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.

Centre for Retired Experts Proposes National Platform as 96% of Ghanaian Pensioners Seek Post-Retirement Roles
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Centre for Retired Experts Proposes National Platform as 96% of Ghanaian Pensioners Seek Post-Retirement Roles

A landmark study by the Centre for Retired Experts (CREX) has revealed that an overwhelming 96% of Ghanaian pensioners are eager to continue working or contributing their expertise beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60. This finding has prompted stakeholders to call for the establishment of a National Retiree Engagement Platform, a structured mechanism designed to bridge the gap between retired professionals and institutions that could benefit from their decades of experience. The proposal, discussed during a recent seminar in Accra, aims to transform retirement from a period of inactivity into a strategic phase of national contribution and mentorship. The research, conducted in February 2026 among 559 retirees, highlighted a significant disconnect between the willingness of seniors to serve and the opportunities currently available to them. While approximately 86% of respondents felt they were still highly useful to society and 98% expressed a desire to join a formal engagement platform, only about 20% remain professionally active post-retirement. Notably, the study found that financial incentives are not the primary motivator for these retirees; instead, they are driven by a desire for mental stimulation and a commitment to national development, particularly in the sectors of governance, education, and community advisory. Experts, including Dr. Adam Salifu and Dr. Benedicta Quao of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), have identified the lack of a coordinated framework as the primary barrier to utilizing this vast pool of human capital. Currently, 93% of retirees are unaware of any existing platforms to offer their skills. Dr. Quao emphasized that many retirees are specifically interested in advisory and mentorship roles, which could prove vital in cultivating the next generation of Ghanaian professionals. However, CREX—despite having the necessary operational certifications—currently faces significant resource and funding constraints, necessitating urgent support from both the government and the private sector to scale its operations. The proposed National Retiree Engagement Platform is envisioned as a nationwide initiative that extends beyond urban centers to reach retirees in rural communities. Stakeholders argue that such a platform would not only boost national productivity but also significantly improve the mental and social well-being of the elderly by keeping them engaged and valued. Moving forward, the success of this initiative will depend on institutional reforms and the creation of formal matching mechanisms. By redefining retirement as a period of continued influence, Ghana has the opportunity to harness the expertise of its senior citizens to address critical professional gaps across the country.

KNUST Management and UTAG Clash Over Proposed Shift from Elections to Appointments in Statute Review
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KNUST Management and UTAG Clash Over Proposed Shift from Elections to Appointments in Statute Review

The management of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has moved to calm staff and public concerns following a decisive vote by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-KNUST) to reject proposed changes to the university's governance statutes. At the heart of the dispute is a proposal to replace the long-standing election system for selecting Pro-Vice-Chancellors and Deans with an appointment-based process. Following an Emergency General Meeting held on August 20, 2026, UTAG members voted overwhelmingly to retain the existing elective system, citing the need to preserve transparency, broad participation, and the spirit of collegiality within the institution. The push to revise the university's governing documents was prompted by the KNUST Act of 2025, which necessitated a comprehensive review of existing statutes to ensure legal alignment. A draft of these proposed changes was first presented to the university’s Academic Board on August 5, 2026, after initial consultations with various stakeholders. However, the suggestion to move toward appointments sparked immediate friction. During the UTAG meeting, the voting process itself was briefly challenged; however, the results were upheld after a constitutional review determined that electronic voting requirements only apply to industrial actions, not internal governance decisions. In response to the growing apprehension among faculty, KNUST management issued a statement clarifying that the current draft is not final. They emphasized that the review committee is still in the process of assessing feedback from all sectors of the university community before making formal recommendations to the Governing Council. Management has urged all stakeholders to remain patient and rely exclusively on official university communications to avoid misinformation regarding the status of the governance reforms. As the review process continues, the outcome will likely define the administrative and legal framework of the university for years to come. The University Council is expected to receive the final recommendations once the review committee concludes its work. For now, the strong stance taken by UTAG-KNUST signals a significant hurdle for any proposals that seek to centralize authority through appointments, highlighting a deep-seated commitment among the faculty to maintain a democratic approach to university leadership.

