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.

Haruna Iddrisu (seated middle), Minister of Education, addressing the media
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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Announces Ghana to Host High-Level Global Conference on Crisis-Affected Learning

Ghana is set to become the focal point for global discussions on education in crisis zones as it hosts the Second High-Level Conference on Scaling Education Initiatives in Emergencies (EiE). Scheduled for September 29-30, 2026, the two-day summit will bring together stakeholders to address the dire educational gaps faced by millions of children caught in the crosshairs of conflict and environmental catastrophes. Organized by Associates for Change in collaboration with various international partners, the conference underscores Ghana's commitment to leading regional efforts in ensuring learning continuity despite the increasing frequency of humanitarian emergencies. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, emphasizing the urgency of the situation, revealed that more than 72 million children worldwide are currently out of school due to ongoing crises. West Africa remains one of the most significantly impacted regions, where a combination of armed conflict and natural disasters has disrupted traditional schooling systems. The Minister noted that the conference would focus on synthesizing policy-relevant evidence to enhance both the access to and the quality of education for these vulnerable populations, aiming to transform theoretical research into actionable interventions. A critical component of the upcoming discussions will be the role of climate change in exacerbating educational instability. Recent years have seen a surge in school closures across the sub-region due to severe flooding and mass displacement. These environmental stressors not only destroy physical infrastructure but also create long-term barriers to learning for displaced youth. The conference aims to develop resilient educational frameworks that can withstand such shocks, ensuring that the right to education is protected even in the face of escalating climate-related disasters. As the host nation, Ghana seeks to leverage this platform to foster cross-border cooperation and secure sustainable funding for emergency education initiatives. By bringing together policymakers, researchers, and development partners, the event is expected to produce a roadmap for scaling successful pilot programs into national and regional policies. The ultimate goal is to provide a lifeline for millions of children, ensuring that the disruption of their present circumstances does not permanently derail their future opportunities.

New UCC Vice-Chancellor visits Prudential Bank, pledges stronger partnership
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Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, New UCC Vice-Chancellor, Pledges Enhanced Collaboration with Prudential Bank

Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has paid a strategic working visit to the management of Prudential Bank Limited to reinforce the long-standing relationship between the two institutions. During the meeting with the bank's Acting Managing Director, Mr. Ebow Quayson, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the importance of private-sector partnerships in advancing the university's academic and developmental goals. The visit marks one of the Vice-Chancellor's early initiatives to align the university's growth with sustainable financial support and community development. Discussions during the visit centered on enhancing student financial services, providing robust educational support, and fostering community-led initiatives. Mr. Ebow Quayson praised the university for its enduring partnership with the bank and reaffirmed Prudential Bank's commitment to supporting the institution's educational vision. He noted that the bank remains dedicated to providing tailored financial solutions that cater to the needs of the academic community, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder educational progress for the youth. Outlining his vision for the university, Professor Aheto highlighted a focus on faculty upgrades and the integration of sustainability initiatives into the school's core operations. He specifically pointed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4)—which focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education—as a guiding framework for his administration. By aligning with these global standards, the Vice-Chancellor aims to ensure that UCC provides a competitive and accessible environment for both staff and students through modern infrastructure and resource availability. This renewed partnership is expected to pave the way for innovative projects that bridge the gap between academia and the financial sector. As the University of Cape Coast enters this new leadership era under Professor Aheto, the collaboration with Prudential Bank serves as a model for how corporate institutions can contribute to the sustainability of higher education in Ghana. Both parties have pledged to maintain an open dialogue to ensure that the evolving needs of the university community are met with efficient and impactful financial interventions.

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.