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.

Ga Mantse Foundation and Private Organizations Launch Scholarship Initiatives to Support Needy Students Nationwide
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Ga Mantse Foundation and Private Organizations Launch Scholarship Initiatives to Support Needy Students Nationwide

Educational philanthropy has seen a significant boost across Ghana as multiple foundations and corporate entities launch scholarship schemes aimed at supporting high-achieving but financially disadvantaged students. At the forefront of these efforts, the RNAQ Foundation, in collaboration with the Ga Mantse Foundation, recently inaugurated the RNAQ Ga-Dangme Youth Scholarship Fund in Accra. Operating under the theme "One Ga-Dangme, One Heart, Rising Together," the fund is designed to foster unity and academic excellence within the Ga-Dangme community by assisting tertiary students. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II has endorsed the initiative, calling for collective community support to ensure its sustainability and urging the youth to use education as a tool for development. In addition to traditional leadership initiatives, corporate social responsibility programs are targeting critical education gaps in urban areas. ASA Savings and Loans has allocated GH5,000 to support 25 students across the Ayawaso Central Municipality, specifically focusing on the Nima, Maamobi, and Accra Newtown communities. This funding covers essential costs such as school fees, hostel accommodations, and textbooks for both junior high and tertiary students. The company has expressed intentions to scale this support to reach up to 500 children in the future, emphasizing that such interventions are critical to allowing students to focus on their professional goals, such as engineering and medicine, without the distraction of financial hardship. Support for basic education graduates is also expanding through memorial and regional foundations. The Rev. Emile Doe Dogbe-Gakpetor Memorial Foundation recently awarded GH₵ 5,000 each to six students who excelled in the 2026 BECE and gained admission to second-cycle institutions. Similarly, in the Nanung Kingdom, the Togmah Foundation, funded by entrepreneur Ahmed Dassana Natogmah, provided financial and material aid to 19 outstanding BECE candidates from Nanumba North. A notable feature of the Togmah Foundation’s program is its commitment to providing full sponsorship for female students pursuing science-related disciplines, a move aimed at enhancing gender representation in STEM fields and raising overall educational standards in the northern sector. These diverse scholarship programs highlight a growing trend of private-sector and community-led interventions in Ghana's education sector. By targeting specific geographic areas and academic levels—from BECE graduates to tertiary students—these foundations are addressing the systemic barriers that often prevent talented youth from completing their studies. Educational authorities and traditional leaders continue to urge more organizations to collaborate on such initiatives, noting that the long-term development of the nation depends on making quality education accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic background.

Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey — Eastern Regional Minister
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Gender Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey Reports Major Expansion of Ghana School Feeding Programme to 4.5 Million Children

The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has announced a significant expansion of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, which now provides daily nutritious meals to 4.53 million schoolchildren nationwide. Under the leadership of President John Mahama, the initiative has seen a consistent rise in both reach and financial commitment to combat hunger and improve student nutrition. The program's budget has grown from GH 1,393,000,000 in 2024 to GH 1,982,000,000 in 2026. This budgetary growth supported an increase in the meal grant from GH 1.50 to GH 2.00 per pupil, ensuring that over half a million additional children have been brought into the program over the last two years. Beyond financial allocations, Dr. Lartey highlighted structural improvements to the program, including the settlement of all caterer arrears from 2024. The Ministry has also prioritized compliance monitoring and specialized training for caterers to maintain high nutrition standards. These efforts are part of a broader government strategy to ensure that the physical well-being of students remains a foundation for their academic success. This focus on nutrition is being paired with a call for more robust reporting mechanisms in schools, as experts like Professor Simon Peter Kafui Aheto urge school heads to adopt gender-responsive policies and avoid "internal settlements" of abuse cases, referring them instead to the appropriate authorities. While the national government addresses nutrition, regional leaders are intensifying efforts to ensure student safety and moral discipline. Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey recently issued a stern warning to male teachers, emphasizing that sexual relations with female students constitute professional misconduct and will result in severe legal consequences. Speaking at the Yilo Krobo Future Leaders Conference, Mrs. Awatey noted that protecting students from teenage pregnancy and substance abuse requires a collaborative effort between disciplined teachers and supportive parents. This sentiment was echoed in the Volta Region, where Director of Gender Thywill Eyra Kpe encouraged adolescent girls from broken homes to remain focused on their career goals despite personal hardships. Looking toward the future, education stakeholders are also calling for a shift in how students perceive career paths, particularly in agriculture. Current trends often see agriculture treated as a fallback for students with lower grades, a mindset that experts argue threatens national food security. By integrating technology and modern innovation into the curriculum, educators hope to rebrand agriculture as a prestigious field for the nation's best and brightest. This multifaceted approach—combining nutritional support, legal protection, and forward-thinking career guidance—aims to provide a comprehensive support system for the next generation of Ghanaian leaders.

