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.

UENR Partners with Lancaster University on Research Excellence as UNIMAC-TEIN Faces Election Dispute
education|

UENR Partners with Lancaster University on Research Excellence as UNIMAC-TEIN Faces Election Dispute

The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) has taken a significant step toward enhancing academic excellence through a collaborative partnership with Lancaster University, even as student governance at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNIMAC) faces administrative hurdles. These contrasting developments highlight the diverse challenges and progress within Ghana's higher education landscape, ranging from international research capacity building to the complexities of internal student politics. On September 19 and 20, 2026, UENR hosted an intensive academic writing workshop designed to equip postgraduate students and researchers with global scholarly standards. Facilitated by Professor Kirk T. Semple and supported by senior faculty, the workshop focused on the intricacies of academic paper structures, research ethics, and publication strategies. This initiative serves as a cornerstone for the establishment of the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation at UENR, which aims to foster innovative solutions for regional environmental and sustainability issues through international collaboration. Simultaneously, the UNIMAC campus is dealing with a formal petition regarding the recent presidential election of the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN). Stephen Kenneth Nakujah, a member of the UNIMAC-TEIN branch, has petitioned regional executives to address the alleged withholding of election results. The petition raises questions about transparency and leadership within the student wing, calling for immediate intervention to ensure the integrity of the democratic process on campus. Together, these events reflect the dual priorities of modern Ghanaian universities: the pursuit of rigorous academic output and the maintenance of fair, transparent administrative processes. While UENR focuses on preparing the next generation of researchers for global impact, the situation at UNIMAC highlights the ongoing need for accountability in the organizational structures that support student life.

GTA Ladies Club mentors Aburi Girls students
education|

US Embassy College Fair and National Mentorship Drives Expand Career Horizons for Ghanaian Students

Thousands of Ghanaian youth and parents recently converged in Accra and Kumasi for the 2026 EducationUSA College Fair, marking a significant milestone in the country's growing academic ties with the United States. Organised by the US Embassy, the event featured more than 30 accredited American universities and drew over 3,000 participants. Rolf Olson, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy, noted that Ghana has become an increasingly prominent source of international talent, with the number of Ghanaian students in the US tripling from 4,000 in 2019 to 12,800 in 2024. The fair provided a platform for students to align their academic goals with scholarship opportunities and specialized programs abroad. Simultaneously, local efforts to empower young women in specialized sectors are gaining momentum through the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) Ladies Club. The club recently launched a mentorship outreach at Aburi Girls Senior High School under the theme "Tourism Future Leaders Engagement." GTA’s leadership encouraged students to explore diverse roles within the tourism value chain—including travel consultancy, hotel management, and the culinary arts—while emphasizing the critical role of technology and cultural identity. This initiative forms part of a strategic drive to equip the next generation of women with the leadership skills necessary to thrive in Ghana’s evolving tourism landscape. Complementing these academic and industry-specific drives, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has issued a strong call for enhanced support for women in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). During a keynote address at the Women in TVET Conference in Accra, the Ministry urged industries to provide more internships and practical pathways to bridge the employment gap. By advocating for careers that transcend traditional gender roles and addressing structural barriers to training, the Ministry aims to ensure that both men and women can contribute equally to national development through high-value technical skills. Together, these developments highlight a robust, multi-sectoral approach to human capital development in Ghana. From international university placements to local vocational and tourism-sector mentorship, the focus is shifting toward practical excellence and global competitiveness. As educational institutions and government agencies continue to collaborate, the priority remains on creating clear, accessible pathways that transform the aspirations of Ghanaian students into tangible professional success.

DreamOval Foundation Appoints New Board to Drive Digital Literacy and Youth Empowerment Across Africa
education|

DreamOval Foundation Appoints New Board to Drive Digital Literacy and Youth Empowerment Across Africa

