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.

Nana Kwaku Agyei Yeboah, CEO of the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), speaks to the media at the 6th AAHEFA International Conference. He is flanked by a female colleague while several news microphones from outlets like GBC are positioned in front of them to capture his statement.
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Student Loan Trust Fund Disburses GH¢600 Million as New Scholarship Initiatives Target Niche Sectors and Community Needs

The Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) has announced a significant investment in Ghana’s educational landscape, disbursing approximately GH¢600 million this year to support student loans, teacher trainee allowances, and financial aid for persons with disabilities. Speaking at the Sixth AAHEFA International Conference in Accra, SLTF CEO Dr. Saadija Shiraz projected that this expenditure will rise to GH¢800 million in the coming academic year. This expansion is part of the government’s strategic focus on education under President John Mahama’s ‘Reset Agenda.’ To streamline access and improve efficiency, the SLTF is transitioning to a fully digitalized loan system, with the ambitious goal of supporting nearly 300,000 beneficiaries by the 2026-2027 academic year. Parallel to state-led financing, the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya has partnered with MALEKA Farms Limited to launch the Maleka Excellence Scholarship for Aquaculture Students (MESAS). This initiative specifically targets financially disadvantaged but academically outstanding Ghanaian students in their first three years of aquaculture studies. Set to commence in the 2026/2027 academic year, the scholarship will cover academic facility fees and provide critical hands-on experience through internships and mentorships at MALEKA Farms. UESD Vice-Chancellor and industry leaders emphasize that this collaboration is vital for nurturing a skilled workforce to modernise Ghana’s agricultural and aquaculture sectors. Community-based and corporate social responsibility initiatives are also filling critical funding gaps for tertiary and basic education. The RNAQ Foundation, in collaboration with the Ga Mantse Foundation, recently launched the Ga-Dangme Youth Scholarship Fund. Under the theme ‘One Ga-Dangme, One Heart, Rising Together,’ the fund aims to assist talented Ga-Dangme students who face financial barriers to higher education. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II has hailed the initiative as a necessary step toward regional unity and development. Similarly, ASA Savings and Loans has contributed GH¢25,000 to support 25 brilliant but needy students within the Ayawaso Central Municipality, covering essential costs such as school fees, textbooks, and hostel accommodation for residents of Nima, Maamobi, and Accra Newtown. These combined efforts from the government, academia, and the private sector underscore a growing national consensus on the importance of human capital investment. Dr. John Machayi, President of AAHEFA, noted during the Accra conference that funding higher education should be viewed not as a cost, but as a primary asset for national development. As the SLTF moves toward digital transformation and specialized scholarships like MESAS begin to address industry-specific needs, the focus remains on ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the potential of Ghana’s youth to contribute to the country’s economic future.

Maxwell Kwame Lukutor (right), Member of Parliament for South Tongu, in a handshake with a representative of one of the zones visited
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Members of Parliament Nationwide Provide Essential Supplies to Thousands of New Senior High School Students

Members of Parliament across Ghana have launched significant educational support initiatives aimed at easing the financial burden on families and ensuring a smooth transition for thousands of newly admitted Senior High School (SHS) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) students. These interventions, which include the distribution of mattresses, trunks, exercise books, and stationery, represent a coordinated effort by lawmakers to boost academic performance and reduce the cost of education at the constituency level. The initiatives come as a relief to parents grappling with the logistical requirements of the SHS admissions cycle. In Sekondi, MP Blay Nyamekye Armah distributed 330,000 exercise books, valued at approximately GH"700,000, to basic school pupils, with each student receiving 20 books. Additionally, the MP provided over GH"500,000 in direct support for SHS freshers. This program is uniquely supported by a local printing press established to reduce costs and create jobs. Similarly, in South Tongu, MP Maxwell Kwame Lukutor initiated a distribution of mattresses and chop boxes for 600 students, emphasizing that such collective efforts among parents, teachers, and stakeholders are vital for improving district-wide academic standards. Support efforts were also prominent in the Biakoye and Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai constituencies. Madam Jean-Marie Formadi, MP for Biakoye, provided essential learning materials—including school bags and chop boxes—to over 1,200 new SHS students, urging parents to remain actively engaged in their children’s education. In Bibiani, MP Bright Asamoah Brefo rewarded 500 outstanding BECE candidates with educational packages and certificates to recognize academic excellence. These localized programs aim to foster a culture of meritocracy and ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the progress of talented students. Beyond material support, lawmakers used these presentation ceremonies to offer guidance on discipline and character development. Theophilus Vondee, MP for Twifo Atti-Morkwa, cautioned students against negative peer influences and urged them to remain focused on their studies. He reminded the beneficiaries to reflect on their backgrounds and the sacrifices made by their families when making life decisions. District Chief Executives in various regions, including Isaac Yawson of Twifo Atti-Morkwa, assured constituents that the government remains committed to providing a conducive environment for learning through continued infrastructure and resource support. As these students begin their secondary education, the widespread involvement of MPs highlights the critical role of constituency-level leadership in the broader national education strategy. Beneficiaries and parents alike have expressed gratitude for the interventions, noting that the provision of basic items like trunks and mattresses often makes the difference in a student’s ability to report to school on time. These efforts are expected to contribute to higher retention rates and better socio-economic outcomes for the youth across the country.