Ghana’s Parliament to Open Historic Museum as Educational and Civic Initiatives Expand Nationwide
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Ghana’s Parliament to Open Historic Museum as Educational and Civic Initiatives Expand Nationwide

In a significant week for public education and civic engagement, the Parliament of Ghana has announced the opening of the country’s first Parliamentary Museum on September 22, 2026. Located within Parliament House in Accra, this legacy project spearheaded by Speaker Alban Bagbin aims to bridge the gap between the legislature and the citizenry. The museum will showcase the evolution of Ghana’s democratic journey through historical photographs, documents, and interactive exhibits detailing the law-making process. Members of the public can access the facility during weekdays, provided they book their visits through the official parliamentary website, marking a new era of transparency and historical preservation in the capital. Complementing this focus on history, celebrated journalist and author Zeinab Badawi has announced the release of her new children’s book, "Africa: History and Heroes." This adapted version of her widely acclaimed work, "An African History of Africa," uses vivid illustrations and simplified text to introduce young readers to the continent’s rich heritage and global significance. Badawi’s project aligns with broader efforts in Ghana to foster a deep sense of identity and understanding among the youth, ensuring that the stories of African heroes are taught from an early age to counter historical misconceptions and inspire future generations. On the civic front, the National Identification Authority (NIA) celebrated its 20th anniversary and International Identity Day on September 16, 2026. The authority conducted a massive public education float through the streets of Accra, culminating at the Legon Business School with a mass registration exercise. This initiative sought to raise awareness about the critical role of the Ghana Card in accessing essential services. Simultaneously, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has taken steps to educate and protect the media landscape by launching a GHC544,000 Legal Support Fund. This fund, established under the African Media Integrity and Resilience Programme, is designed to support journalists facing legal intimidation while pursuing public-interest stories, thereby strengthening the quality of journalism education and practice in Ghana. Linguistic inclusivity remains a cornerstone of these educational efforts, as highlighted by Jehovah’s Witnesses ahead of International Translation Day on September 30, 2026. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to breaking language barriers by translating the Bible and educational literature into over 1,100 languages globally, including 15 Ghanaian languages. Using their proprietary Multilanguage Electronic Publishing System (MEPS) and ten remote translation offices across Ghana, volunteers have recently completed the translation of the Gospel of Matthew into Ghanaian Sign Language. These efforts ensure that vital information and spiritual materials are accessible to underserved communities in their own native tongues. Together, these diverse initiatives—ranging from parliamentary transparency and historical literature to civic registration and linguistic diversity—represent a coordinated push toward a more informed and engaged Ghanaian society. As the Parliamentary Museum opens and translation efforts expand, the focus remains on equipping citizens with the knowledge and tools necessary to participate fully in the nation's democratic and cultural life. These milestones set a robust foundation for continued education and national development as the year progresses.

