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.

Management and students of the College have called for urgent infrastructure development to promote effective teching and learning .
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Nkanchina Nursing College Appeals for Infrastructure Support to Secure Diploma Accreditation

The College of Community Health Nursing at Nkanchina, located in the Kpandai District of the Northern Region, is facing a critical infrastructure deficit that threatens its academic progression. Despite being established six years ago with the mission to train healthcare professionals for Ghana's most underserved rural areas, the institution continues to operate out of dilapidated facilities originally constructed for leprosy treatment. This lack of modern development has resulted in a significant delay in the college's efforts to secure accreditation for diploma-level programmes, leaving its growing student body and faculty in a state of administrative limbo. Currently home to over 500 students, the college is grappling with a severe shortage of essential amenities necessary for medical training. Beyond the inadequate classroom space, the institution suffers from inconsistent electricity and a near-total lack of reliable internet connectivity, both of which are indispensable for modern healthcare education and research. Furthermore, transportation remains a major hurdle for both staff and students in the remote district, complicating daily operations and the logistics of clinical placements. The continued reliance on repurposed leprosy treatment structures highlights a chronic level of underinvestment since the college’s inception. Management has issued an urgent appeal to the government and relevant stakeholders to intervene with a comprehensive infrastructure boost. They maintain that without the construction of modern lecture halls, laboratories, and the provision of stable utilities, the college cannot meet the stringent requirements set by regulatory bodies for diploma accreditation. Securing this upgrade is vital not only for the professional advancement of the students but also for the broader healthcare security of the Northern Region, which relies heavily on the community nurses trained at Nkanchina to staff rural health posts and provide primary care to isolated populations.

Officials and some beneficiary young women who attended the event
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CAMFED Ghana Empowers 791 Young Women to Defy Stereotypes at KNUST Tertiary Scholarship Orientation

Fairuza Abdul-Rahman Safian, the Executive Director of CAMFED Ghana, has issued a powerful call to 791 young women to reject societal stereotypes and pursue their ambitions with vigor. Speaking at the 2026 CAMFED Tertiary Scholarship Programme orientation held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Safian emphasized that marginalized backgrounds should not define the limits of a woman's potential. The scholarship program provides critical financial support, covering tuition and academic-related expenses for beneficiaries entering higher education, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their academic journeys. Beyond financial aid, the orientation served as a platform to prepare the scholars for the complexities of modern professional and personal life. Safian urged the students to cultivate a diverse skill set that extends far beyond traditional academic excellence. She specifically highlighted the necessity of digital literacy, leadership abilities, and an entrepreneurial mindset as essential tools for success in the contemporary global economy. Furthermore, she stressed the vital importance of mentorship and building robust networks, encouraging the young women to become supportive figures who create pathways for others following in their footsteps. Supporting this vision of holistic development, Charity Maame Ekua Adupong, CEO of Meannan Foods, advised the scholars to utilize technology effectively for personal growth rather than as a source of distraction. She underscored the role of strong character in achieving long-term success and called on the government to continue prioritizing youth development initiatives that foster national progress. The event concluded by reinforcing CAMFED Ghana’s commitment to not only providing education but also building the professional resilience of the next generation of female leaders, ensuring they are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s socio-economic landscape.

African leaders push for higher education transformation in Accra
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Mastercard Foundation and African Leaders Commit $500 Million to Transform Higher Education at Accra Convening