The DreamOval Foundation has officially inaugurated a new five-member Board of Directors, signaling a robust shift in its strategic approach toward digital education and youth empowerment across Africa. Announced on September 25, 2025, the new board is tasked with steering the foundation through a period of expansion as it seeks to deepen its impact on the continent’s educational landscape. This leadership update comes at a critical time when digital literacy is becoming an essential prerequisite for economic participation, particularly for the youth in underserved communities. The newly appointed board features a diverse assembly of professionals with backgrounds spanning legal practice, corporate finance, and software engineering. Moses Cofie has been named the Board Chair, bringing seasoned leadership to the foundation’s governing body, while Afua Asiamah Adjei will lead the organization's daily operations as Executive Director. By integrating these various disciplines, the foundation aims to create a more resilient and innovative framework for its programs, ensuring that technology remains at the heart of its educational interventions. At the core of the foundation’s mission is an ambitious long-term goal: to empower 30 million underserved African youth by 2063. This objective aligns with the broader vision of continental development and emphasizes the importance of digital skills and gender equality in achieving sustainable growth. The board is expected to prioritize initiatives that bridge the technological gap, providing young people with the tools necessary to compete in a globalized workforce. As the DreamOval Foundation moves forward under this new guidance, its focus remains steadfast on leveraging technology to unlock the potential of Africa’s next generation.

A professional portrait of Dr. Bertha Ayi, who is seen smiling with her arms crossed against a blurred outdoor background. She is wearing a grey blazer over a blue top, complemented by a beaded necklace and pearl earrings.
education|

Dr. Bertha Serwa Ayi Urges Ghanaian Parents to Champion Local Languages Amid National Policy Review

Dr. Bertha Serwa Ayi, a prominent infectious disease specialist and global health advocate, has issued a passionate plea to Ghanaian parents to prioritize the preservation of indigenous languages within the home. Expressing deep concern over a growing trend where English is favored to the exclusion of local dialects, Dr. Ayi warned that raising children as monolingual English speakers "hurts" their cognitive development and cultural identity. Using the metaphor that "language is like a bowl," she argued that native tongues serve as essential vessels for heritage and identity that cannot be adequately replaced by a foreign language alone. Reflecting on her own upbringing in Lartebiokorshie, Dr. Ayi shared how her early exposure to the Ga language enriched her personal and social development. She contrasted this with the linguistic disconnection she observes in the younger generation, even admitting that her own children face challenges with fluency in their native tongues. This disconnect, she notes, represents a significant cultural loss. Dr. Ayi emphasized that multilingualism does not hinder academic success; instead, it enriches a child’s mind, fosters cognitive flexibility, and provides a deeper connection to their community and ancestral history. Beyond advocating for change within individual households, Dr. Ayi is actively working to institutionalize linguistic preservation at the state level. She is currently involved in a committee with the Ministry of Education tasked with reviewing Ghana’s national language policy. The goal of this review is to strengthen the teaching of local languages within the formal school system, ensuring they are valued alongside English. By aligning domestic efforts with educational reform, Dr. Ayi aims to reverse the trend of linguistic erosion and ensure that Ghana's diverse cultural fabric remains intact for future generations.

Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS wins STUDRAFEST
education|

Adonten SHS and Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya Lead Wave of Excellence in National Student Competitions

Ghanaian senior high schools have demonstrated exceptional talent across diverse fields this week, with major victories recorded in business innovation, dramatic arts, and financial literacy. From the GNAT Hall in Accra to the Apatakesie Theatre in Kumasi, students from across the country are proving that their skills and ingenuity extend far beyond traditional academic subjects. These competitions, which focus on entrepreneurship, creative expression, and financial acumen, underscore the growing emphasis on practical skill development within the Ghanaian education sector. Adonten Senior High School emerged as the champion of the 2026 National Business Pitch Competition (NBPC), organized by Junior Achievement (JA) Ghana. Competing under the theme "Augmenting Innovation," the school presented a student-led business solution that earned them a GHS 10,000 cash prize and the prestigious opportunity to represent Ghana at the regional Company of the Year Competition in Cape Town, South Africa. The event, held on September 26 at the GNAT Hall, also recognized other schools with specialized awards, including the Turf Entrepreneurial Spirit Award and the Carmeuse Public Choice Award, reflecting a vibrant culture of youth entrepreneurship supported by various corporate sponsors. In the realm of the arts, Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School triumphed at the Ashanti Regional Students Drama Festival (STUDRAFEST). Their performance of "The Treasure We Broke" at the Apatakesie Theatre resonated strongly with both judges and the audience, securing them the top spot ahead of eight competing schools. St. Louis Senior High School and Kumasi Wesley Girls Senior High School followed in second and third place, respectively. The festival also celebrated individual excellence, with awards for Best Indigenous Play, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Script, while speakers emphasized the critical need for dedicated performance spaces in schools to foster youth creativity. The 2026 National Investment Quiz (NIQ) also reached a pivotal stage as the quarter-final contests concluded with a nail-biting showdown. St. John’s Grammar School narrowly edged out Mfantsipim School with a score of 47 to 46, though both institutions successfully secured their places in the upcoming semi-finals. This rigorous competition, which tests students' mastery of investment and financial concepts, has now narrowed the field to eight elite schools: Corpus Christi, Wesley Girls’ High School, St. Augustine’s College, Prempeh College, West Africa SHS, St. Louis SHS, St. John’s Grammar, and Mfantsipim. These successes across the business, artistic, and financial sectors highlight the multifaceted nature of modern Ghanaian education. As Adonten SHS prepares for international competition and the NIQ semi-finalists gear up for the next round, the broader educational community continues to advocate for more resources and platforms to support student innovation. These festivals and quizzes serve as essential pipelines for identifying and nurturing the next generation of Ghanaian leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists.