Global Quality Assurance Association and STEMAIDE Africa Lead Push for Practical AI and STEM Education in Ghana
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Global Quality Assurance Association and STEMAIDE Africa Lead Push for Practical AI and STEM Education in Ghana

Ghana’s educational and professional sectors are undergoing a significant shift toward practical application and the ethical integration of artificial intelligence, as evidenced by several upcoming high-level engagements. The Global Quality Assurance Association (GQAA) has announced two major events for October 2026 in Accra: the 4th International Convention on Quality Assurance in Library and Information Services (LIS) and a Three-Day Professional Quality Assurance Masterclass Series. Scheduled for October 20-22 and October 27-29 respectively, these events will be hosted at the University of Ghana and will focus on the theme of 'Transforming Global Library Quality: Innovation, Collaboration and Intelligent Systems for Sustainable Information Services.' The convention and masterclasses aim to equip academics and professionals with the skills needed to navigate a digital landscape, specifically emphasizing the ethical use of AI tools and the practical implementation of quality principles. Parallel to these professional developments, technology company STEMAIDE Africa has introduced four new STEM learning kits designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical experience. These kits—AIDER (advanced tech), ROVER (robotics), CODER PRO (IoT and coding), and PILOT (aerospace engineering)—are intended to help students and businesses utilize AI and robotics to enhance productivity. This initiative aligns with growing calls for a more hands-on educational framework. Ing. Dr. Lucy Agyepong of Academic City University recently highlighted that current engineering curricula often fail to address local challenges like climate resilience, urging a shift away from academic filtering toward training that focuses on real-world, context-specific problem solving. In the realm of policy and institutional recognition, the government and professional bodies are reinforcing the need for tangible results from academic research. During the second Applied Research Conference of Accra Technical University, Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah emphasized that while Ghana is rich in innovation, there is an urgent need to translate research into practical solutions that advance national development. Simultaneously, the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has launched the 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) to celebrate achievements that provide clear societal benefits. These collective efforts signal a nationwide commitment to ensuring that Ghana's digital and industrial transformation is supported by a workforce that is not only highly trained but also capable of applying innovative technologies to solve the country's most pressing infrastructure and developmental challenges.

A section of the university
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President Mahama Anchors National Education Reset with New University Projects and Infrastructure Upgrades

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to a comprehensive "education reset," focusing on expanding tertiary access and eliminating severe infrastructure deficits across Ghana. Central to this agenda is the fulfillment of a campaign promise to establish the first public university in the Ahafo Region. During a meeting with the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, the President assured traditional leaders that the institution would be operational before the end of his current term. This expansion is supported by broader investments, including the procurement of school buses through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to improve mobility for students in newly created regions. In the Eastern Region, the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences (UEAS) in Bunso is set to redefine specialized education for the 2026/2027 academic year. Developed with a $92 million loan from the Korean Exim Bank, UEAS is the first African institution designed to merge engineering and agriculture into a unified value chain. The university aims to produce industry-ready graduates to tackle food security and youth unemployment. Operating with a residential system modeled after Oxford and Cambridge, the campus features state-of-the-art laboratories and faculty buildings, initially offering programs in Agronomy and Electrical Engineering. At the basic education level, the government is moving to close historic gaps and replace unsafe learning environments. In Akwamu-Aboasa, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu recently commissioned a new Junior High School (JHS), ending a 120-year lack of local JHS access in the Asuogyaman District. Similarly, students in Bosomponso, Ashanti Region, have transitioned from an abandoned pigsty into a modern three-unit classroom block commissioned by the District Assembly. Further north, the Kwahu Afram Plains North District Assembly has broken ground on a modern kindergarten block at the Donkorkrom Islamic School, with completion expected by early 2027. Traditional leadership is also playing a pivotal role in this educational transformation, exemplified by Nana Osei Kofi Abiri, the Paramount Chief of Kenyasi No. 1. Through philanthropy and corporate partnerships, including a 600,000 cedi CSR investment from the Underground Mining Alliance, the Chief has funded a GH¢700,000 classroom block and established the Lady Julia ICT Training Centre. His collaboration with the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to provide vocational training serves as a national benchmark for community-driven development that relieves the financial burden on local government bodies. Despite these strides, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding school congestion. At the Amantin English and Arabic Basic School, over 100 pupils are currently crammed into single classrooms, with some forced to learn outdoors during the rainy season. Regional Minister Francis Owusu has acknowledged the crisis, announcing plans for a new three-unit block to alleviate the pressure. These contrasting realities of high-tech universities and overcrowded primary schools underscore the urgency of the administration's infrastructure drive as it seeks to harmonize educational standards across the country.

