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.

Ministry of Education Extends 2026 SHS Placement Deadline as 95% of Students Secure Schools
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Ministry of Education Extends 2026 SHS Placement Deadline as 95% of Students Secure Schools

Ghana's Ministry of Education has announced a one-week extension for the 2026 Senior High School (SHS) placement exercise to ensure all students secure a spot before the September 18 reopening date. This move aims to provide a final window for students who have not yet secured placements or those seeking changes to their residential status. Resolution centers across the country will remain operational from Monday to Friday to assist families with unresolved issues, facilitating a smoother transition into the new academic year. The Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed confidence in the current system, reporting that approximately 95% of students seeking admission have already been successfully placed. Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations for the GES, highlighted that 527,000 students were placed automatically through the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), marking a significant improvement over previous cycles. While high-traffic resolution centers in Accra and the Ashanti Region have seen some challenges, the GES maintains that these are localized issues rather than a nationwide crisis, assuring the public that sufficient school spaces exist for all qualified candidates. Specific data from the Ministry indicates that substantial progress is being made within the remaining pool of applicants. Of the 53,887 students eligible for the current placement phase, 33,726 have successfully secured their schools. Hashmin Mohammed, Press Secretary to the Education Minister, noted that the CSSPS Secretariat has already resolved 4,531 of the 9,948 reported placement issues. The Ministry remains optimistic that the extension will significantly reduce the number of outstanding cases before the doors open on September 18. In the Ashanti Region, the mood at resolution centers has been characterized by heightened anxiety as the reporting deadline nears. To ensure their children do not miss vital orientations and academic activities, many parents have shifted their strategy, expressing a newfound readiness to accept placements in Category C and D schools regardless of their children's aggregates. A primary concern for these families remains the safety and logistics of students placed in distant schools, leading to increased calls for boarding accommodations for those assigned to schools outside their immediate communities. As the final countdown to the academic year begins, the Ministry of Education and the GES continue to urge parents to remain calm and utilize the available resolution resources. With some schools already beginning orientations, the extension serves as a critical buffer to prevent students from falling behind. Officials expect that by the conclusion of this additional week, the vast majority of placement grievances will be settled, allowing the 2026 SHS academic calendar to commence without further interruption.

President Mahama reiterates commitment to end double-track SHS system end of 2027
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President Mahama Pledges to End Double-Track SHS System by 2027 with $300m World Bank Support

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed the government's commitment to eliminating the double-track system in senior high schools (SHS) by the end of 2027. Speaking during a Citizens’ Engagement in Wa and other town hall meetings, the President detailed a comprehensive plan to ensure all students attend and vacate school simultaneously, thereby increasing teacher-student contact hours. To support this transition, the government has secured a $300 million facility from the World Bank, which will be utilized to expand infrastructure and resources necessary to accommodate the student population under a single-track calendar. In addition to infrastructure expansion, President Mahama announced the establishment of dedicated funding for the Free SHS program. This initiative is designed to expedite financial support directly to schools, addressing previous delays that hampered administrative operations. The President noted that these measures have already begun to show results, specifically highlighting improvements in the food supply for students and a significant reduction in complaints from school headmasters regarding resource shortages. By ring-fencing these funds, the government aims to provide a more stable and predictable environment for secondary education. Addressing academic standards, President Mahama expressed satisfaction with the most recent West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. He asserted that the current scores reflect the "genuine performance" of students, attributing the success to enhanced invigilation and a concerted effort to reduce examination malpractice. He emphasized that maintaining the integrity of assessments is paramount to ensuring that Ghanaian certificates remain competitive and respected internationally. The President urged educators to continue prioritizing integrity in teaching and learning as the foundation of the nation's educational reforms. Furthermore, the President moved to clarify public discourse regarding the national curriculum. He stated that there is no official policy or Cabinet approval for the introduction of Arabic or Chinese as compulsory subjects in the public school curriculum. While acknowledging that foreign languages like Chinese and Arabic are available as options in existing Islamic educational structures or for upper primary levels, he emphasized that any significant curricular alterations require formal Cabinet approval and sufficient teacher availability. He urged the public to rely on official government communications to avoid the spread of unverified claims regarding foundational learning subjects. These combined efforts—ranging from the $300 million infrastructure boost to the streamlining of Free SHS funding—form the backbone of the Mahama administration's strategy to "reset" the education sector. By phasing out the double-track system by 2027 and focusing on exam integrity, the government seeks to restore quality and equity to Ghana's secondary education system, ensuring that every student has access to a consistent and high-quality learning experience.

