather than isolated projects, focusing on increasing the job readiness of Ghanaian youth to meet evolving economic demands. The collaboration between the TVET Service and DTI will prioritize several key areas, including capacity building, teacher upskilling, and the development of industry-relevant competencies. A major component of the agreement involves establishing dual apprenticeship pathways and implementing digital systems for tracking skills data. Furthermore, both organizations are working toward the international recognition of Ghanaian qualifications and the harmonization of skills recognition across the African continent. This approach ensures that vocational training aligns with global benchmarks, making Ghanaian graduates more competitive in the international labor market. In tandem with these national reforms, the Ghana TVET Service is also strengthening governance at the local level. In accordance with the Pre-tertiary Education Act, 2020, Ishmael Kodzokpo has been appointed as the Chairman of the Governing Board for Anfoeta Technical Institute. Mr. Kodzokpo is tasked with providing the strategic leadership necessary to elevate the institute's educational standards. Upon his appointment, he expressed a firm commitment to collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to enhance the quality of technical training and improve the institute's overall standing within the vocational sector. These combined efforts in partnership and governance reflect a broader commitment by the TVET Service to create a sustainable and prestigious ecosystem for vocational education in Ghana. By integrating high-level industry expertise from the DTI and reinforcing local institutional leadership, the TVET Service aims to provide students with the practical skills required for the modern workforce. As these initiatives take hold, the focus will remain on adapting to technological changes and ensuring that technical education serves as a primary engine for national economic growth and youth empowerment.

St John’s School Leads Wave of Community-Driven Educational Support with GH¢6.5 Million Expansion Project
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St John’s School Leads Wave of Community-Driven Educational Support with GH¢6.5 Million Expansion Project

Education in Ghana is receiving a significant boost through various community-led initiatives, ranging from major infrastructure fundraising to innovative environmental projects. St John’s School in Sekondi has launched a GH¢6.5 million fundraising campaign to mark its 75th anniversary, aimed at constructing a modern three-storey classroom block. Simultaneously, the Global Evangelical Church (GEC) Accra Presbytery Women’s Ministry has donated learning materials and supplies valued at GH¢12,000 to the GEC Basic School in Kotobabi. These efforts, alongside contributions from regional associations and NGOs, highlight a growing commitment among non-state stakeholders to enhance the quality of teaching and learning environments across the country. The St John’s School project, themed "United in Purpose, Committed to Excellence," focuses on building 15 new classrooms and three laboratories to accommodate its growing student population. During the anniversary launch, school leadership and alumni emphasized the institution's 75-year legacy of academic and moral development, calling on the "Old Saints" alumni network and corporate partners to help modernize the school's infrastructure. In a similar vein of institutional support, the GEC Women’s Ministry’s donation of exercise books, writing utensils, and cleaning supplies serves as a precursor to their upcoming 2026 Rally. Reverend Mrs. Mercy Motte-Kpegla noted that supporting the welfare of students is a communal responsibility and a vital part of the church’s mission to nurture the next generation. In the Western Region, the YMCA is blending environmental sustainability with educational support through its "Green Futures Project." The initiative recently donated its first 50 "Green Bags" to pupils at Funko M/A School, featuring bags manufactured from upcycled plastic waste. With over 50,000 pieces of plastic already recovered through community clean-ups, the project aims to distribute 2,000 of these eco-friendly bags to ten schools within the next year. Project lead Goddy Nana Mens highlighted that the bags, which include personalized encouragement cards and essential learning materials, demonstrate how environmental waste can be transformed into valuable educational resources. Furthermore, cultural preservation and local language literacy are being addressed in the Upper East Region. The Alagumgube Association recently donated 260 Gurenə language books to the Regional Education Directorate to support teaching in basic schools across five municipal and district directorates. By providing these mother-tongue textbooks, the association seeks to protect indigenous heritage while improving literacy outcomes. Collectively, these diverse interventions—spanning from physical infrastructure and eco-friendly supplies to linguistic resources—underscore a nationwide drive to address the multifaceted needs of Ghanaian students through local initiative and partnership.