GES interdicts 2 'watchmen' over alleged sexual assault of special needs student at Bolgatanga Girls SHS
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Ministry of Education and GES Take Decisive Action Following Alleged Abuse of Autistic Student at BOGISS

The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) have launched a high-level response following the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old autistic student at Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS). Two security guards, identified as watchmen at the institution, have been interdicted and placed in police custody as investigations proceed. The Ministry, under the direction of Minister Haruna Iddrisu, has ordered the immediate reinstatement of the victim's boarding status and mandated comprehensive medical and psychological support for her recovery. GES Public Relations Head, Daniel Fenyi, described the incident as deeply disturbing, particularly noting that the student was on medication and had suffered a relapse at the time of the alleged assault. Civil society organizations and parent groups have reacted with sharp condemnation, calling for a systemic overhaul of the nation's school safeguarding framework. The National Council of Parent Teacher Associations (NCPTAs) praised the initial arrests but demanded full accountability and the implementation of mandatory child protection training for all school staff. They also advocated for the rigorous vetting of security personnel and diligent prosecution of the suspects to prevent such occurrences in the future. These groups emphasize the importance of maintaining public pressure to ensure the case does not fade from the national spotlight. The Ark Foundation, led by Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, labeled the incident a "grave violation" of rights and highlighted the extreme vulnerability of female students with disabilities in educational settings. The Foundation is specifically calling for a survivor-centered national safeguarding policy that addresses the "cultural silence" often surrounding abuse in schools. They emphasized that state agencies must move beyond purely punitive measures against perpetrators to focus on the long-term legal and psychosocial needs of survivors. As the police investigation continues, the Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and rights of all children within the Ghanaian school system, signaling a potential shift toward more disability-sensitive safeguards.

Tamale SHS, Anglican SHS, and Labone SHS Secure Slots in 2026 NSMQ One-Eighth Stage After Thrilling Preliminaries
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Tamale SHS, Anglican SHS, and Labone SHS Secure Slots in 2026 NSMQ One-Eighth Stage After Thrilling Preliminaries

The 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) preliminary stage has seen a wave of intense competition, with several powerhouse schools and impressive newcomers securing their places in the one-eighth stage. Leading the pack with commanding performances, Anglican Senior High School in Kumasi and Tamale Senior High School recorded the highest scores of the round, amassing 69 and 68 points respectively. The "Lions of Tamale" dominated their match against Kalpohin SHS and Wenchi Methodist SHS, earning a Jupay Clean Sheet Prize for a perfect True or False round. Similarly, Anglican SHS cruised past Shama SHS and newcomer Namong SHTS, the latter of which earned praise for winning a Clean Sheet Award on their debut. In contrast to the blowouts, several matches were decided by the narrowest of margins, providing some of the most emotional moments of the tournament so far. Labone Senior High School overcame Notre Dame Seminary SHS in a 41-39 thriller that left contestants in tears of relief after a late-round comeback. Winneba Secondary School also survived a close encounter, edging out Fijai SHS 44-42 in a contest that was tied as late as the third round. Meanwhile, Ofori Panin SHS (OPASS) staged a significant recovery against Mim SHS; despite trailing early, OPASS finished with 53 points to Mim's 42, though Mim remains a strong contender for a top-five runner-up spot. The preliminary stage also highlighted regional strengths and redemption stories across the country. Kadjebi-Asato SHS from the Oti Region maintained their reputation with a 56-48 victory over Ahantaman Girls’ SHS, while Kumasi Girls’ SHS (AHEMAA) asserted their dominance in the Ashanti Region by defeating Osei Kyeretwie SHS (OKESS) 43-32. For Tema Secondary School (TEMASCO), a 42-point finish against St. Paul’s SHS and Tarkwa SHS marked a successful return to the one-eighth stage, washing away the disappointment of a premature exit in the previous year. As the competition transitions to the one-eighth stage, the performance of debutants like Namong SHTS and Enyan Denkyira SHTS underscores the growing reach of the quiz. Produced by Primetime Limited and supported by the Ghana Education Service, Goil PLC, and JoyNews, the 2026 NSMQ continues to be a premier platform for academic excellence. With high-scoring winners and resilient runners-up like Mim SHS and Fijai SHS awaiting the final rankings, the upcoming rounds promise even higher stakes as the schools vie for the ultimate title in science and mathematics.