Global Youth Leaders Gather in Russia for 2026 International Festival of Youth and Innovation
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Global Youth Leaders Gather in Russia for 2026 International Festival of Youth and Innovation

The 2026 International Festival of Youth has officially commenced in Ekaterinburg, Russia, bringing together over 10,000 young leaders from 191 countries. Running from September 11 to 17, the festival serves as a global platform for international collaboration and cultural exchange under the theme "Follow Your Dream." This year’s event is distinguished by its focus on youth empowerment, featuring a robust Children’s Programme and a dedicated team of young journalists who are documenting the proceedings for a global audience. Among the participants is 16-year-old Hssaine Akram from Morocco, one of 1,000 teenagers selected for the Children’s Programme. Akram, like many of his peers, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to collaborate with specialists from diverse fields. The programme is designed to be highly practical, offering 60 specialized workshops across various sectors. These sessions aim to produce approximately 60 implementable projects, encouraging young innovators to develop real-world solutions to contemporary global challenges while fostering a spirit of international unity. Adding a layer of professional development to the festival, a team of 100 young journalists has been selected to lead the event's media coverage. Coordinated by the Children’s Newsroom of the Movement of the First, these emerging media professionals are responsible for producing live broadcasts, news reports, and podcasts throughout the week. This initiative provides participants with hands-on experience in high-stakes journalism, allowing them to interview international experts and peers, thereby enhancing their technical skills and preparing them for future careers in the global media landscape. As the International Festival of Youth unfolds, it underscores the importance of cross-border dialogue in shaping the next generation of leadership. By combining project-based learning with professional media exposure, the event aims to equip young people with the tools necessary to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. The outcomes of the festival, including the various social and technological projects initiated during the workshops, are expected to leave a lasting impact on the participants' home communities long after the closing ceremony on September 17.

Some staff of Karpowership engaging learners in a painting activity
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Ntiamoah Foundation and Karpowership Launch Educational Initiatives to Enhance Learning Outcomes and Literacy

Education stakeholders in the Eastern and Western regions have benefited from targeted interventions aimed at revolutionizing teaching techniques and fostering a robust reading culture among basic school students. The initiatives, led by the Ntiamoah Foundation and Karpowership, focus on empowering both educators and learners with modern tools to improve academic performance and personal development as the new academic year commences. These programs highlight a shift toward learner-centred methodologies and community-supported educational frameworks. In the Eastern Region, the Ntiamoah Foundation organized a comprehensive four-day workshop in Akyem Adausena for 64 participants, including headteachers, coordinators, and learners from 18 basic schools. The training centered on enhancing Behavioural, Expressive, Attitudinal, and Mental (BEAM) intelligence. Facilitator Dinah Asante utilized immersive educational games and learner-centred strategies to demonstrate how critical thinking and community involvement can reshape child development. Williams Badu Sarpong, the foundation's Programme Manager, emphasized that the initiative's core objective is to strengthen the support systems around learners through a collaborative approach. Concurrently, in Sekondi-Takoradi, Karpowership celebrated International Literacy Day by hosting a reading and storytelling clinic at the Essipong STMA Basic School. The event was designed to encourage students to embrace a culture of reading as a foundational step toward leadership and confidence. To support this goal, Karpowership donated essential educational materials, including storybooks and school bags. Officials at the event highlighted that such interventions are vital for equipping young learners with the knowledge necessary for a brighter future, using interactive sessions to make learning more engaging. These combined efforts reflect a growing emphasis on holistic education in Ghana, moving beyond traditional rote learning to incorporate emotional intelligence and literacy-driven empowerment. By engaging school managers, community leaders, and corporate partners, these programs aim to create an environment where learners can thrive academically and socially. Such initiatives align with the broader national goal of improving the quality of basic education and ensuring that every child has the support system required to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment.