Republic Bank MD, NSA, and GIU Rector Urge Ghanaian Youth to Prioritize Professional Discipline and Specialized Careers
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Republic Bank MD, NSA, and GIU Rector Urge Ghanaian Youth to Prioritize Professional Discipline and Specialized Careers

Ghanaian youth are being urged to navigate the evolving job market through a combination of personal discipline, strategic career choices, and institutional support. Across various sectors, leaders are emphasizing that success in the current economic climate requires more than just formal education; it demands intentionality, accountability, and an alignment with specific industry needs. From banking executives to national service administrators, the message is clear: the bridge between academic life and professional success is built on how effectively young people manage their resources and time. Dr. Benjamin Dzoboku, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, recently challenged young Ghanaians to guard their time against the distractions of social media. Speaking on Joy FM’s Personality Profile, Dr. Dzoboku noted that while everyone is granted the same 24 hours, the difference between success and failure often lies in how that time is utilized for personal and professional development. He encouraged the youth to remain consistent and focused, arguing that talent is only a starting point that must be refined through dedicated work and a proactive approach to learning. Simultaneously, the National Service Authority (NSA) is restructuring its approach to youth employment by targeting a 70% placement rate for personnel in private institutions. During an Empowerment Summit in Kumasi, Ashanti Regional Director Fynn Emmanuel Reagan explained that this shift aims to tackle overcrowding in government roles and leverage the higher retention rates often found in the private sector. Stakeholders at the summit, including representatives from AngloGold Ashanti, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship and skill development, urging service personnel to leverage government interventions to solve real-world problems. The call for specialized expertise was further reinforced by Dr. Richard Okyere, Rector of the Ghana Insurance University College (GIU), who highlighted a critical shortage of actuarial and statistical skills within the insurance sector. Dr. Okyere encouraged WASSCE graduates and young professionals to explore the insurance industry, noting that low penetration rates in Ghana offer significant growth opportunities. By developing local expertise in these fields, he noted, Ghana can reduce its reliance on foreign professionals and enhance its overall competitiveness in global financial markets. Collectively, these initiatives and advisories signal a broader national push to bridge the gap between education and the job market. Whether through the NSA’s private-sector focus or the specialized training pathways offered by the GIU, the underlying theme remains the same: professional prosperity for the next generation depends on a disciplined approach to time management and the pursuit of high-demand skills that meet the needs of a modern economy.

President Mahama Orders SHS Menu Overhaul as Government Increases Feeding Grants to GH"15
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President Mahama Orders SHS Menu Overhaul as Government Increases Feeding Grants to GH"15

As the 2026/2027 academic year commences, the Government of Ghana has signaled a significant shift in the management of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, during a visit to Tarkwa Senior High School on September 18, announced that President John Dramani Mahama has officially ordered a comprehensive review of the SHS meal menu. This directive is aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality of meals provided to students across the country. To support this initiative, the government has allocated GH"4.2 billion for the feeding program, with specific plans to nearly double the daily feeding grant from GH"8 to GH"15 per student. The Minister’s assurance comes as schools welcome back students for a busy academic cycle. Under the current schedule, Form One and Form Two students are projected to complete their term by July 30, 2027, while Form Three students are expected to finish by June 18, 2027. Minister Iddrisu emphasized that the increased funding and menu review are part of a broader commitment to resolve historical challenges within the Free SHS framework, ensuring that food shortages are averted and that student welfare remains a top priority for the Mahama administration as it seeks to stabilize the educational sector. Beyond nutrition, the government is also intensifying its oversight of educational infrastructure to ensure value for money. In the Bono East Region, Regional Minister Francis Owusu Antwi recently took a firm stance against substandard construction by rejecting a new dining hall complex at Kajaji Senior High School. During a site inspection, the Minister identified serious structural flaws, including the use of non-standard blocks and crooked concrete beams. He has instructed consultants not to certify the work, forcing the contractor, Engineer Taufiq Modestus, to commit to rectifying the defects. This move highlights a growing intolerance for poor workmanship in public projects, particularly at a school where students currently endure eating in open spaces. In the Ashanti Region, authorities are similarly working to balance educational needs with broader economic development goals. Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene recently clarified the status of a 12-unit classroom block in Mankranso following rumors of its demolition. Rather than being destroyed to make way for a 24-Hour Economy Market, the facility will be re-engineered and integrated into the market project. This redesign is intended to serve lower primary students, allowing market women to keep their children in a safe educational environment nearby while they work. Together, these developments across feeding, construction, and regional planning reflect a multi-faceted approach to improving the school environment as the new academic year begins.