Ghana Advances Human Capital Development Through STEM Initiatives, Institutional Mergers, and Global Academic Partnerships
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Ghana Advances Human Capital Development Through STEM Initiatives, Institutional Mergers, and Global Academic Partnerships

Ghana is increasingly prioritizing the development of specialized human capital to meet the demands of modern industry, ranging from nuclear energy to artificial intelligence. Speaking at the US-Africa Nuclear Summit, Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized that the nation must build "nuclear talent, not just reactors," urging immediate investment in STEM education and engagement with the African diaspora to enhance knowledge transfer. This call for skill-building is echoed by Casely Ato Coleman of IMANI Africa, who warned that Ghanaian graduates must look beyond academic degrees to survive a labor market increasingly reshaped by AI. At the University of Ghana, Coleman highlighted that employers now prioritize cognitive abilities and behavioral attributes, necessitating a shift toward competency-based learning and practical career planning to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Local institutions are also innovating to improve internal cohesion and professional standards. The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has launched the "Concord" initiative, designed to integrate students from the newly merged institutes of Journalism, Film and Television, and Languages through structured academic competitions. Despite funding hurdles, the initiative has successfully promoted a shared sense of belonging among diverse disciplines, demonstrating that diversity can be a resource for collaboration. Similarly, the Registrar-General’s Department is focusing on internal capacity building, with Registrar-General Grace Ama Issahaque recently leading a two-day workshop for the Ghana Industrial Property Office. The training focused on strict quality control in trademark administration, emphasizing that accurate data capturing is essential for efficient service delivery in Ghana's commercial landscape. On the international stage, the movement of high-level Ghanaian expertise continues to shape global discourse, though not without institutional challenges. Former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison has been appointed as a Senior Research Fellow at Harvard University, where he will lead seminar sessions focusing on his eight-year tenure and Ghana's economic developments. Simultaneously, the tragic passing of prominent academic Jason Arday following his resignation from the University of Cambridge has sparked a critical debate on the duty of care universities owe to the scholars they celebrate. These developments underscore a pivotal moment for Ghanaian education and professional life: a transition toward a model that values practical expertise, institutional accountability, and the strategic cultivation of talent for the 21st-century global economy.

Nana Francis Essel Okyeahene (2nd from left) receiving the award
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Education Reform and Infrastructure Push: Stakeholders Seek BECE Subject Reduction and SHS Performance Improvements

Education stakeholders across Ghana are intensifying efforts to overhaul the country's academic performance and infrastructure, focusing on both basic and senior high school levels. In a move to streamline the national curriculum, traditional authorities are advocating for a significant reduction in the number of subjects examined at the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Simultaneously, the Volta Regional Education Directorate has launched a strategic intervention to address declining West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, amidst promises from Parliament to prioritize school logistics and infrastructure under the administration of President John Mahama. Nana Francis Essel Okyeahene, the Gyasehene of Gomoa Wassa, has formally urged the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to reduce BECE subjects from the current 10 or 11 down to approximately five. He argues that the current academic load is overwhelming for junior high school students and serves as a major contributor to high failure rates. By narrowing the scope of the examination, Nana Okyeahene suggests that the educational system can pivot toward practical, skills-based learning that better prepares youth for the job market, thereby addressing the growing challenge of graduate unemployment. At the secondary level, the Volta Regional Education Directorate has convened a three-day strategic capacity-building clinic for the heads of all 68 Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) in the region. Acting Director Jemima Marian Akua Adzroe expressed serious concern over recent WASSCE performance, revealing that some institutions have recorded zero progression rates. Supported by teacher unions such as the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the clinic focuses on enhancing leadership, analyzing performance data, and developing school-specific action plans to reverse the downward trend in academic outcomes. Complementing these academic reforms, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Education Committee, Peter Nortsu Kotoe, has assured school leaders that the government is actively working to resolve critical deficits in furniture, vehicles, and infrastructure. While acknowledging that previous funding gaps have hindered progress, Kotoe noted that interventions are underway to complete stalled projects and improve transportation for school management. This aligns with calls from the Ghana Academia Awards for President John Mahama to specifically target rural school infrastructure, ensuring that resource gaps between urban and rural educational centers are bridged to create an equitable learning environment nationwide.