Ghanaian Educational Leaders and Media Partners Drive New Gender Inclusivity and Youth Mentorship Initiatives
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Ghanaian Educational Leaders and Media Partners Drive New Gender Inclusivity and Youth Mentorship Initiatives

In a concerted effort to foster gender equality and empower the next generation of female leaders, several high-impact initiatives have been launched across Ghana's educational and media sectors. From the Volta Region to Sunyani, stakeholders are focusing on mentorship, gender-responsive teaching, and sensitive reporting to dismantle systemic barriers. These programs, occurring in September 2026, highlight a multi-sectoral approach to ensuring that adolescent girls and women are equipped with the skills and support systems necessary to thrive in both academic and professional environments. In the Volta Region, the 2026 Adolescent Mentorship and Empowerment Camp (AMEC) brought together 60 girls from 30 different schools to cultivate self-belief and ambition. Mrs. Mariam Jemima Akua Adzroe, the Acting Volta Regional Director of Education, urged participants to embrace practical training and seek guidance from positive role models. Supported by Global Affairs Canada, the camp featured experts such as Dr. Sefakor Adinyirah and Madam Stella Mawusi Mawutor, who specifically encouraged the girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The sessions emphasized that personal growth, hygiene, and making informed life choices are critical foundations for competitive success in the modern world. Parallel to these youth initiatives, Sunyani Technical University (STU) recently held a workshop on Gender-Responsive Pedagogy to enhance inclusivity within higher education. The workshop, organized by the Department of Persons with Disabilities, aimed to equip academic and non-academic staff with strategies to support women in traditionally male-dominated fields. STU officials noted that initiatives like tuition discounts for female engineering students have already significantly boosted enrollment. However, lead speaker Mrs. Nana Ama Mensah and the University's Vice-Chancellor also addressed the darker side of gender issues, calling for a rigorous stance against sexual harassment and gender-based violence to ensure a respectful and safe academic environment. Complementing these institutional shifts, the media's role in shaping public perception was addressed through a training program launched by DW Akademie. Under the EU-funded African Media Integrity and Resilience (AMIR) Programme, journalists were trained between September 7 and 11, 2026, on the nuances of gender-sensitive reporting. Senior Consultant Sheila Mysorekar emphasized that accurate, solution-oriented reporting requires recognizing unconscious biases and diversifying sources. By improving how gender issues are covered in the news, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive media landscape that reflects and supports the progress being made in schools and universities. Collectively, these programs signal a robust commitment to national development through the lens of gender equity. By addressing the needs of adolescent girls, university students, and media professionals simultaneously, Ghana is building a comprehensive framework for social change. As these participants return to their respective schools and newsrooms, the focus remains on sustaining this momentum to ensure that gender inclusivity becomes a standard practice rather than an isolated initiative.

