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.

Gayheart Mensah is seen speaking at a podium during an event, likely related to journalism or governance. He stands behind several microphones, including those from UTV and GTV, with a CDD-Ghana poster emphasizing 'Integrity, Independence, Excellence' visible in the background.
education|

Gayheart Mensah and Media Experts Urge Ghanaian Journalists to Prioritize Ethics and Verification Over Breaking News Speed

At a symposium organized by the Media Research Institute (MRI Ghana), media consultant and Deputy CEO of the Food and Drugs Authority, Gayheart Mensah, issued a strong call for journalists to prioritize ethical standards, rigorous verification, and accountability. Amid the mounting pressure to break news first in a digital-first environment, Mensah emphasized that the integrity of the profession depends on accuracy rather than speed. He warned against the growing trend of assuming information is correct simply because it is widely circulated on social media platforms, advocating instead for a more critical examination of sources and evidence. During his address, Mensah highlighted the potential for unverified allegations to cause irreparable damage to individuals and organizations. He urged reporters to critically evaluate their sources and the evidence provided before publication. A key component of this ethical framework, he noted, is the necessity of providing affected parties with a fair opportunity to respond to claims made against them. The symposium underscored that the rush to capture audience attention must not come at the expense of professional scrutiny or the fundamental principles of fairness and balance in reporting. The event also featured insights from other prominent media scholars and leaders, including Professor Amin Alhassan, Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), and Professor Audrey Gadzekpo of the University of Ghana. Professor Alhassan discussed the dual nature of digital media, noting that while it offers new tools for information dissemination, it also creates significant ethical dilemmas for modern newsrooms. Professor Gadzekpo echoed these sentiments, urging journalists to move beyond merely circulating existing information and instead focus on original verification and maintaining proportionality in their reporting. The consensus among the participants was a call for Ghanaian media houses to uphold rigorous editorial standards even as they adapt to technological advancements. The discussions concluded that human judgment and adherence to professional codes of conduct remain essential safeguards against the pitfalls of the digital age. By fostering a culture of accountability and implementing strict editorial checks, the Ghanaian media can ensure it remains a credible source of information and continues to serve the public interest effectively.

KNUST Advances Research Leadership with New Photonics Laboratory and National Tourism Recognition
education|

KNUST Advances Research Leadership with New Photonics Laboratory and National Tourism Recognition

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is cementing its status as a premier center for innovation with the dual announcement of a pioneering light-based science laboratory and the high-profile recognition of its faculty in the digital tourism sector. On September 22, 2026, the university will officially inaugurate the Ghana Photonics and Optics Laboratory (GPOL), a facility dedicated to addressing critical health and environmental challenges through light-based technology. Simultaneously, the university’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism Studies is celebrating the achievements of Dr. Benjamin Appiah Osei, whose technology-driven approach to education has garnered national acclaim for three consecutive years. The GPOL, spearheaded by researchers Dr. Akyana Britwum and Dr. Michael Kweku Edem Donkor, represents a significant leap in Ghana's scientific capacity. The laboratory focuses on developing affordable instruments to combat the circulation of substandard medicines and monitor heavy metal contamination in water and soil. The launch coincides with the inaugural NYANSAPƆ Photonics School, which is currently training 38 emerging scientists from six African nations. This initiative provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, aiming to establish Ghana as a regional leader in photonics research. Dr. Britwum emphasized that the laboratory will provide lasting research and training capacity, ensuring that West Africa can develop and maintain its own diagnostic tools. Complementing this scientific breakthrough is the work of Dr. Benjamin Appiah Osei, a Senior Lecturer at KNUST who has redefined tourism education through digital innovation. Dr. Osei was recently recognized as a three-time tourism award winner, having been named the Digital Tourism Icon in 2024 and 2026, and receiving the Tourism Innovation & Technology Award in 2025. Through his initiative, Tourism & Hospitality for Everyone (TOHFE), he utilizes digital storytelling and experiential learning to make the industry more accessible to the public. Dr. Osei advocates for a model where tourism is experienced and lived rather than just studied, leveraging social media to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice. These advancements reflect a broader trend at KNUST of applying academic research to solve practical, real-world problems. Whether through the detection of falsified medicines using diagnostic imaging or the digital preservation of cultural heritage, the university is actively shaping the future of Ghana's economy and public safety. As the GPOL begins its operations and digital tourism strategies continue to evolve, these initiatives are expected to foster deeper international collaboration and enhance Ghana's reputation as a hub for both world-class scientific research and innovative cultural education.

UCC confers honorary doctorate on Kwesi Pratt Jnr
education|

UCC Honours Kwesi Pratt Jnr. as Frank Adu Jnr. Assumes Chancellorship at AUCB

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

Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, at the CSSPS Resolution Centre at the GNAT Hall to monitor the ongoing exercise and assess the progress being made in addressing placement concerns
education|

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

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

Haruna Iddrisu — Education Minister
education|

Ghana Police Arrest Two for CSSPS Placement Fraud as GES Issues Stern Directives to SHS Heads

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

Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey — Eastern Regional Minister
education|

Eastern Regional Minister and NCPTA Urge Accountability and Parental Support Amidst New Academic Transitions

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

A group photograph featuring four men standing indoors against a backdrop of white window blinds. Rev. Stephen Wengam, the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, is positioned second from the right among the group.
education|

Assemblies of God General Superintendent Rev. Stephen Wengam Defines Loyalty as the "Currency of Development" at Leadership Retreat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHS admissions and bribery: Two suspects picked up by police at CSSPS centre
education|

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Confronts CSSPS Fraud as Two Arrested in SHS Placement Bribery Scandal

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