In a landmark move to reshape the future of African youth, leaders from across the continent gathered in Accra for the inaugural Higher Education Transformation Convening. Hosted by the Mastercard Foundation, the event centered on the urgent need to overhaul education systems to ensure they foster meaningful economic participation and workforce readiness. Central to the discussions was a collective commitment of $500 million dedicated to transformative initiatives, signaling a significant investment in the human capital of Africa. The convening served as the platform for the first Africa Higher Education for Transformation Prize, which recognized institutions that have demonstrated excellence in driving systemic change. Five institutions from Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Uganda, and Rwanda were honored for their forward-thinking approaches. Notable recipients included the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana and Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. These awards highlight a growing movement toward educational models that prioritize practical outcomes and institutional agility in a rapidly changing global landscape. A primary focus of the deliberations was the critical need to align academic curricula with the evolving demands of the modern workforce. Participants emphasized that higher education must move beyond traditional learning models to incorporate research and innovation that directly informs community and industry practices. Furthermore, the convening underscored the importance of active youth participation, urging policymakers to include young voices in the design and implementation of educational frameworks to ensure they remain relevant to the generation they serve. Ultimately, the Mastercard Foundation’s initiative seeks to create robust pathways for youth employment by bridging the gap between graduation and the job market. By fostering a collaborative environment where industry leaders, educators, and students interact, the convening set a new precedent for how African nations can leverage education as a catalyst for sustainable economic development. The $500 million commitment represents a strategic, long-term effort to ensure that the continent’s growing youth population is equipped to lead and innovate within their respective economies.

The logo for the Ghana Climate Literacy Portal (GCLP), featuring a circular design with a map of Ghana and a sun icon. The color palette includes shades of green and blue, symbolizing environmental and climate themes.
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Ghana Climate Literacy Portal: A Digital Hub for Strengthening National Climate Education and Advocacy

The Ghana Climate Literacy Portal (GCLP) has emerged as a pivotal tool in the country's efforts to foster environmental awareness, serving as Ghana's first national, open-access digital learning platform. Designed to provide comprehensive resources on climate science and advocacy, the GCLP aims to bridge the knowledge gap by offering accessible education to all citizens. This initiative aligns with the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, positioning Ghana as a regional leader in advancing climate literacy across Africa. The platform offers a variety of specialized, free-of-charge courses curated by experts, ranging from foundational modules to advanced topics in environmental management. A core component is the "Climate 101" course, which features eight modules and interactive quizzes designed to ensure a deep understanding of climate fundamentals. Beyond the basics, the GCLP provides specialized curriculum in Climate Advocacy, the Built Environment, and Climate Negotiations. These resources are often integrated into broader initiatives like the Climate Activist Program (CAP 26), which utilizes the portal to equip young leaders with the technical knowledge necessary for effective advocacy. Participants engaging with the portal report a transformative shift in their understanding of environmental issues, noting that the platform's accessibility empowers them to take meaningful action. By providing the tools for informed decision-making, the GCLP moves beyond theoretical knowledge toward practical application. Users have highlighted how the portal has fueled their passion for climate action, enabling them to represent Ghanaian perspectives in local and global climate dialogues with greater confidence and scientific backing. As climate change continues to pose significant challenges to Ghana's development, the GCLP serves as a critical infrastructure for building resilience through education. By democratizing access to expert-led education, Ghana is cultivating a new generation of informed advocates capable of addressing the complex intersections of the environment, economy, and society. The ongoing success of the portal reflects a broader national commitment to climate-informed governance and grassroots mobilization, ensuring that knowledge remains a catalyst for a sustainable future.

UPSA Vice-Chancellor Blocks Graduation of 178 Students Over Mass Academic Results Manipulation
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UPSA Vice-Chancellor Blocks Graduation of 178 Students Over Mass Academic Results Manipulation

The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has uncovered a massive academic results manipulation scheme involving 178 students and over 500 compromised results. Speaking at the university’s 18th Congregation on September 26, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, announced that the graduation of the implicated students—which includes postgraduate candidates—has been withheld pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation. This unprecedented breach has sent shockwaves through the institution, as the scale of the falsification represents a major challenge to the university's academic standards. Investigations revealed a sophisticated operation where students allegedly colluded with individuals to breach the university’s IT infrastructure. Prof. Mawutor disclosed that some students have already confessed to paying for their grades to be altered, while others acted as intermediaries, collecting money from their peers to facilitate the fraud. The Vice-Chancellor characterized the incident as "unacceptable," noting that while academic dishonesty is a perennial challenge for educational institutions, the sheer magnitude and coordinated nature of this specific case are unlike anything the university has faced before. In response to the discovery, UPSA management has taken firm disciplinary action by halting the academic progression of those involved. Prof. Mawutor commended the internal investigative team for their diligence in uncovering the scheme and emphasized that the university would not compromise on its core values of integrity and excellence. As the investigation continues, the university is expected to review its IT security protocols and internal controls to prevent future breaches. This incident serves as a stern warning to the student body regarding the severe consequences of academic malpractice and the institution's commitment to maintaining the value of a UPSA degree.