A large group of students is gathered at an outdoor ceremony in Ghana, standing in rows next to wooden trunks and school supplies. Each trunk is topped with a mattress and various educational materials, prepared for distribution to SHS entrants.
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Dr. Gideon Boako Equips 2,200 Tano North SHS Entrants with Educational Kits to Ease Financial Burdens

Dr. Gideon Boako, the Member of Parliament for Tano North, has distributed essential educational materials to 2,200 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) graduates in the Ahafo Region to support their transition to Senior High School (SHS). The initiative, held in Duayaw-Nkwanta, was designed to bridge the financial gap many families face when preparing for secondary education. By providing these kits, Dr. Boako aims to ensure that socioeconomic barriers do not prevent qualified students from pursuing their academic goals following their recent BECE results. Each student received a comprehensive package including a chop box, school bag, exercise books, and a scientific calculator. Dr. Boako shared that this initiative was a personal "dream come true," rooted in his own difficult childhood and the academic struggles he overcame. He emphasized that while the government's Free SHS policy covers tuition and boarding fees, the initial cost of personal supplies remains a significant hurdle for many households. The MP urged the beneficiaries to look beyond their current BECE grades, asserting that determination and perseverance are the true drivers of future success. Joining the MP at the event was the former Second Lady, Mrs. Samira Bawumia, who underscored the importance of focus and discipline. She specifically cautioned the first-year students against the negative influences of peer groups that could derail their academic ambitions. In addition to her advisory role, Mrs. Bawumia presented cash rewards to high-achieving students who excelled in their recent examinations. She praised Dr. Boako’s commitment to his constituents, describing the promotion of education as a collective responsibility shared by leaders and the community alike. The Tano North Municipal Director of Education, Stephen Tia Adams, commended the intervention, noting its timeliness and potential to improve overall enrollment and retention rates. He highlighted that the support would significantly reduce the financial pressure on parents, some of whom struggle to afford basic school supplies despite the absence of tuition fees. Moving forward, the Education Directorate has pledged to monitor the academic progress of the beneficiaries to ensure the investment yields positive outcomes for the constituency.

UCC confers honorary doctorate on Kwesi Pratt Jnr
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University of Cape Coast Secures $500m Infrastructure Deal and Honors Veteran Journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has reached a significant developmental milestone by signing a $500 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GSC Property Investment Limited to address its student accommodation deficit. This ambitious public-private partnership aims to construct 28 dormitory blocks with the capacity to house 28,000 students, alongside various commercial facilities. Under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model, the Chinese firm will finance and manage the infrastructure for 30 years before transferring ownership to the university. Construction for the first phase is scheduled to begin in January 2027 following the completion of necessary regulatory approvals. Alongside this infrastructure boost, the university held a special congregation to confer an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) on veteran journalist and Pan-Africanist Kwesi Pratt Jnr. The Chancellor of UCC, Sir Sam Jonah, praised Pratt’s steadfast commitment to independent journalism and his pivotal role in enriching Ghana's public discourse. In his acceptance speech, Pratt reflected on his lifelong dedication to African liberation and the enduring influence of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's ideals on his career. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Denis Aheto noted that the award recognizes Pratt's decades of service and his impact on national conversations regarding democracy and freedom. The ceremonies also served as a platform for critical national reflection. Speaking at the 15th Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lectures, Sir Sam Jonah challenged the nation to move beyond decades of political debate over Nkrumah’s legacy and focus instead on practical nation-building. He emphasized that the focus should be on the physical and institutional developments Nkrumah championed, rather than partisan arguments. This call for progress aligns with the university’s current expansion efforts, which include the growth of its e-Campus to offer a wider range of accredited advanced programs. These combined developments highlight UCC's dual focus on academic recognition and physical modernization. By securing one of the largest private investments in Ghanaian campus housing and simultaneously honoring voices of democratic dissent, the university is positioning itself as a leader in both institutional growth and intellectual leadership. As the project progresses toward its 2027 start date, the university administration expects the new facilities to significantly improve the student experience and set a new standard for university infrastructure across the West African sub-region.