The 2-storey maternity block and accommodation for Amahyia Community Health Centre. inset: Ella Esinam Christine Nongo, Municipal Chief Executive for Adentan, inaugurating the health facility
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Local Leaders Strengthen Educational Access and Support for High-Performing Students Nationwide

Local government officials and Members of Parliament across Ghana have intensified efforts to bolster educational outcomes through significant infrastructure investments and direct support for high-performing students. In the Asawase constituency, Member of Parliament Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka recently commissioned new classroom facilities, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind. During the event, Muntaka, who has served for 25 years, highlighted the transformative power of education and announced plans for an annual Municipal Teachers’ Awards Scheme to recognize exceptional educators. He urged students to remain focused on their studies and avoid substance abuse, noting that his long-term investments in education are already producing a new generation of professionals within the community. Simultaneously, the Adentan Municipal Assembly has inaugurated three major educational projects alongside a new health facility to enhance local service delivery. Under the leadership of Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Ella Esinam Christine Nongo, the assembly opened two 18-unit classroom blocks at the Adentan Community School and Otano Presbyterian Basic School, as well as a new Kindergarten block for the Ashieye Model School. MCE Nongo emphasized that while modern infrastructure is vital, it must be complemented by quality teaching and adequate resources. The initiative was supported by local stakeholders, including Mahamud Ya-AdzGey, who donated educational supplies to help equip the new facilities. To ease the transition from basic to secondary education, several leaders have launched reward schemes for top performers in the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). In the Wulensi constituency, MP Stanley Yaw Nandaya provided essential school items—including mattresses, buckets, and exercise books—to 100 students who achieved aggregates between six and 25. Similarly, in the Kpandai District, District Chief Executive Haruna Abdul-Karim presented support packages to 61 brilliant candidates who scored between six and 12. Notably, 53 of the Kpandai beneficiaries were girls, a trend the DCE cited as evidence of the increasing academic potential of young women in the district. These coordinated efforts by MPs and District Executives reflect a broader strategy to break the cycle of poverty through academic excellence and improved infrastructure. By alleviating the financial burden on parents during the Senior High School admission process and expanding the physical capacity of local schools, officials aim to create a more equitable educational landscape. As these new facilities begin operation and students transition to higher levels of learning, the focus remains on sustaining these gains through community engagement and the continued motivation of both learners and teachers across the country.

Prof. Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa — for Director-General, GES
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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Advocates Pivot to Foundational Learning and Announces $300 Million Infrastructure Expansion

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has signaled a significant policy shift in Ghana's educational priorities, calling for a strategic reallocation of resources from secondary education toward foundational learning at the basic level. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, the Minister emphasized that while the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy remains a significant fixture of the landscape, the previous administration's excessive focus on secondary spending came at the expense of critical early literacy and numeracy skills. According to the Minister, strengthening basic education is essential for children's long-term academic success and requires a more balanced distribution of the national budget. Addressing the financial and logistical challenges of the sector, Mr. Iddrisu noted that the government has already committed GH¢3.4 billion to the national school feeding program. He criticized the immediate past administration for failing to match the expansion of SHS access with adequate infrastructure, which he argued has led to the current difficulties within the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). To address these inherited gaps, the government under President John Mahama is now pursuing a $300 million expansion program. This initiative involves the construction of 10 new model senior high schools in deprived and urban areas to alleviate the pressure on existing facilities. Complementing the government's infrastructure drive, Professor Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, the former Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, has proposed converting approximately 160 under-enrolled day senior high schools into boarding institutions. This move is intended to redistribute students and ease the congestion in more popular schools by making lesser-known institutions more attractive to parents and students. Professor Opoku-Amankwa also recommended a 10-year national program to upgrade secondary infrastructure and advised that the double-track academic calendar be retained for the time being. He warned that the immediate removal of the double-track system could leave thousands of students without placements until the infrastructure deficit is fully addressed. As the Mahama administration moves forward with these reforms, the focus remains on creating a sustainable educational ecosystem that values both access and quality. By acknowledging the contributions of past administrations through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) while addressing current systemic imbalances, the Ministry of Education aims to bridge the gap between basic and secondary learning outcomes. These combined efforts—ranging from foundational investment to large-scale infrastructure upgrades—represent a multi-faceted approach to resolving the structural challenges facing Ghana's schools and ensuring that no student is left behind due to placement or facility constraints.