NYA and YEA Scale Up Youth Employment Initiatives with 100,000 New Apprenticeship Targets for 2026
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NYA and YEA Scale Up Youth Employment Initiatives with 100,000 New Apprenticeship Targets for 2026

The government of Ghana has significantly expanded its youth empowerment and employment initiatives, with the National Youth Authority (NYA) and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) announcing record-breaking recruitment and training figures. In 2025, the National Apprenticeship Programme successfully trained 14,000 young people, exceeding its initial target of 10,000. Following this success, NYA Chief Executive Officer Osman Ayariga announced an ambitious roadmap to train 100,000 youth by the end of 2026, focusing on bridging the skills gap through a curriculum that balances 30% classroom instruction with 70% hands-on practical training. To support this expansion, the NYA is implementing a comprehensive support system for young entrepreneurs and mastercraft persons. Beyond technical training, the authority is certifying mastercraft persons to ensure high standards of mentorship and is providing youth-owned businesses with critical financial relief. Already, 21 endorsements for tax holidays have been approved, signaling a shift toward making youth entrepreneurship more sustainable and rewarding under the current administration's economic framework. Simultaneously, the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has achieved a major milestone by recruiting over 90,000 young individuals for various public sector and community-based roles. CEO Malik Basintale revealed that these recruits have been integrated into vital services, including 6,000 personnel in community medical services and 12,000 in community policing, alongside roles in the fire service and research. This multi-sectoral approach aims to provide immediate employment while addressing critical manpower shortages in essential services across the country. Looking forward, the government is set to launch the Graduates and Corporate Support Programme, a strategic collaboration between the YEA, the National Service Secretariat, and the 24-Hour Economy initiative championed by President John Mahama. This upcoming programme is designed to create additional pathways for university graduates to enter the corporate workforce, ensuring that the momentum of the 24-Hour Economy is fueled by a skilled and energetic youth population. These collective efforts represent a centralized push to reduce unemployment and foster industrial growth through vocational excellence and professional placement.

University of Ghana to Host 'Tell Your Story' Mentorship Conference and 2026 Youth in Tourism Festival
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University of Ghana to Host 'Tell Your Story' Mentorship Conference and 2026 Youth in Tourism Festival

The University of Ghana is set to host two major youth-centered initiatives this August, aiming to bridge the gap between seasoned leaders and the next generation. The 'Tell Your Story' Conference, scheduled for August 22, 2026, will serve as a platform for prominent figures from politics, business, and industry to share their personal professional journeys. Organized by the General Secretary of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Benedict Amerloku, the event focuses on authentic narratives rather than traditional leadership theories, highlighting the resilience needed to overcome career challenges. This mentorship-driven approach is designed to provide young Ghanaians with relatable insights into building credibility and navigating the complexities of public service and private enterprise. Following this, the Tourism Society of Ghana (TOSOGHA) will launch the 2026 Youth in Tourism Festival (YOTOFEST) on August 25 at the same venue. Under the theme 'My Culture, My Pride: The Role of the Youth in Promoting Domestic Tourism,' the festival aims to empower young people through skill development and networking. TOSOGHA Executive Director Joseph Amartey noted that the event, which expects to attract over 3,000 participants, will feature summits and exhibitions aimed at promoting Ghana's tourism brand. The festival will conclude with an awards ceremony recognizing excellence in tourism and the creation of youth opportunities. Together, these events reflect a concerted effort by the University of Ghana and its partners to foster a new era of leadership and economic engagement. By combining narrative-based mentorship with practical industry exposure, these initiatives prepare emerging leaders to contribute meaningfully to national development. This dual focus on leadership and culture ensures that the next generation is equipped with both the ethical foundation and the professional skills necessary to thrive in a globalized economy.