A photograph of Kwasi Kwarteng, the Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Education in Ghana, at an official event. He is wearing a white traditional-style shirt with blue accents and a blue lanyard, while other attendees are seen blurred in the background.
education|

Education Ministry: Over 50% of Unplaced Students Secure Schools via CSSPS Self-Placement

The Ministry of Education has announced that more than 50% of the 53,000 students who initially faced placement challenges have successfully navigated the self-placement process. According to the Ministry, these students utilized the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to secure spots in various secondary institutions after failing to receive automatic placements. This update brings the total number of students who have accessed secondary education in this cycle to approximately 97,000, combining those placed automatically and those who used the manual selection portal. The Press Secretary to the Education Minister provided further insight into the ongoing efforts to resolve placement issues, noting that resolution centers have been instrumental in this progress. While the Ministry observed significant improvements in the operations and efficiency of centers across the Northern regions, concerns remain regarding the high-pressure zones of the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. These metropolitan areas continue to see a high volume of parents and students seeking assistance, leading to ongoing monitoring and resource allocation by the Ministry to manage the demand. The self-placement module serves as a critical safety net for students who either did not meet the competitive requirements of their initial school choices or had technical issues with their applications. By accessing a list of available schools with vacancies, students can choose institutions that align with their academic standing and geographic preferences. Moving forward, the Ministry is encouraging the remaining unplaced students to promptly engage with the CSSPS portal or visit local resolution centers to ensure they are enrolled before the start of the academic calendar. This initiative remains a cornerstone of the government's commitment to ensure no student is left behind in the transition to senior high school.

GES Director-General Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis Orders SHS Heads to Refund Unauthorized Fees or Face Dismissal
education|

GES Director-General Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis Orders SHS Heads to Refund Unauthorized Fees or Face Dismissal

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a stern ultimatum to heads of Senior High Schools (SHS) across the country, demanding the immediate cessation and refund of all unauthorized fees and items collected from parents and students. Under the leadership of Director-General Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, the service warned that school administrators who fail to comply with this directive risk severe disciplinary action, including summary removal from their positions. This move signals a rigorous enforcement of government directives aimed at protecting the integrity of the nation's educational system and ensuring that financial barriers do not impede student access. According to the GES, the collection of these unapproved levies directly contradicts the foundational principles of the Free Senior High School policy. The policy was designed specifically to eliminate the financial burdens previously placed on families, thereby broadening access to secondary education for all eligible students. Professor Davis emphasized that any headteacher found to be undermining this flagship initiative through illegal charges is effectively sabotaging the state's efforts to provide equitable education. The Director-General reiterated that the GES will maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward practices that exploit parents or deviate from official budgetary guidelines. To ensure compliance and transparency, the GES has called upon parents and guardians to be vigilant and proactive in reporting any demands for unauthorized payments or materials to the service. By empowering the public to act as monitors, the GES aims to create a more accountable administrative environment within the secondary education sector. This directive serves as a clear reminder to all educational stakeholders that the current administration remains committed to the total elimination of hidden costs, ensuring that the promise of free education remains a reality for all Ghanaian households.