Frank Adu Jnr Invested as First Chancellor of AUCB, Pledges Digital and Ethical Overhaul of Higher Education
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Frank Adu Jnr Invested as First Chancellor of AUCB, Pledges Digital and Ethical Overhaul of Higher Education

The African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) has officially inaugurated Mr. Frank B. Adu Jnr, the former Managing Director and CEO of CalBank, as its first Chancellor. The landmark ceremony, held in Accra on September 18, follows the institution's receipt of a presidential charter in December 2024. In his inaugural address, Mr. Adu outlined a bold five-point vision designed to transform the university into a digitally-driven, financially self-sustaining leader in African higher education. This milestone marks a significant evolution for the institution, which originally began as the African Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC), as it seeks to redefine its role in the contemporary socio-economic landscape. At the heart of Mr. Adu's agenda is a seismic shift in educational approaches, prioritizing digital transformation and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics across all curricula. He emphasized that the university must adapt to an AI-driven world to ensure graduates possess the practical skills required by a technology-oriented economy. To achieve this, the Chancellor proposed an industry-embedded model, calling for experienced professionals to collaborate directly on curriculum development and student mentorship. Furthermore, he signaled a strategic preference for expanding through online education and digital channels rather than immediate physical campus growth, leveraging technology to broaden the university’s reach. Beyond technological advancement, the Chancellor underscored the critical need for ethical leadership and the restoration of professional standards in media and political communication. His vision includes fostering a robust alumni network to provide mentorship and institutional support, alongside a focus on long-term financial sustainability through resource mobilization. Stakeholders at the event, including representatives from the Ministry of Education and traditional authorities, praised the appointment. Dr. Emmanuel Newman, representing the Minister of Education, highlighted that Mr. Adu's extensive background in both business and education would be pivotal in steering AUCB toward innovative research and impactful industry partnerships. This period of institutional growth at AUCB coincides with a broader effort to strengthen international academic ties within Ghana. A senior delegation from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Eric Neumayer, previously visited the country to enhance engagement with Ghanaian alumni and confirm plans to host the Programme for African Leadership (PfAL) conference in Accra. Together, these developments—from AUCB’s leadership transition to increased international collaboration—reflect a concerted drive to position Ghana as a regional hub for specialized education and high-level leadership training.

Educational Shifts in Africa: LSE Deepens Ghana Partnerships as Algeria Pivots to English-First Curriculum
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Educational Shifts in Africa: LSE Deepens Ghana Partnerships as Algeria Pivots to English-First Curriculum

Educational priorities across the African continent are undergoing significant transformations, marked by both high-level academic partnerships in West Africa and sweeping linguistic reforms in the North. In Ghana, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has recently concluded a high-level mission to strengthen academic and leadership networks. Simultaneously, Algeria has announced a historic shift in its primary school curriculum, prioritizing English over French as part of a broader effort to modernize its educational system and distance the nation from its colonial past. During a strategic visit to Accra, an LSE delegation led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Eric Neumayer reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to Ghanaian development. A central outcome of the engagement was the confirmation that Accra will host the upcoming Programme for African Leadership (PfAL) conference. Established in 2012, PfAL has become a cornerstone for LSE’s engagement on the continent, providing specialized leadership training for African graduates. The delegation’s meetings with prominent alumni and notable officials underscore a strategy to leverage the expertise of international academic networks to address regional challenges and foster a new generation of leaders. Further north, Algeria is implementing a reform that fundamentally alters its cultural and educational landscape. Education Minister Mohamed Seghir Saadaoui announced that by the 2026-27 academic year, English will be established as the primary foreign language taught in the third year of primary school. This move effectively relegates French—the language of the former colonial power—to the fourth year of study. This transition is driven by a desire to adopt the global lingua franca of science, technology, and business, though it also reflects a period of deteriorating diplomatic relations between Algiers and Paris. These developments reflect a broader continental trend toward educational autonomy and global integration. While Ghana continues to foster elite international academic collaborations to build local leadership capacity, Algeria is reshaping the foundational tools of its youth to better compete in a globalized economy. Together, these initiatives signal a departure from traditional colonial-era educational structures in favor of pragmatic, future-oriented models that prioritize global communication and strategic leadership skills.