NaCCA and Confucius Institute train teachers to implement new Chinese language curriculum
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NaCCA and Confucius Institute Train Teachers on Chinese Curriculum Amid Policy Debates

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has collaborated with the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to launch a national training workshop aimed at implementing a new Chinese language curriculum for basic schools. The initiative seeks to equip teachers with specialized pedagogical strategies and practical skills, preparing Ghanaian students for a globalized world through enhanced language proficiency and cultural exchange. Dr. Eric Amoah, Deputy Director of NaCCA, underscored the importance of the program, urging participating teachers to serve as 'ambassadors of change' in fostering global citizenship among their learners. The training program was structured into six comprehensive sessions that focused on the curriculum's philosophy, content structure, and assessment methodologies. A significant emphasis was placed on 'collaborative instruction,' where teachers were encouraged to integrate Ghanaian local languages into their Chinese lessons to create a more relatable and effective learning environment. Beyond classroom tactics, the workshop highlighted the necessity of building strong school-parent-teacher partnerships to ensure the long-term success of the language program within the Ghanaian educational framework. Despite the progress of these training sessions, the initiative has recently encountered policy hurdles and public scrutiny. President John Dramani Mahama has reportedly questioned the immediate implementation of a nationwide Chinese curriculum, stating that such a policy had not received formal Cabinet approval. The President expressed concerns regarding the feasibility of introducing Chinese as a standard subject while the country continues to grapple with challenges in the instruction of French, which remains a key regional language. These conflicting signals from the Presidency and NaCCA have raised questions about whether the current rollout is a specific pilot program or if there is a lack of alignment in national education priorities. While the government and education officials navigate these policy inconsistencies, the workshop has provided a platform for educators to apply new teaching methodologies practically. Moving forward, the success of the Chinese language curriculum will likely depend on formalizing its status within the national education policy and addressing the logistical concerns raised by the Presidency. For now, the trained teachers are expected to begin integrating these new skills into their schools, acting as the frontline for this international educational partnership.

President Mahama reiterates commitment to end double-track SHS system end of 2027
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President Mahama Pledges to End Double-Track SHS System by 2027 with $300m World Bank Support

President John Mahama has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to phasing out the double-track system in senior high schools (SHSs) by the end of 2027. Speaking during a Citizens’ Engagement in Wa as part of his ‘Resetting Ghana Tour,’ the President revealed that a $300 million facility from the World Bank has been secured to facilitate this transition. This initiative is designed to ensure that all students attend and vacate school simultaneously, thereby increasing teacher-student contact hours and improving overall educational outcomes across the country. Mahama emphasized that ending the system is a priority for restoring stability to the academic calendar. Addressing the financial sustainability of the sector, President Mahama noted that his government has established dedicated funding mechanisms for SHSs and student feeding programs. He acknowledged that the Free SHS program previously faced significant resource shortages due to a lack of stable funding inherited from the past administration. However, with the new financing structures in place, the President reported a marked decrease in complaints from headteachers regarding food shortages and logistical constraints. He assured stakeholders that the government is committed to maintaining a consistent supply of resources to all second-cycle institutions to prevent future disruptions. The President also touched upon the integrity of national examinations, expressing satisfaction with the latest West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. He asserted that the current scores reflect the ‘genuine performance’ of students, attributing the improvement to stricter invigilation and a crackdown on mass cheating. Mahama criticized past instances where some school officials allegedly colluded to assist students, leading to inflated grades. While celebrating gains in subjects like Mathematics, he noted that a slight decline in Social Studies performance is currently under investigation to ensure future academic excellence and transparency. In addition to infrastructure and examination reforms, President Mahama moved to clarify rumors regarding the national curriculum. He stated emphatically that the Cabinet has not approved any policy to introduce Arabic or Chinese as compulsory subjects, noting that while foreign languages remain optional for upper primary levels, the focus remains on foundational learning in Ghanaian and English languages. Amidst these policy updates, the Association of Aggrieved Teachers of Legacy Arrears has urged the President to prioritize the payment of outstanding arrears from 2012 to 2015. Settling these legacy debts remains a key demand from the teaching workforce as the government continues its broader effort to ‘reset’ the nation's educational standards.