“Violence has no place in our schools” – Zanetor mourns Kinbu SHS student
education|

MP Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings Demands Action After Fatal Stabbing at Kinbu Senior High School

Tragedy has struck the Kinbu Senior High School in Accra following the fatal stabbing of a student, an incident that has sent shockwaves through the local community and the national education sector. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle, has condemned the act in the strongest terms, describing the loss of life as both "tragic and senseless." The incident, which occurred in the heart of the capital, has brought the issue of campus security and student safety to the forefront of national discourse. Speaking on the matter, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings emphasized that educational institutions must remain sanctuaries for learning rather than sites of violence. She called on the Ghana Police Service to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to ensure that justice is served for the deceased student and their grieving family. The MP underscored that such acts of violence are entirely unacceptable and have no place within the Ghanaian school system, urging for a firm response to deter future occurrences and provide closure to the affected community. Beyond the immediate call for justice, the lawmaker is advocating for a comprehensive reassessment of safety protocols within Senior High Schools across the country. She highlighted the urgent need to address the underlying causes of such violence, including the mental health challenges often faced by students in high-pressure academic environments. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings pledged to collaborate closely with school authorities, parents, and security agencies to implement enhanced safety measures and provide robust mental health support systems for learners. This fatal incident at Kinbu SHS serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the school environment. As stakeholders mourn the loss of a young life, the focus now shifts to how the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service will respond to the growing calls for increased security personnel and improved counseling services on campuses. The outcome of the police investigation and the subsequent safety reviews are expected to set a critical precedent for handling student safety in the Klottey-Korle constituency and across the nation.

Some of the stranded students on UCC campus
education|

GAUA Strike Paralyzes Administrative Functions and Student Registration at UCC

An industrial action by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) is causing significant disruptions to administrative operations across the country's public universities, with the University of Cape Coast (UCC) being particularly affected. The strike has brought essential services to a halt just as the new academic year begins, leaving many institutions unable to perform routine functions. The absence of administrative staff has created a vacuum in the management of campus affairs, resulting in a standstill for critical processes that facilitate the smooth running of the academic environment. The impact is most visible among the fresh student population, who are currently facing mounting difficulties with academic registration and orientation exercises. Without the presence of administrative officers to oversee these processes, many students are unable to finalize their enrollment or access vital resources. MPhil candidate Priscilla Loo is among the many students who have voiced concerns over the situation, noting that the strike has made it nearly impossible to complete course registrations or obtain necessary documentation like academic transcripts. These delays are causing significant distress for students who rely on these services to maintain their academic standing and progress. The leadership of GAUA has remained firm in its stance, declaring that the strike will continue indefinitely until their specific demands are addressed by the government. This resolve follows a series of discussions with the Minister of Education that the association described as inconclusive, failing to provide the necessary assurances to end the labor dispute. As the standoff persists, there are growing fears that the prolonged absence of administrative staff will lead to a total disruption of the academic calendar, potentially forcing universities to postpone key dates and activities. The situation now hinges on a swift and effective resolution between the association and state authorities to prevent further academic setbacks.

Former GNAT President Rev Isaac Owusu Urges Reassignment of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu
education|

Former GNAT President Rev Isaac Owusu Urges Reassignment of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu

Rev Isaac Owusu, the former President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), has publicly called for President John Mahama to reassign Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu. Speaking in an interview on Adom FM on September 29, 2026, Rev Owusu expressed concerns that the Minister is currently "struggling" to manage the significant challenges facing Ghana's education sector. This recommendation comes as the administration continues to push its "Resetting Ghana" agenda, which aims to reform and stabilize key national institutions. During the broadcast, Rev Owusu suggested that a change in leadership at the Ministry of Education is necessary to align with the government's broader strategic goals. He characterized the Minister's current performance as insufficient to meet the sector's demands, implying that the complexities of educational administration require a different leadership approach. The call for reassignment highlights the internal and external pressures on the Mahama administration to deliver tangible results in the public sector following his 2025 inauguration. The Education Ministry remains one of the most high-pressure portfolios in the Ghanaian government, tasked with managing teacher union relations, infrastructure development, and curriculum implementation. While Rev Owusu did not provide an exhaustive list of the Minister's failures, his public critique as a veteran of the teaching fraternity signals a potential friction point between the government and educational stakeholders. It remains to be seen if President Mahama will consider these calls for a reshuffle as he moves forward with his second non-consecutive term in office.