Prof Eric Nyarko Sampso (arrowed), Vice-Chancellor of University of Environment and Sustainable Development, with participants atfer the seminar
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UESD and GJA Champion Specialized Training and Ethical Standards for Ghanaian Journalists

Ghanaian media practitioners are increasingly being called upon to enhance their technical expertise and ethical rigor to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global landscape. From specialized reporting on environmental sustainability to navigating the complexities of Artificial Intelligence (AI), recent initiatives led by the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) underscore a national push toward more responsible and specialized journalism. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between complex technical information and public understanding, ensuring the media remains a credible tool for national development. In Koforidua, the UESD, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, recently conducted a two-day seminar titled "Reporting Green Innovation." Professor Eric Nyarko Sampson, Vice-Chancellor of UESD, emphasized that stronger collaboration with the media is vital for promoting sustainable development and preserving natural resources. The training equipped journalists with the necessary skills to report on green initiatives, specifically addressing critical sectors like agro-waste management, aquaculture, and the reduction of post-harvest losses. Mary Abena Agyepong, Administrator of the Nkabom Collaborative, further urged journalists to commit to responsible reporting to influence positive public perceptions of environmental advancements. Complementing this technical training, the GJA has focused on the ethical foundations of the profession in the digital age. During a symposium marking the GJA’s 77th anniversary, President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour cautioned journalists against allowing technology to compromise public trust. While acknowledging the potential of AI to enhance newsrooms, Dwumfour stressed that technology must serve journalism through clear editorial policies and human judgment. He warned against the risks of misinformation, advocating for a culture of "waiting to verify" rather than rushing to publish for the sake of speed, stating that true courage lies in accuracy. These developments highlight a growing consensus that the future of Ghanaian journalism depends on a combination of specialized knowledge and unwavering ethical standards. By focusing on green innovation and digital integrity, the media industry is positioning itself to better serve the public interest. This collective commitment from academic institutions, professional associations, and government bodies is expected to foster a more informed citizenry capable of engaging with the environmental and technological challenges of the 21st century.

Gifty Abena Turkson (seated 2nd from left), Deputy General Secretary of TEWU-TUC, speaking at the press conference
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TEWU and TUTAG Issue Strike Ultimatums as Ghana Education Service Moves to Resolve Promotion Disputes

The Ghanaian education sector is facing significant labour unrest as major unions issue strike ultimatums while the Ghana Education Service (GES) scrambles to address mounting grievances over promotions and remuneration. The Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU-TUC) and the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) have both signaled their intent to disrupt academic activities if their demands are not met. This development comes as President John Mahama’s administration navigates complex labour negotiations aimed at maintaining stability in the nation’s technical universities and pre-tertiary institutions. TEWU-TUC initiated a two-week notice period on August 14, 2026, while TUTAG has set a firm deadline of August 31, 2026, for the government to address their concerns. The unions are demanding fair treatment regarding promotions, the payment of overdue allowances for security personnel, and a general review of remuneration packages. In a symbolic display of their resolve, TUTAG has directed its members to wear red bands, warning that a failure to reach a resolution will result in a full-scale industrial action that could paralyze technical universities across the country. In response to the growing tension, the Ghana Education Service (GES) convened an emergency meeting with union leaders on August 18, 2026. The primary focus of these discussions centered on the substantive dates for the 2025 promotion exercise, which had become a point of contention for many teachers. Management at the GES acknowledged the validity of the concerns raised and expressed a commitment to finding an amicable resolution. While the meeting was described as a step forward, the unions remain cautious, awaiting concrete timelines and actions rather than just verbal assurances. The outcome of these negotiations will be critical for the academic calendar. As the deadlines approach, the government faces the challenge of balancing fiscal constraints with the need to satisfy a restive workforce. Should the GES and the Ministry of Education fail to provide satisfactory solutions before TUTAG's August 31 cutoff, the resulting strikes could lead to significant academic delays for thousands of students. For now, the education sector remains in a state of high alert as stakeholders await the next move from the Mahama administration.