Teacher unions go on strike - Education Ministry calls for meeting Monday
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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu to Convene Emergency Meeting with Striking Teacher Unions on Monday

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu is scheduled to meet with the leadership of Ghana’s three major pre-tertiary teacher unions on Monday, September 28, 2026, in a critical bid to end a nationwide strike. The industrial action, launched on September 25 by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG), has sparked significant concern within the Ministry of Education regarding disruptions to the academic calendar. The Ministry, through Press Secretary Hasmin Mohammed, emphasized the importance of engaging all stakeholders—including the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission—to resolve the dispute and ensure students return to the classroom. The core grievances of the striking educators center on several long-standing financial and administrative issues. Chief among these is the demand for the payment of promotion arrears for teachers promoted since January 2026 and the automatic placement of successful promotion exam candidates onto their correct salary scales. Furthermore, King Ali Awudu, President of PRETAG, highlighted that a 20% deprived-area allowance designed to incentivize teachers in remote regions has remained unimplemented since it was first proposed in 2009. Despite previous assurances from President John Mahama’s administration, teachers in challenging terrains continue to work without this critical support, facing hazardous travel and difficult living conditions. The strike has drawn sharp reactions from across the political and civil society spectrum. The Minority in Parliament has formally urged the government to honor the 2024 Collective Agreement for Teaching Staff and immediately settle the outstanding allowances and arrears. Conversely, Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, suggested that the unions should direct their frustrations specifically toward the Ghana Education Service (GES), arguing that the administrative body is primarily responsible for the delays in processing promotional letters and salary adjustments. Meanwhile, internal voices within the teaching fraternity, such as Teacher Tiawa (Tabi Addo Godfred), have cautioned that the unions must present a more united front to enhance their negotiating power with the government. As the country looks toward Monday’s meeting, the stakes remain high for both the government and the teaching workforce. The Ministry of Education aims to bridge the gap between current budgetary constraints and the teachers' demands to restore industrial peace. The outcome of these negotiations will not only determine the immediate future of the current academic term but will also test the government’s ability to address systemic issues within the educational sector, such as the implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance. For the unions, the meeting represents a pivotal moment to secure tangible results for their members and demonstrate the efficacy of their collective action.

Haruna Iddrisu (seated middle), Minister of Education, addressing the media
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Ghana to Host Global Education in Emergencies Conference as Students and Communities Advance Through Specialized Learning