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.
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Rev. Stephen Wengam Urges Assemblies of God Leaders to Prioritize Loyalty for Organizational Development

Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, has underscored the vital role of loyalty in fostering organizational growth and spiritual development. Addressing newly elected Executive Presbytery Officers during a three-day prayer retreat at Cedar Mountain Chapel, Rev. Wengam characterized loyalty to both God and the church as a non-negotiable requirement for effective leadership. His remarks come on the heels of his overwhelming re-election, where he secured approximately 90% of the votes, signaling strong internal support for his continued leadership and the church's strategic direction. Throughout the retreat, which focused on the church's ambitious "Transformation Agenda," Rev. Wengam described loyalty as the "currency of development." He urged the newly elected officers to move beyond mere rhetoric and demonstrate their commitment through concrete actions that support the church's mission. The event was not only administrative but deeply spiritual, featuring four hours of daily prayer alongside strategic discussions. This combination of spiritual discipline and organizational planning is intended to equip the leadership with the resilience needed to implement the vision of the Assemblies of God in Ghana. Attendees of the retreat expressed that the sessions were both refreshing and highly relevant to the contemporary challenges facing church administration. The retreat served as a critical preparatory phase for the officers as they begin their new mandates. Looking ahead, the church has scheduled a formal handing-over ceremony for September 18, 2026, to be held at the Assemblies of God Headquarters in Osu, Accra. This event will mark a significant milestone in the church’s leadership cycle, formalizing the roles of those tasked with steering the denomination’s growth over the coming years.

Republic Bank MD, National Service Authority, and Industry Leaders Champion Career Discipline and Skill Development for Ghanaian Youth
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Republic Bank MD, National Service Authority, and Industry Leaders Champion Career Discipline and Skill Development for Ghanaian Youth

As Ghana continues to address youth unemployment and the evolving demands of the global workforce, a diverse group of leaders from the financial, educational, and entertainment sectors are calling on the younger generation to embrace discipline, strategic thinking, and technical skill development. Dr. Benjamin Dzoboku, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, recently highlighted that effective time management is the fundamental cornerstone of success, urging youth to be intentional with their daily 24-hour allocation and avoid the distractions of social media. This call for personal accountability is being matched by institutional shifts, such as the National Service Authority’s (NSA) new target to place 70% of personnel in the private sector to improve job retention and alleviate the overcrowding seen in government agencies. During his recent public engagements, Dr. Dzoboku cautioned that how individuals utilize their time determines their future success, advocating for consistency and a proactive approach to personal development. This sentiment was echoed by dancehall artiste Shatta Wale during a presentation at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), where he challenged students and young entrepreneurs to look beyond his flashy public persona and instead study his strategic thinking and independent mindset. Both leaders emphasized that professional growth requires a departure from superficial imitation in favor of developing a unique personal identity and a disciplined approach to one’s goals. The push for youth development also extends to identifying specialized career paths in sectors facing labor shortages. Dr. Richard Okyere, Rector of the Ghana Insurance University College (GIU), noted a significant lack of actuarial and statistical expertise in the country’s insurance industry. He encouraged WASSCE graduates to consider these fields to help build local expertise and increase Ghana’s competitiveness in global financial markets. To support this transition, the NSA’s Empowerment Summit in Kumasi recently engaged over 100 young people in training and networking, with Ashanti Regional Director Fynn Emmanuel Reagan pointing out that private sector placements offer more sustainable career paths. The importance of balancing professional passion with formal education was further exemplified by the story of Rica, a dancer with the Dance. Grow. Live Academy. Despite the physical and mental fatigue of juggling teacher training with high-profile performances, Rica successfully graduated with a first-class degree. Her journey serves as a practical model for the consistency and accountability advocated by industry veterans like Dr. Dzoboku. Together, these various perspectives highlight a cohesive national effort to equip Ghanaian youth with the mindset, technical proficiency, and institutional support necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive economic landscape.

Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey — Eastern Regional Minister
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Regional Ministers and NCPTA Demand Higher Standards for School Infrastructure and Professional Conduct

Ghanaian educational stakeholders, led by regional ministers and the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTA), are intensifying efforts to improve school infrastructure, teacher conduct, and parental involvement. As the administration under President John Mahama continues to prioritize educational development, regional leaders are exercising stricter oversight on government-funded projects and school safety. From the Bono East Region to the Ashanti and Eastern Regions, officials are addressing critical gaps in construction quality and professional ethics to ensure a conducive learning environment for students. In the Bono East Region, Minister Francis Owusu Antwi has taken a firm stance against substandard construction by rejecting a dining hall project at Kajaji Senior High School. During a recent inspection, the Minister identified shoddy workmanship, including crooked concrete beams and the use of non-standard blocks. While students currently eat in open spaces, Minister Antwi emphasized that his ministry would not certify the work until the contractor, Engineer Taufiq Modestus, rectifies the structural defects. Similarly, in the Ashanti Region, Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene clarified that a 12-unit classroom block at Mankranso would not be demolished as rumored. Instead, the facility will be re-engineered to integrate with a new "24-Hour Economy Market" project, allowing the school to retain its educational function while providing a nursery for market traders’ children. Professional ethics and student safety have also taken center stage, with Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey issuing a stern warning to male teachers. Speaking at the Yilo Krobo Future Leaders Conference, she cautioned educators to refrain from sexual relations with female students, noting that such professional misconduct would result in severe legal consequences. The Minister also addressed the rising trend of teenage pregnancy and substance abuse, urging local authorities and parents to implement stricter discipline and protection protocols for the youth. Complementing these administrative actions, the NCPTA has called on parents to take an active role in the transition of students to Senior High Schools (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. Felicity Ahafianyo, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCPTA-Ghana, emphasized during a zonal meeting in Ho that while the government provides tuition-free education, parents remain responsible for providing basic educational materials. She urged families and organizations to support vulnerable children, ensuring that the burden of basic supplies does not hinder access to the academic opportunities provided by the state.

Ghana TVET Service and Partners Launch Major Initiatives to Enhance National Skills Training and Professional Governance
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Ghana TVET Service and Partners Launch Major Initiatives to Enhance National Skills Training and Professional Governance

The Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service has entered into a strategic partnership with the Design and Technology Institute (DTI) to overhaul the nation's skills training framework. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to transition from isolated projects to a comprehensive, nationwide approach that addresses institutional capacity, industry linkages, and the integration of digital data systems. By focusing on trainer development and dual apprenticeship pathways, the collaboration seeks to ensure that more than 235 TVET institutions across Ghana produce graduates who meet both local economic demands and international certification benchmarks. In a parallel effort to strengthen institutional governance within the sector, the Ghana TVET Service has appointed Ishmael Kodzokpo as the Chairman of the Governing Board for the Anfoeta Technical Institute. This appointment, made in accordance with the Pre-tertiary Education Act, 2020, underscores the government's commitment to strategic leadership in vocational schools. Mr. Kodzokpo has pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders to elevate the institute’s status and improve the quality of technical education delivered to students, reflecting a broader trend of professionalizing the management of Ghana's educational assets. While technical education sees structural reforms, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is addressing the specialized educational needs of the media sector through a new legal literacy initiative. During a five-day residential training session in Accra, the MFWA launched a dedicated legal support fund to assist journalists facing litigation. Funded by the European Union through International Media Support, this program—part of the Africa Media Independence and Resilience (AMIR) project—emphasizes the critical need for journalists to understand legal frameworks and rights, effectively educating professionals on how to navigate increasing threats and lawsuits. These collective developments signal a multifaceted approach to education and professional empowerment in Ghana, ranging from high-level vocational policy to localized school governance and specialized legal training. As the TVET Service works toward harmonizing skills recognition across Africa, these initiatives provide the foundational support necessary for both students and working professionals to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.