GNAT Warns of Retirement Risk for 80,000 Teachers Amid Promotion and Payment Delays
education|

GNAT Warns of Retirement Risk for 80,000 Teachers Amid Promotion and Payment Delays

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has expressed grave concern over persistent delays in processing teacher promotions, a crisis that threatens the retirement benefits of over 80,000 educators. National President Prosper Tackie revealed that the backlog includes roughly 58,000 higher-ranked staff and thousands more in lower ranks whose careers are currently in limbo. The urgency of these promotions is underscored by the fact that many affected teachers are nearing retirement age, and any delay in their official rank advancement directly reduces their final pension payouts. Tackie noted that President John Mahama is aware of the situation, having acknowledged the pending promotion issues during a recent public engagement where the welfare of the teaching workforce was prioritized. To avoid losing government financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance, thousands of teachers were reportedly forced to sit for promotion examinations during the December holiday period. Tackie explained that the exams were scheduled at short notice to beat the expiration of budget year clearances, forcing many teachers to sacrifice their Christmas celebrations to ensure their eligibility for advancement. Despite these sacrifices, the processing of results and subsequent salary adjustments have remained sluggish. Discrepancies in data have further complicated the matter, with GNAT criticizing the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) for only accounting for a portion of the affected workforce while ignoring lower-ranked personnel in the payment pipeline. In response to the mounting pressure and potential threats to industrial peace, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has called for an end to the "blame game" between government agencies. GES Public Relations Officer Daniel Fenyi emphasized that the service is working around the clock to meet a strict deadline for submitting the necessary documentation, including promotion letters and input forms, to the CAGD. While the CAGD recently confirmed it had processed payments for a preliminary batch of 6,079 newly promoted teachers, this represents only a small fraction of the tens of thousands of expected cases. Fenyi urged all stakeholders to focus on technical solutions rather than finger-pointing to ensure teachers can remain in the classroom and maintain the stability of the academic calendar. The ongoing crisis highlights systemic friction between the Ghana Education Service, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department. As teacher unions demand prompt placement on updated salary scales and the immediate payment of arrears dating back to early 2026, the government faces significant pressure to resolve the administrative bottleneck. The successful resolution of these promotion and payment disputes is seen as critical not only for teacher welfare but also for preventing widespread strikes that could derail the national education agenda under the Mahama administration.

Angel Carbonu, President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), is seen speaking into a microphone at a podium. He is wearing a distinctive green and yellow shirt featuring the NAGRAT logo, set against a background of a red brick wall and colorful artwork.
education|

Teacher Unions Maintain Nationwide Strike Over Promotion Arrears as Government Appeals for Return to Classrooms

A nationwide strike by pre-tertiary teacher unions is entering a critical phase as classrooms across Ghana remain empty. The industrial action, initiated on September 25, 2026, by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Education Teachers’ Association of Ghana (PRETAG), centers on unresolved financial and administrative grievances. Key demands include the payment of outstanding promotion arrears, the automatic placement of newly promoted teachers on their correct salary scales, and the urgent negotiation of a new Collective Agreement. Union leaders emphasize that their members will not return to work until the government provides tangible evidence of progress, rather than mere verbal assurances. The impact of the strike is being felt acutely in several regions. In Dormaa-Ahenkro, approximately 2,000 teachers across 25 basic schools have complied with the stay-at-home directive, leaving most public schools closed. Similar reports from Sekondi-Takoradi describe students arriving at locked gates and classrooms, while in the Upper West Region, parents and students have expressed deep concern over the lack of regular instruction for final-year students preparing for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). PRETAG Communications Director Kingsley Anyimadu warned that nearly 99% of schools currently lack teaching staff, signaling a near-total shutdown of the public basic education system. In response to the crisis, the government, through Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, has urged the unions to suspend the strike while negotiations continue with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC). The government has proposed a 20% allowance for teachers in rural deprived areas to take effect in January 2027 and claims to have validated over 30,000 teachers for promotion out of an expected 80,000. Education Minister Iddrisu assured that efforts are being made to process affected salaries by October. Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, cautioned that the ongoing industrial action threatens to disrupt the recently stabilized academic calendar, urging teachers to reconsider their stance for the sake of the students. Despite the government's appeals, union leaders remain cautious and have signaled potential escalation if their demands are not met. NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba stated that the association is currently consulting its regional and district councils to verify the government's claims regarding validated promotions and the list of eligible schools for the rural allowance. PRETAG has also threatened to intensify the strike if outstanding payments are not resolved promptly. As the FWSC meetings resume, the resolution of the strike hinges on the government's ability to provide a concrete roadmap for the payment of arrears and the formalization of improved conditions of service.