Polina Kvitnykh (2nd from left), Head of the Russian House of the Center for Public Diplomacy in Ghana, with Koma Steem Jehu Appiah (right), Ambassador of Ghana to Russia
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Prof. Appiagyei-Atua Champions Student Academic Freedom Amidst Ghana-Russia Educational Expansion and Law Student Leadership Changes

Ghana's educational landscape is undergoing a period of significant reflection and expansion, highlighted by calls for increased student agency and the strengthening of international academic partnerships. At the University of Ghana’s ninth Inaugural Lecture for the 2025/2026 academic year, Prof. Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua delivered a compelling address titled "The Student Question: Reclaiming Academic Freedom for Democratic Renewal in Africa." He argued that the academic freedom of students is not merely a campus issue but is central to the democratic future of the continent. Prof. Appiagyei-Atua noted that the historical marginalization of students in university governance has hindered their ability to participate meaningfully in broader democratic processes, calling for a transition toward collaborative governance models. This push for more active student participation in governance is reflected in recent leadership transitions within the professional student body. Dr. Desmond Kofi Annan of the Class Media Group was recently elected as the leader of the Legal Green Association (LGA) for the 2026/2027 academic year. Securing 56.7% of the total votes, Dr. Annan’s election saw a 64% voter turnout among registered professional law students. Alongside his newly elected executive team—including Deputy Leader Agyeman Caleb Osei and General Secretary Abena Danquah Okai—Dr. Annan is tasked with enhancing student representation and welfare, echoing Prof. Appiagyei-Atua’s sentiment that robust student involvement is vital for institutional health and democratic renewal. Beyond internal governance, Ghana is also aggressively expanding its international educational footprint through renewed cooperation with the Russian Federation. During the Technoprom-2026 forum in Russia, Ghana’s Ambassador emphasized the critical need to equip graduates with technical skills capable of transforming the national economy. This partnership involves expanding linguistic and educational programs through the Center for Public Diplomacy to prepare Ghanaian students for Russian universities. These initiatives aim to foster scientific and cultural exchange, ensuring that expertise gained abroad can be effectively reintegrated into Ghana’s development, with a significant increase in student participation expected through 2026. The convergence of these developments—from the theoretical call for academic freedom at the University of Ghana to the practical exercise of student leadership and the broadening of international cooperation—indicates a holistic approach to educational reform. As universities move toward democratized classroom experiences and collaborative governance, and as the nation deepens its ties with global partners like Russia, the focus remains on preparing a new generation of leaders. These efforts are designed to ensure that Ghanaian graduates are not only academically qualified but are also empowered democratic actors capable of contributing to both national and global economic landscapes.

Participants and facilitators after the workshop
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Ghanaian Communities and Foundations Launch Broad Initiatives to Boost Literacy and Academic Excellence