University of Ghana Releases 2026/2027 Admissions as Institutions Issue Stern Warnings Against Fraud
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University of Ghana Releases 2026/2027 Admissions as Institutions Issue Stern Warnings Against Fraud

The University of Ghana (UG) has officially commenced the release of undergraduate admission offers for the 2026/2027 academic year, marking a significant milestone for thousands of prospective students across the country. However, the excitement of the admission season has been met with a chorus of caution from the nation's leading academic institutions. Both the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have issued urgent warnings to applicants and their parents to remain vigilant against sophisticated scams and fraudulent individuals attempting to exploit the process. Prospective students who applied to the University of Ghana can now verify their admission status through the institution's official online portal. To support applicants during this critical window, the university has established a dedicated Admissions Assistance Desk, which will be operational from September 17 to October 2, 2026. This service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with additional weekend hours on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The university administration emphasized that admissions are based strictly on merit and warned that any individual claiming to have the power to influence the selection process is likely a fraudster. Simultaneously, KNUST has raised the alarm regarding unauthorized agents and online platforms offering fraudulent assistance with admissions, hall allocations, and room bookings. The university management noted that these scammers often target unsuspecting families by promising guaranteed placement or preferred accommodation in exchange for money. KNUST management stressed that only official university offices and designated digital platforms are authorized to provide guidance or facilitate transactions. They strongly advised applicants against sharing personal credentials or transferring funds to private mobile money accounts or third-party entities. The coordinated warnings from these top-tier institutions reflect a growing concern over academic-related cybercrime in Ghana. Prospective students and guardians are urged to rely exclusively on official university websites and verified contact numbers for all inquiries. By sticking to these legitimate channels, applicants can ensure their personal information remains secure and avoid the financial and emotional distress associated with admission-related fraud. As the 2026/2027 academic cycle begins, the central message from university officials remains clear: the only legitimate path to enrollment is through the institutions' formal and transparent processes.

Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, Director General, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission
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President Mahama Secures $300m for School Infrastructure as "No Fees Stress" Policy Benefits 384,000 Students

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a significant boost to Ghana’s education sector, securing a $300 million financing package from the World Bank. This funding is specifically designated to expand senior high school (SHS) infrastructure, with the primary objective of ending the double-track system by the close of 2027. This initiative forms a central pillar of the President’s "Reset Agenda," aiming to stabilize the Free SHS policy by addressing the overcrowding and logistical constraints that have historically challenged the system. Parallel to senior high school reforms, the government is reporting substantial progress in tertiary education financing through its "No Fees Stress" policy. Professor Ahmed Jinapor, Director General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), recently highlighted that over 384,600 students have already benefited from the initiative. The policy comprises four strategic pillars: the "No-Academic-Fees" provision for first-year students, free tertiary education for persons with disabilities (PWDs), an enhanced "Students Loan Plus" facility, and a reformed traditional student loan scheme. This digitalized financing ecosystem is designed to ensure that no qualified Ghanaian student is turned away from higher education due to financial barriers. Financial accessibility is being further bolstered by increased liquidity within the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF). CEO Dr. Saajida Shiraz announced that the fund disbursed approximately GH¢600 million this year, covering student loans and specialized education for PWDs. Looking ahead to the next academic year, the SLTF plans to increase funding to GH¢800 million, targeting approximately 200,000 beneficiaries. Dr. Shiraz noted that the transition to a fully digitalized loan system has been critical in facilitating faster access to funds, a move praised by GTEC for modernizing the nation's educational financing architecture. Infrastructure development is also extending to the university level through strategic private-sector partnerships. The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has launched a $500 million student housing project in collaboration with GSC Property Investment Limited. Under a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, the initiative will construct 28 dormitory blocks providing 28,000 beds. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu emphasized that this project requires no state funding or guarantees, serving as a blueprint for public universities to alleviate housing shortages through private-public partnerships while maintaining affordable charges for students. These educational reforms are being linked directly to Ghana’s broader economic and industrialization goals. President Mahama emphasized that improving human capital through robust education is essential for the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural production. By processing at least 50% of Ghana’s cocoa and other mineral resources domestically, the administration aims to create sustainable jobs for the youth. The synthesis of infrastructure expansion and innovative financing represents a comprehensive effort to align Ghana's educational output with its long-term development needs.