Ghana is positioning itself as a central hub for educational dialogue and youth development as it prepares to host the Second High-Level Conference on Scaling Education Initiatives in Emergencies (EiE) on September 29–30, 2026. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has highlighted the urgency of this summit, noting that over 72 million children globally are currently out of school due to various crises. Organized by Associates for Change and other key partners, the two-day event will focus on using policy-relevant evidence to address the educational disruptions caused by conflicts and natural disasters in West Africa. The Minister emphasized that climate change has worsened these challenges, with increasing school closures due to flooding and displacement further threatening the learning opportunities of vulnerable children. While high-level policy discussions take center stage, academic excellence and social advocacy are being celebrated at the grassroots level through the 7th edition of the National Public Speaking Competition (NPSC). In the Ashanti Region, KNUST Senior High School, Opoku Ware Senior High School, and Yaa Asantewaa Senior High School have successfully progressed to the national stage after winning their respective local contests. This year’s competition focuses on the critical issue of drug and substance abuse among adolescents, requiring students to demonstrate critical thinking, leadership, and public speaking skills. Event organizer Samuel Atta has called for expanded government support to enhance the reach of the NPSC, which aims to empower youth to solve pressing societal challenges. Beyond traditional classrooms, education is being utilized to improve public safety and community compliance in the Akatsi South Municipality. A recent sensitization workshop organized by the Road Safety Committee and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) provided road users with essential information on new traffic regulations. The session covered vehicle registration, proper identification to assist law enforcement, and the legal implications of using unauthorized flashlights. This community-based education effort coincides with broader developmental strategies discussed by experts like Dr. Maxwell Ampong, who advocates for "leapfrogging." Dr. Ampong suggests that Ghana can bypass outdated developmental stages by adopting advanced technological and educational solutions directly to overcome traditional barriers to progress. These diverse educational initiatives—ranging from international emergency management and student leadership competitions to municipal safety workshops—reflect a comprehensive national strategy toward progress. As Ghana prepares for the upcoming EiE conference, the integration of innovative development theories and community-level awareness programs remains vital. By addressing both the immediate educational barriers caused by global emergencies and the long-term need for youth empowerment and public safety, the nation seeks to build a more resilient and informed society capable of navigating the complex challenges of the 21st century.

Ghana Education Service Warns SHS Heads Against Illegal Fees Amid Placement Fraud Arrests and Audit Calls
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Ghana Education Service Warns SHS Heads Against Illegal Fees Amid Placement Fraud Arrests and Audit Calls

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a stern warning to heads of second-cycle institutions to immediately cease the collection of unauthorized fees as first-year students begin reporting for the 2026/2027 academic year. With 87.3% of qualified candidates successfully placed, the GES management emphasized that the government’s free senior high school policy prohibits schools from compelling parents to pay admission fees or Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues, the latter of which is currently subject to judicial review. School heads found in violation of these directives have been ordered to refund any illegal charges or face administrative sanctions. This move by the GES aims to protect parents from financial exploitation during the crucial admission window that began on September 18, 2026. While the GES addresses fee compliance, law enforcement has intensified efforts to tackle corruption within the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). Four individuals, including a physician assistant, were recently arrested in Kumasi and Accra for their alleged involvement in a placement fraud scheme. Investigations revealed that suspects collected sums as high as GH"8,500 by promising to secure specific school placements for students, only for those placements to fail. In a related development, Prospectus Ghana Limited has defended its "EduPack" program against scam allegations, asserting that delivery delays for boarding essentials were not fraudulent and that all official payments remain traceable and independent of the government’s Free SHS program. Integrity concerns have also extended to the National School Feeding Programme, where the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) is demanding an immediate audit of enrollment figures. NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba called for the probe following allegations from National Coordinator Hajia Fati Forgor that some head teachers are inflating pupil numbers to secure higher resource allocations. Anaba argued that such manipulation undermines the program’s objectives and deprives truly needy schools of necessary funding. He emphasized that transparency in enrollment data is essential to ensure students receive the high-quality, nutritious meals required for effective learning and concentration. To address the broader challenges of access and equity, various stakeholders are advocating for systemic reforms and providing direct support to families. Prof. Solomon Forkuo Kwarteng of Kumasi Technical University has urged the GES to implement special considerations for rural students, suggesting that those with BECE aggregates between 12 and 20 should have equal access to Category A schools as their urban counterparts. Meanwhile, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, the MP for Akyem Oda, has donated GH"500,000 worth of educational materials to 1,000 students to ease the financial burden on his constituents. These efforts, alongside public-private partnerships such as the scholarship expansion by the KGL and GNPC foundations, highlight a national push to transform educational access into a driver for human potential and progress.