St John’s School, YMCA, and Regional Groups Launch Major Initiatives to Enhance Ghanaian Education
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St John’s School, YMCA, and Regional Groups Launch Major Initiatives to Enhance Ghanaian Education

St John’s School in Sekondi has launched a landmark GH¢6.5 million fundraising campaign to coincide with its 75th-anniversary celebration. Operating under the theme "United in Purpose, Committed to Excellence," the school aims to construct a new three-storey classroom block featuring 15 classrooms and three modern laboratories. During the launch, school leadership and alumni underscored the institution's historical role in national development, calling on the global "Old Saints" alumni community and corporate partners to invest in the infrastructure needed to maintain academic and moral excellence for future generations. In a parallel effort to support basic education while promoting environmental sustainability, the Western Regional YMCA has introduced its "Green Bags Outreach" initiative. On September 15, 2026, the program donated its first 50 eco-friendly school bags to pupils at Funko M/A School. These bags are uniquely upcycled from plastic waste, with the project having already recovered over 50,000 pieces of plastic from the environment. Project Lead Goddy Nana Mens noted that the initiative aims to distribute 2,000 bags across ten schools over the next year, providing students with essential learning materials and personalized messages of encouragement while teaching them the value of responsible waste management. Support for basic schools also extended to the Greater Accra Region, where the Accra Presbytery Women’s Ministry of the Global Evangelical Church (GEC) donated educational materials worth GH¢12,000 to the GEC Basic School in Kotobabi. In anticipation of the 2026 Women’s Ministry Rally, the group provided exercise books, writing utensils, and cleaning supplies to improve the learning environment. Reverend Mrs. Mercy Motte-Kpegla described the welfare of the children as a communal responsibility and a core part of the church's mission, emphasizing that nurturing the next generation is a critical form of social and spiritual empowerment. In the Upper East Region, the Alagumgube Association has taken significant steps to preserve cultural heritage by donating 260 Gurenɛ language books to the Regional Education Directorate. Distributed on September 18, 2026, the donation includes 250 books for municipal and district directorates and 10 for the regional office to facilitate indigenous language teaching. Association representative Abraham Adoctor Giba highlighted the necessity of language preservation in the formal education system, arguing that cultural identity is foundational to a student's development. The association continues to advocate for wider Gurenɛ instruction alongside other regional development projects. These diverse initiatives reflect a robust trend of institutional philanthropy and community-led support within Ghana’s education sector. By addressing needs ranging from large-scale infrastructure and environmental consciousness to spiritual stewardship and linguistic preservation, these organizations are filling critical resource gaps. The success of these projects—whether through the upcycling of waste or the mobilization of alumni networks—demonstrates a collective commitment to ensuring that Ghanaian students across all regions are equipped with the tools and cultural values necessary for national progress.

UCC confers honorary doctorate on Kwesi Pratt Jnr
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University of Cape Coast Honors Kwesi Pratt Jnr and Secures $500 Million Student Housing Agreement

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has marked a significant milestone in its institutional development, combining high-level academic recognition with a major infrastructure announcement. During a special congregation held in September 2026, the university conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) on veteran journalist and Pan-Africanist Kwesi Pratt Jnr. The ceremony served as a platform for UCC leadership to outline a bold vision for the university's future, including a massive $500 million partnership to address chronic student accommodation shortages and the expansion of digital learning through a new e-Campus initiative. Chancellor Sir Sam Jonah used the occasion and the preceding 15th Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lectures to challenge the national discourse on development. He critiqued what he described as sixty years of redundant arguments over the legacy of Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, urging the nation to pivot toward practical nation-building. Sir Sam Jonah emphasized that Nkrumah’s contributions should be measured by tangible physical and institutional progress rather than political debate. In his acceptance speech, Kwesi Pratt Jnr echoed these sentiments, reflecting on his lifelong commitment to African liberation and the enduring influence of Nkrumah’s ideals on his career in independent journalism. Complementing these academic celebrations, UCC formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GSC Property Investment Limited for a landmark $500 million student accommodation project. This initiative, which is structured under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, will see the construction of 28 dormitory blocks capable of housing 28,000 students. The project also includes various commercial facilities to serve the campus community. GSC Property Investment Limited will finance and manage the facilities for a 30-year period before transferring ownership back to the university, with the first phase of construction scheduled to begin in January 2027. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Denis Aheto highlighted that these developments are part of a broader strategy to modernize the institution and enhance the student experience. Beyond the physical expansion of the campus, the university is also promoting its e-Campus platform, which offers a variety of accredited advanced programs to a global audience. These combined efforts in infrastructure, technology, and public engagement underscore UCC's commitment to remaining a central pillar of higher education and democratic discourse in Ghana.