Across Ghana, a diverse range of stakeholders—including corporate entities, local government officials, and non-profit foundations—are intensifying efforts to enhance educational outcomes and literacy. From the successful performance of juvenile inmates in national examinations to the establishment of community libraries and specialized training workshops, these initiatives reflect a nationwide commitment to empowering the youth through academic excellence and practical skills development. These efforts are particularly focused on bridging resource gaps in underserved areas and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. In a significant achievement for the Ghana Education Service’s prison education program, juvenile inmates at the Senior Correctional Centre in Accra recorded a 100% pass rate in the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). This academic success is mirrored in the Kpandai District, where District Chief Executive Haruna Abdul-Karim provided essential school supplies to 61 high-performing BECE candidates who scored between six and 12. Notably, 53 of these beneficiaries were girls, underscoring a growing trend of academic potential among young women in the district and providing them with the necessary tools to transition into senior high school despite prevailing economic challenges. Literacy and resource accessibility remain central to these development efforts. In Sekondi-Takoradi, Karpowership organized a reading and storytelling clinic at Essipong STMA Basic School to mark International Literacy Day, donating books and bags to foster a culture of reading among young learners. Similarly, the Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) recently commended educationist Hajia Halima Sadia Mohammed for her significant donation of books and materials to the Paga Community Library. These contributions are viewed as vital investments in knowledge that will serve as long-term resources for students and residents in the Upper East Region. Beyond traditional academics, organizations are focusing on holistic and future-ready skills. The Ntiamoah Foundation recently conducted a four-day workshop in Akyem Adausena for 64 education stakeholders, focusing on Behavioral, Expressive, Attitudinal, and Mental (BEAM) intelligence to improve learning outcomes. Simultaneously, the HIDAH Humanitarian Foundation concluded a free two-day skills development program in East Legon, led by founder Mujahida Ibrahim Prah. This program, supported by Fatimatu Abubakar, equipped participants with leadership abilities and practical skills, emphasizing that humanitarian service must include long-term empowerment. These coordinated efforts by foundations, media outlets like Ahotor 92.3 FM, and local leaders highlight a collaborative approach to bridging educational gaps. Ahotor FM is currently preparing for its third Academic Showdown in Tema West, a competition designed to promote academic excellence and provide feedback for teachers. By providing both the material resources and the intellectual framework necessary for growth, these stakeholders are ensuring that students—regardless of their background or current circumstances—have the support needed to break cycles of poverty and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development.

Salem Kalmoni, President of Baraka Policy Institute, and CEO of Japan Motors and Group, addressing the forum. Picture: ELVIS NII NOI DOWUONA
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Prof. John Azumah and Baraka Policy Institute Propose New National Strategy to Tackle SHS Indiscipline

In a significant move to address the declining standards of behavior in Ghanaian Senior High Schools (SHSs), Prof. John Azumah has called for a comprehensive national policy to manage the impact of social media and digital devices on students. Speaking at the 12th Annual Public Lecture organized by the Baraka Policy Institute (BPI), Prof. Azumah presented findings from a study involving 240 schools, which identified digital distractions and the weak enforcement of school regulations as primary drivers of modern student misconduct. The lecture highlighted a worrying trend where technology often supersedes traditional academic and moral guidance, leading to a rise in behavioral challenges across the country. The study detailed specific manifestations of indiscipline, citing stealing, absenteeism, and persistent disrespect toward authorities as the most significant issues facing today's campuses. Rather than advocating for a total ban on digital devices, which many experts deem impractical in the modern age, Prof. Azumah proposed a national policy focused on teaching responsible usage. This approach emphasizes character formation and digital literacy, ensuring that students can navigate the internet without compromising their academic focus or ethical standards. The findings suggest that the current reactive measures are insufficient to curb the influence of social media on the youth. Institutional reform was also a central theme of the lecture, with various stakeholders calling for the professionalization of school management. The Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) underscored the importance of training school governing boards to handle disciplinary matters independently and effectively. Furthermore, there is a recognized need for better training for school chaplains and the fair treatment of religious practices within Ghana’s secular educational framework. These measures are intended to create a more structured and supportive environment that discourages deviant behavior before it requires punitive action. Looking forward, the Ghana Education Service has expressed its readiness to support new interventions aimed at improving student character formation. Hajia Katumi Natogmah Attah of the GES indicated that the service is committed to collaborating with organizations like the Baraka Policy Institute to implement these findings. As the dialogue on educational discipline continues, the focus remains on fostering a balanced environment where technology serves as a tool for advancement rather than a catalyst for indiscipline, ultimately ensuring that SHS graduates are as disciplined as they are academically prepared.