SHS admissions and bribery: Two suspects picked up by police at CSSPS centre
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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Confronts CSSPS Fraud as Two Arrested in SHS Placement Bribery Scandal

The Ministry of Education has cracked down on fraudulent activities surrounding the 2026 Senior High School (SHS) placements, resulting in the arrest of two individuals at the National Resolution Centre in Accra. Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu intervened personally after receiving reports from victims, leading to the apprehension of 24-year-old Vicentia Appiah Antwi and 18-year-old Suzzy Owusu. The suspects are accused of soliciting bribes ranging from GH"9,500 to GH"22,000 from desperate parents and candidates under the guise of securing placements through the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). During police interrogations, the suspects implicated two other individuals, Nana Yaw Boateng and Alex Asumani, who are currently being sought by law enforcement. The arrests follow a pattern of exploitation where fraudsters capitalize on the high demand for elite schools. The Ministry of Education has since reiterated that school placements are strictly merit-based and free of charge, urging the public to report any solicitation of funds to the authorities. While the arrested suspects have been granted police enquiry bail, investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the syndicate and its possible links to other placement irregularities. Minister Iddrisu’s visit to the resolution centre also served to address legitimate grievances from parents, many of whom voiced concerns over the long distances between their homes and assigned schools. Acknowledging the pressure on the system due to a rising number of Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates, the Minister explained that the demand for "Category A" schools far exceeds available vacancies. To mitigate these challenges, he encouraged parents to accept placements in Category B and C schools, which he described as vital stepping stones to higher education that offer quality instruction despite being less sought after. Looking forward, the Minister promised significant infrastructure investments to expand national capacity, including the construction of more high-demand schools to ease the annual placement bottleneck. He emphasized that the government remains committed to maintaining a transparent and equitable placement process through the CSSPS. As the 2026 admission cycle continues, the Ministry maintains a heightened state of vigilance against fraudulent actors, reminding the public that any attempt to circumvent the system through bribery carries severe legal consequences and undermines the integrity of Ghana's educational framework.

Nana Kwaku Agyei Yeboah, CEO of the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), speaks to the media at the 6th AAHEFA International Conference. He is flanked by a female colleague while several news microphones from outlets like GBC are positioned in front of them to capture his statement.
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Student Loan Trust Fund Disburses GH¢600 Million as New Scholarship Initiatives Target Niche Sectors and Community Needs

The Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) has announced a significant investment in Ghana’s educational landscape, disbursing approximately GH¢600 million this year to support student loans, teacher trainee allowances, and financial aid for persons with disabilities. Speaking at the Sixth AAHEFA International Conference in Accra, SLTF CEO Dr. Saadija Shiraz projected that this expenditure will rise to GH¢800 million in the coming academic year. This expansion is part of the government’s strategic focus on education under President John Mahama’s ‘Reset Agenda.’ To streamline access and improve efficiency, the SLTF is transitioning to a fully digitalized loan system, with the ambitious goal of supporting nearly 300,000 beneficiaries by the 2026-2027 academic year. Parallel to state-led financing, the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya has partnered with MALEKA Farms Limited to launch the Maleka Excellence Scholarship for Aquaculture Students (MESAS). This initiative specifically targets financially disadvantaged but academically outstanding Ghanaian students in their first three years of aquaculture studies. Set to commence in the 2026/2027 academic year, the scholarship will cover academic facility fees and provide critical hands-on experience through internships and mentorships at MALEKA Farms. UESD Vice-Chancellor and industry leaders emphasize that this collaboration is vital for nurturing a skilled workforce to modernise Ghana’s agricultural and aquaculture sectors. Community-based and corporate social responsibility initiatives are also filling critical funding gaps for tertiary and basic education. The RNAQ Foundation, in collaboration with the Ga Mantse Foundation, recently launched the Ga-Dangme Youth Scholarship Fund. Under the theme ‘One Ga-Dangme, One Heart, Rising Together,’ the fund aims to assist talented Ga-Dangme students who face financial barriers to higher education. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II has hailed the initiative as a necessary step toward regional unity and development. Similarly, ASA Savings and Loans has contributed GH¢25,000 to support 25 brilliant but needy students within the Ayawaso Central Municipality, covering essential costs such as school fees, textbooks, and hostel accommodation for residents of Nima, Maamobi, and Accra Newtown. These combined efforts from the government, academia, and the private sector underscore a growing national consensus on the importance of human capital investment. Dr. John Machayi, President of AAHEFA, noted during the Accra conference that funding higher education should be viewed not as a cost, but as a primary asset for national development. As the SLTF moves toward digital transformation and specialized scholarships like MESAS begin to address industry-specific needs, the focus remains on ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the potential of Ghana’s youth to contribute to the country’s economic future.

Maxwell Kwame Lukutor (right), Member of Parliament for South Tongu, in a handshake with a representative of one of the zones visited
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Members of Parliament Nationwide Provide Essential Supplies to Thousands of New Senior High School Students

Members of Parliament across Ghana have launched significant educational support initiatives aimed at easing the financial burden on families and ensuring a smooth transition for thousands of newly admitted Senior High School (SHS) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) students. These interventions, which include the distribution of mattresses, trunks, exercise books, and stationery, represent a coordinated effort by lawmakers to boost academic performance and reduce the cost of education at the constituency level. The initiatives come as a relief to parents grappling with the logistical requirements of the SHS admissions cycle. In Sekondi, MP Blay Nyamekye Armah distributed 330,000 exercise books, valued at approximately GH"700,000, to basic school pupils, with each student receiving 20 books. Additionally, the MP provided over GH"500,000 in direct support for SHS freshers. This program is uniquely supported by a local printing press established to reduce costs and create jobs. Similarly, in South Tongu, MP Maxwell Kwame Lukutor initiated a distribution of mattresses and chop boxes for 600 students, emphasizing that such collective efforts among parents, teachers, and stakeholders are vital for improving district-wide academic standards. Support efforts were also prominent in the Biakoye and Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai constituencies. Madam Jean-Marie Formadi, MP for Biakoye, provided essential learning materials—including school bags and chop boxes—to over 1,200 new SHS students, urging parents to remain actively engaged in their children’s education. In Bibiani, MP Bright Asamoah Brefo rewarded 500 outstanding BECE candidates with educational packages and certificates to recognize academic excellence. These localized programs aim to foster a culture of meritocracy and ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the progress of talented students. Beyond material support, lawmakers used these presentation ceremonies to offer guidance on discipline and character development. Theophilus Vondee, MP for Twifo Atti-Morkwa, cautioned students against negative peer influences and urged them to remain focused on their studies. He reminded the beneficiaries to reflect on their backgrounds and the sacrifices made by their families when making life decisions. District Chief Executives in various regions, including Isaac Yawson of Twifo Atti-Morkwa, assured constituents that the government remains committed to providing a conducive environment for learning through continued infrastructure and resource support. As these students begin their secondary education, the widespread involvement of MPs highlights the critical role of constituency-level leadership in the broader national education strategy. Beneficiaries and parents alike have expressed gratitude for the interventions, noting that the provision of basic items like trunks and mattresses often makes the difference in a student’s ability to report to school on time. These efforts are expected to contribute to higher retention rates and better socio-economic outcomes for the youth across the country.