Her entire life reduced to being the wife” — Tochi warns against early marriage
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Education Officer Emma Asilevi and Public Figures Lead Campaign Against Child Marriage to Protect Girls' Futures

Madam Emma Asilevi, the Kadjebi District Girls’ Education Officer, has issued a stern warning to parents and guardians against the practice of forcing children, particularly girls, into marriage. Speaking at a community engagement with women’s groups in Kadjebi, Madam Asilevi emphasized that such actions are a direct violation of the Children’s Act of 1998 (Act 560). She highlighted that child marriage serves as a major barrier to the development of young girls, leading to severe educational disruption, increased health risks, and long-term social challenges that affect the community at large. Supporting this call for the protection of young women's futures, public figure and former Big Brother Naija housemate Tochi Okechukwu has also voiced concerns regarding the pitfalls of early marriage. He cautioned that entering marriage prematurely can hinder a young woman's ability to discover her identity and full potential. Tochi warned that many women find their entire lives "reduced to being the wife," losing their independence and personal goals in the process. Both advocates agree that marriage should only be considered after an individual has attained self-sufficiency and a solid educational foundation. Madam Asilevi further urged community leaders and stakeholders to take an active role in reporting violations and advocating for children’s rights. She stressed that it is a collective responsibility to create a conducive environment where girls can stay in school and pursue their ambitions without the threat of forced unions. By prioritizing education over early marriage, the District Education Officer believes that the cycle of poverty can be broken, allowing young women to contribute meaningfully to national development. The consensus among education officials and public influencers remains clear: the protection of the girl child is paramount for social progress. Stakeholders are encouraged to continue educating parents on the legal implications of the Children’s Act and the transformative power of education. As these advocacy efforts intensify, the goal remains to ensure that every child has the opportunity to complete their schooling and achieve their dreams before taking on the responsibilities of domestic life.

A large group of staff and academics from Accra Technical University pose together during the TUTAG Week celebrations. Participants are wearing branded t-shirts in yellow, blue, and white, with one woman in the foreground resting her foot on a soccer ball, suggesting a sports or wellness activity.
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TUTAG Launches Annual Week Celebrations with Focus on Academic Mental Health and Retirement Planning

During the launch of the 2023 Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) week celebrations in Accra, academics were urged to prioritize their mental well-being alongside their professional aspirations. Under the theme 'Healthy Minds for National Transformation,' Clinical Psychologist Mrs. Gladys Setordzie emphasized that maintaining a balance between work and personal health is essential for long-term success. She warned that while professional ambition is vital for career growth, it must not come at the expense of mental health, which remains a foundational pillar for both personal fulfillment and national development. Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Setordzie highlighted the importance of recognizing stress triggers and implementing practical management techniques to prevent burnout. She argued that stress, though often inevitable in high-pressure academic environments, can be mitigated through deliberate efforts such as effective time management, consistent self-care, and the courage to seek professional support when necessary. By adopting these strategies, educators can maintain the cognitive resilience and emotional stability required to navigate the demanding responsibilities of teaching and research. In addition to mental health, the event addressed the critical need for long-term financial security. Mr. Seth Kweku Owusu Ansah Obiri spoke on the necessity of early retirement planning, urging workers to view it as a primary financial goal rather than a distant concern. He cautioned that traditional pension benefits alone might not be sufficient to sustain a desired lifestyle after years of service, making proactive investment and financial preparation essential for a comfortable post-retirement life. The week-long celebration is designed to serve as a period of reflection, collaboration, and health awareness among members. TUTAG Chairman Professor Hanson Obiri Yeboah and Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Felix Y. H. Kutsanedzie both encouraged faculty members to participate actively in activities aimed at enhancing physical and mental health. As the academic community prepares for the upcoming academic year, the union aims to ensure its members are holisticly well-equipped to contribute to Ghana's educational excellence and broader national progress.