KNUST Hostel Owners Association Challenges Rent Control Commissioner Over Student Accommodation Price Regulation
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KNUST Hostel Owners Association Challenges Rent Control Commissioner Over Student Accommodation Price Regulation

The President of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Hostel Owners Association, Bishop Akwasi Owusu-Bi, has voiced strong opposition to the government's attempts to regulate hostel pricing. This pushback follows recent statements and inspection tours by the Acting Rent Control Commissioner, Frederick Opoku, who has expressed grave concerns over the escalating costs of student accommodation. The conflict highlights a growing tension between private property owners and state authorities over the affordability of higher education in Ghana. Bishop Owusu-Bi’s reaction was sparked by Commissioner Opoku's active engagement with hostel facilities, where the commissioner signaled a move toward stricter price controls to protect students from potential exploitation. In a sharp retort, Owusu-Bi suggested that if the government intends to control rent, it should focus its efforts on high-end residential areas such as East Legon rather than targeting student hostels. The hostel owners argue that their pricing reflects the high operational costs and market demands associated with providing specialized housing for the university community. The Rent Control Department, under Opoku’s leadership, maintains that its primary objective is to ensure that rent charges are fair and do not become a barrier to education. As student populations grow and on-campus housing remains insufficient to meet demand, private hostels have become the primary alternative for thousands of students. However, the lack of a standardized pricing framework has led to significant variance in fees, which the government argues puts an undue financial strain on parents and guardians during the academic season. As the standoff continues, the outcome could set a significant precedent for how student accommodation is managed across Ghana’s tertiary institutions. While the KNUST Hostel Owners Association remains firm in its stance against what it perceives as government overreach into private business affairs, the Rent Control Department faces increasing pressure to stabilize the housing market for the benefit of the student body. The debate raises broader questions about the balance between private investment in education infrastructure and the state’s responsibility to ensure essential services remain accessible to all citizens.

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Ghana School of Law SRC President-elect Isaac Nlason Petitions for Special Examination Dispensation

Isaac Nlason, the President-elect of the Students' Representative Council (SRC) at the Ghana School of Law, has officially petitioned the Independent Examinations Committee (IEC) to grant a one-time special dispensation for students facing academic referrals. The petition, submitted on August 17, 2026, seeks to provide relief for students who would otherwise be required to repeat an entire academic year due to failed examination papers. Nlason’s appeal is specifically aimed at ensuring that student progression is not unfairly hindered during a period of significant regulatory transition within the country's legal education system. Under the proposed dispensation, the SRC leadership is requesting that Part I students who failed more than two subjects, and Part II students who failed two subjects, be permitted to rewrite those specific papers rather than repeating the full year. This transitional arrangement is designed to address the challenges brought about by the introduction of a new legal education regime, which includes the phased discontinuation of the existing Professional Law Course. The petition was formally addressed to Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei and copied to several high-ranking authorities, including the Chief Justice and the management of the Ghana School of Law. Nlason emphasized that the request is rooted in the principles of fairness and continuity, arguing that the shifting educational landscape necessitates a compassionate approach for the current cohort of students. He maintained that such a dispensation would not compromise the rigorous academic standards of the institution but would instead provide a reasonable pathway for students to complete their studies. The SRC President-elect noted that the move is essential to mitigate the stress and financial burden associated with repeating an academic year, especially as the school moves toward a new curriculum and examination structure. The petition comes at a critical time for legal education in Ghana, as the sector undergoes reforms intended to modernize the training of legal professionals. By advocating for these changes, the SRC aims to protect the interests of the student body while supporting the broader goals of the Ghana School of Law. The legal community and student body now await a response from the Independent Examinations Committee and the General Legal Council to determine if the proposed measures will be implemented for the upcoming academic cycle.