DTI and Ghana TVET Service Partner to Enhance Vocational Training and Youth Employment
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DTI and Ghana TVET Service Partner to Enhance Vocational Training and Youth Employment

The Design and Technology Institute (DTI) and the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service have entered into a landmark strategic partnership to overhaul the country’s vocational education landscape. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Accra on September 15, 2026, the two organizations aim to strengthen industry linkages and create robust employment opportunities for Ghanaian youth. The collaboration focuses on a comprehensive approach to skills training, addressing institutional capacity across more than 235 TVET institutions, improving trainer development, and promoting dual apprenticeship pathways to ensure graduates are job-ready for an evolving economy. In a parallel move to ensure academic excellence, DTI has inaugurated its Academic Council and Industry Advisory Committees at its Awalete Campus in East Legon for the 2026/2027 academic year. These bodies, comprising approximately 40 professionals across fields such as Welding and Fabrication, Multimedia, CAD-CAM, and Entrepreneurship, are tasked with validating curricula and ensuring compliance with international certification standards. DTI Founder and President Constance Swaniker emphasized that this structured engagement with industry is critical to producing graduates who meet "Precision Quality" standards, noting that technical expertise must be coupled with professional behavior and a quality mindset to succeed in the modern workplace. At the grassroots level, the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) is already delivering tangible support to artisans and trainees. In the Wa East District, more than 90 youth apprentices and master craftspersons recently received industrial machines, including heavy-duty sewing machines and salon equipment, along with training kits and stipends. Member of Parliament Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw highlighted the initiative as a fulfillment of campaign promises to combat unemployment through practical skills. Local leaders emphasized that these tools are intended to build economic independence and will remain the property of training centers to benefit successive cohorts of learners. These combined efforts reflect a broader national strategy to align technical education with the needs of key sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and energy. Director-General of GTVETS, Engr. Dr. Eric Kofi Adzroe, noted that strong public-private collaborations are essential to making TVET more attractive to the youth and driving Ghana’s economic transformation. By harmonizing skills recognition and embedding real-world industry participation into training programs, the partnership seeks to build a globally competitive workforce capable of sustaining Ghana’s industrial growth.

NPP Challenges President Mahama Over Contradictory Education Policies on Arabic and Chinese Curriculum
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NPP Challenges President Mahama Over Contradictory Education Policies on Arabic and Chinese Curriculum

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is demanding urgent clarification from President John Mahama regarding the proposed inclusion of Arabic and Chinese in Ghana’s public school curriculum. This demand follows a public contradiction where President Mahama asserted that no such policy has been approved by Cabinet, while the opposition cites extensive evidence of implementation already in progress. The NPP describes the situation as a "policy breakdown," arguing that activities within the Ministry of Education and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) suggest a lack of coordination or unauthorized initiatives at the highest levels of government. According to the NPP, significant preparations have been made despite the lack of a formal Cabinet mandate. The opposition points to the engagement of 160 writers for curriculum revision and the commencement of teacher training sessions as proof that the initiative is well advanced. They have raised two possibilities for the discrepancy: either the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, is acting without executive authorization, or the President is failing to be transparent about the government’s true agenda. Consequently, the NPP has called for either the dismissal of the Education Minister or a formal explanation and apology from President Mahama to the Ghanaian public. In response to the growing controversy, NaCCA has officially denied partnering with the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) for a teacher-training program intended to support a Chinese language curriculum. NaCCA clarified that any participation by its officers in such programs was strictly in a personal capacity and did not constitute an official institutional endorsement. The Council emphasized that any changes to the national curriculum must undergo rigorous statutory procedures and be communicated through formal government channels, urging the public to disregard claims of an unauthorized rollout. Despite these denials, the NPP maintains that the government must account for the resources and personnel already committed to these curriculum revisions. The government continues to maintain that no formal policy for the inclusion of these languages exists in public schools and has urged the public to ignore contrary reports. This development highlights a significant communication gap between the executive and its educational agencies, raising broader questions about transparency in the administration's educational reform agenda as the 2026 academic year approaches.