A large group of participants, consisting of men and women in diverse attire, poses for a commemorative photo during the 5th Annual Meeting on Gender and Rural Advisory Services. The group is positioned on a staircase outside a light blue building, standing in front of a white event banner.
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Dr. Clement Apaak Advocates for Foundational Learning Partnerships as Over 2,500 Teachers Complete Play-Based Training Program

Ghana is intensifying its commitment to foundational education and teacher professionalism through strategic international partnerships and innovative training programs. Speaking at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Abas Apaak invited global organizations to support Ghana’s efforts in enhancing foundational learning, emphasizing that such investments are critical for long-term success and cost savings. This call for collaboration aligns with the recent success of a blended play-based learning initiative, where 2,565 teachers successfully completed a certification program designed to integrate play-based methods into the revised basic school curriculum. The teacher training program, a collaboration between Right To Play Ghana and the National Teaching Council (NTC), initially enrolled 4,455 educators across several districts. The initiative aims to equip teachers with the necessary skills to deliver the national curriculum more effectively, moving away from traditional rote learning toward more engaging, student-centered methods. Kwabena Gao of Right To Play and Dr. Issahaque Munawaru of the Ghana Education Service (GES) emphasized that such partnerships are vital for maintaining high standards of teacher professionalism and ensuring that classroom practices translate into improved learning outcomes for students. Beyond the classroom, Ghana is also addressing critical gaps in its rural advisory and extension services to ensure equitable knowledge sharing across the agricultural sector. At a recent multistakeholder forum in Koforidua organized by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and CABI, officials addressed a significant gender disparity in access to advisory information. Despite women making up 52 percent of the agricultural workforce, they currently receive only 15 to 30 percent of available extension services. This forum, held from September 23 to 25, 2026, focused on the Gender and Rural Advisory Services (GRAS) initiative, seeking to leverage Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to bridge this gap. These multi-sectoral initiatives reflect a broader national strategy to modernize service delivery through training, technology, and inclusive policy implementation. While the Ministry of Education focuses on foundational play-based learning to secure the country’s academic future, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is working to integrate gender considerations into its outreach planning. Stakeholders across both sectors, including Peter Aboagye of WIAD and various education leaders, stressed that institutional commitment and ongoing follow-up are essential for these programs to move beyond policy and result in tangible improvements in the professional and economic lives of all Ghanaians.

A woman in a beige blazer and glasses presents a framed 'Citation of Honour' to another woman in a sparkly purple dress. The award is from the Bono Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and is being presented to the Bank of Ghana in recognition of their support for media development and financial literacy workshops.
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Bank of Ghana Director Bernard Ato Otabil Urges Media to Uphold Ethical Standards and Integrity

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a strong call to the Ghanaian media to prioritize ethics and integrity in their reporting, characterizing these values as the bedrock of public trust and national democracy. Speaking at the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awards ceremony in Sunyani, Mr. Bernard Ato Otabil, the Director of Communications at the central bank, emphasized that the media’s role is more critical than ever in an era increasingly defined by the rapid spread of misinformation. He urged practitioners to remain steadfast in their commitment to accuracy and fairness, ensuring that the public receives reliable information. Mr. Otabil described journalists as the "custodians of truth," tasking them with the responsibility of safeguarding the narrative against distortion. He highlighted that high ethical standards are not merely professional requirements but are foundational to maintaining the credibility of the press. By adhering to principles of objectivity and independence, the media can effectively serve as a watchdog for society, facilitating transparent governance and fostering an informed citizenry. The BoG Director underscored that without integrity, the media’s influence on societal transformation would be significantly diminished. To further support these standards, the Bank of Ghana has deepened its partnership with the GJA through the establishment of the Governor’s Economic and Financial Story of the Year award. This initiative is designed to incentivize and celebrate excellence in economic reporting, encouraging journalists to delve deeper into complex financial issues with precision and clarity. Mr. Otabil noted that accurate economic reporting is essential for public understanding of the nation’s fiscal health and for building confidence in the financial sector, which is a primary concern for the central bank. The event also served as a platform to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of local stakeholders in promoting professional journalism. Mrs. Regina Benneh Siaw expressed appreciation for the various sponsors whose support made the awards ceremony possible, reflecting a broad community commitment to the development of the media industry. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the BoG’s call for a return to core journalistic values serves as a reminder that the health of Ghana’s democracy and its economic stability are inextricably linked to the quality and integrity of information disseminated to the public.