North Tongu MP supports fresh SHS students with chop boxes, mattresses and bicycles
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Members of Parliament Lead Nationwide Drive to Support Senior High School Entrants with Educational Supplies

Across Ghana, Members of Parliament (MPs) have launched extensive educational support initiatives to assist thousands of students transitioning into Senior High School (SHS) and to reward excellence in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). These interventions, often funded through the MPs’ Common Fund, aim to alleviate the significant financial burden on parents regarding 'starter' items not covered by the Free SHS policy. From North Tongu to Jomoro, the support packages typically include essential boarding school supplies such as metal trunks, wooden chop boxes, mattresses, pillows, and stationery, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent brilliant students from pursuing secondary education. In the North Tongu constituency, MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa provided bicycles and essential supplies to over 2,200 newly admitted students, continuing a long-standing tradition of ensuring no student is left behind. Similarly, in Jomoro, Dorcas Afo-Toffey, MP and Deputy Minister of Transport, marked the sixth year of her annual scholarship initiative by supporting 1,000 freshers with educational materials and mosquito nets. In the Ashanti Region, the Atwima Nwabiagya North and South constituencies saw substantial investments, with MPs Frank Yeboah and Shirley Tiwaa Kyei each distributing supplies valued at GHS 400,000 to their respective constituents. Mr. Yeboah further distinguished his support with the "Agenda 10-10-10" initiative, which pledges full university scholarships for students pursuing degrees in medicine and engineering. Beyond providing physical supplies, several MPs are focusing on academic excellence and merit-based rewards. In the Bekwai constituency, MP Ralph Poku-Adusei reported a dramatic improvement in local BECE results, with top public school aggregates improving from 18 to 6. Under his School Starter-Pack Scholarship (SSPS), outstanding performers received laptops and bedding, while a dedicated scheme was introduced to support students with disabilities. In Kumawu, MP Ernest Yaw Anim rewarded the top-performing student from each of 50 local schools with GHS 500 cash prizes, alongside providing boarding kits for 500 students. These reward systems are designed to foster healthy academic competition and motivate students to maintain high standards throughout their secondary education. Community leaders and education directors have lauded these initiatives as vital contributions to local development. In Agortime Ziope, Paramount Chief Nene Nuer Keteku IV and MP Charles Akwasi Agbeve emphasized that while MP support is crucial, it must be matched by increased parental involvement and student discipline. This sentiment was echoed in Twifo Atti-Morkwa, where MP Theophilus Vondee cautioned students against negative peer influences that could derail their academic progress. As these distribution exercises conclude, education directorates in various districts have pledged to monitor the academic performance of beneficiaries to ensure the resources effectively translate into improved educational outcomes for the nation.

Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education
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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Pledges Resolution to SHS Placement Crisis Amid Calls for CSSPS Reform

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has moved to reassure parents and students that all outstanding challenges regarding the 2026 Senior High School (SHS) placement process will be resolved before the start of the academic year. During a visit to the National Resolution Centre in Accra, the Minister addressed a surge of complaints involving the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), particularly concerning students placed in schools far from their homes and the high demand for limited vacancies. Minister Iddrisu emphasized the government's commitment to a transparent and merit-based process, urging parents to consider placements in Category B and C institutions as viable pathways to higher education while promising long-term infrastructure investments to expand capacity in top-tier schools. The current placement cycle has highlighted a significant gap between student aspirations and available resources. Analysis of the CSSPS guidelines reveals that over 313,000 students are competing for only 76,417 spaces in the country’s most sought-after schools. Critics have pointed out that a lack of new school construction between 2025 and 2026 has exacerbated overcrowding, leading to calls for a potential reinstatement of the double-track system to manage the influx. Media personality MzGee also recently voiced public concern over the state of academic performance, noting instances of high BECE aggregates ranging from 28 to 45, which complicates the placement of students in competitive programs. In response to these systemic pressures and calls for greater accountability from the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), the Ministry of Education has announced the formation of a Technical Working Committee. This committee is tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the CSSPS once the current placement exercise concludes. The review aims to improve the system's credibility, address the specific needs of students with disabilities, and eliminate potential avenues for corruption. Minister Iddrisu reiterated that the placement process is entirely free and encouraged the public to report any solicitation of bribes or fraudulent activity to the appropriate authorities. Beyond the logistical and administrative hurdles, educators and mental health advocates are raising alarms about the psychological toll the placement process takes on young learners. The release of Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results often triggers significant anxiety, depression, and feelings of worthlessness among students who do not meet their own or their parents' expectations. Tragic incidents of student self-harm have underscored the urgent need for robust school-based mental health interventions. The Ministry and community leaders are now advocating for a more compassionate educational environment that prioritizes the holistic well-being of students, ensuring they are not only placed in classrooms but are also emotionally supported during this high-stakes transition.

Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey — Eastern Regional Minister
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University of Ghana and KNUST Open 2026 Admissions Amidst National Debate on Teacher Employment and School Safety

The University of Ghana (UG) has officially released its undergraduate admissions for the 2026/2027 academic year, opening an Admissions Assistance Desk to support applicants through early October. In tandem with this rollout, both UG and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have issued stern warnings against fraudulent admission and accommodation agents. KNUST officials emphasized that only official university platforms are authorized to handle hall allocations and room bookings, urging parents and prospective students to avoid sharing personal credentials or making payments to unauthorized third parties claiming to influence the admission process. While thousands of students prepare to enter tertiary institutions, the National Service Authority (NSA) has raised alarms regarding the broader job market. Emmanuel Fynn Reagan, the NSA's Ashanti Regional Director, described Ghana’s current unemployment situation as "scary," noting that the number of graduates far exceeds available vacancies. In response to these concerns, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), through spokesperson Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh, has pledged to recruit all qualified unemployed teachers and enhance career advancement paths for educators if the party returns to power. This political promise comes at a time when the NSA is actively shifting its focus toward equipping youth with practical skills to transition from job seekers to self-employed job creators. Concerns regarding the safety and professional conduct of educators have also taken center stage. The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, recently cautioned male teachers against sexual relations with students, framing such actions as serious professional misconduct with severe legal consequences. This call for discipline was echoed at a Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) seminar in Accra, where school proprietors were urged to adopt gender-responsive policies to address school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV). Experts at the seminar emphasized the need for formal reporting mechanisms to replace internal settlements, ensuring that cases of abuse are referred to the appropriate legal authorities. Beyond traditional classrooms, Ghana is expanding its educational and public awareness infrastructure. The Parliament of Ghana is set to open its first Parliamentary Museum on September 22, 2026, a legacy project by Speaker Alban Bagbin designed to showcase the nation's legislative history and the evolution of its law-making processes. Additionally, calls for curriculum reform are growing; engineering and agricultural experts are advocating for a shift toward practical, climate-resilient training and the promotion of agriculture as a prestigious, technology-driven career. These initiatives, alongside the National Identification Authority’s recent mass registration exercise and the Media Foundation for West Africa’s new legal support fund for journalists, reflect a multi-sectoral effort to enhance public education and professional resilience in Ghana.