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.

Thomas Nyarko Ampem — Deputy Minister of Finance
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Finance Minister Ato Forson Unveils $300m World Bank-Funded STARR-J Project to End Double-Track System

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced a landmark US$300 million World Bank-funded initiative designed to overhaul Ghana’s secondary education system. Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on July 23, Dr. Forson revealed that the Secondary Education Transformation and Resilience – Junior (STARR-J) project will finance 210 major infrastructure interventions across the country. The initiative is a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to enhance educational quality and is projected to benefit approximately 2.3 million students, 100,000 teachers, and 2,000 school leaders nationwide. At the heart of the project is an ambitious infrastructure plan that includes the construction of 10 new secondary schools in underserved regions and the rehabilitation or upgrading of up to 200 existing institutions. These developments are specifically aimed at eliminating the double-track system within two years, a move intended to restore a single, stable academic calendar and improve learning conditions for students. Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Nyarko Ampem noted that 86% of the credit facility, provided by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), is strictly allocated for physical works, ensuring that the bulk of the investment directly addresses the nation’s classroom deficit. Beyond physical infrastructure, the STARR-J project emphasizes academic excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The government intends to use the funds to improve learning outcomes in Mathematics and Science while actively promoting female participation in STEM and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). To support these academic goals, the program will provide free textbooks and essential furniture for public secondary schools, ensuring that students in even the most remote areas have the resources necessary to compete in a technology-driven global economy. The initiative has received bipartisan support in Parliament, with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin acknowledging the program’s alignment with previous efforts to expand education access under the former administration. The loan agreement features highly concessional terms, including a 30-year repayment period and a five-year grace period. As the government begins the rollout of these 210 infrastructure projects, Dr. Forson emphasized that this investment is vital for youth empowerment and national development, positioning Ghana’s future workforce to meet the demands of a changing economic landscape.

Dr Clement Abas Apaak, Member of Parliament for Builsa South and Deputy Minister of Education
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Ghana Enhances Educational Infrastructure: MTN Unveils STEM Centre as Government Boosts Tertiary and Health Training Support

Ghana’s education sector is undergoing a period of targeted investment and structural reform, ranging from high-tech infrastructure projects to significant financial aid for disadvantaged students. A primary highlight of this progress is the inauguration of a new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning centre at the Asafo M/A Basic School in the Ashanti Region. Funded by the MTN Ghana Foundation at a cost of GH¢946,189.71, the facility is equipped with 35 computer workstations and specialized robotics training equipment. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and inspire a new generation of innovators, addressing previous concerns regarding the school’s outdated ICT infrastructure. In tandem with physical infrastructure gains, the government is expanding financial access for tertiary students. Deputy Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has committed GH¢331,000 from the District Assemblies Common Fund to support 248 financially disadvantaged students. Under this scheme, university students are receiving GH¢1,500 each, while those enrolled in colleges of education and nursing receive GH¢1,000. Dr. Apaak emphasized that these funds are vital for empowering the youth and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the pursuit of quality higher education and sustainable development. The Ministry of Health is also implementing sweeping reforms to strengthen health training institutions across the country. Led by Deputy Minister Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, the ministry has introduced PhD scholarships for nursing instructors and launched new specialist nursing programs, including a Bachelor of Science in public health nursing in 14 colleges. These reforms focus on harmonizing entry standards and ensuring a transparent admission process. Simultaneously, in the environmental education space, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has launched a $50,000 Youth Climate Action Fund, offering grants between $1,000 and $5,000 to young innovators aged 15-24 for local climate solution projects. Despite these advancements, significant infrastructure gaps remain in rural districts that require urgent attention. In the Nanumba North Municipality, specifically the Sikpan Electoral Area, education for approximately 200 pupils at the Okpanjani E.P. Basic School is frequently disrupted by seasonal flooding and a lack of permanent school buildings. Local authorities and residents have called for immediate intervention to address these systemic challenges, which include poor roads and a lack of health facilities. These contrasting realities underscore the ongoing need for balanced development to ensure that the benefits of educational modernization reach every community in Ghana.

Officials of FactSpace West Africa and journalists who attended the training
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Accra Technical University Rebrands Business School Amidst Historic Academic Milestones and STEM Innovations Across Ghana

Ghana’s educational landscape is undergoing a period of significant transformation and achievement, marked by record-breaking academic results and strategic institutional rebranding. Leading these developments, the International School of Accra (ISA) has posted historic results for its IB Diploma Class of 2026, achieving a 100% pass rate with an average score of 40.3 points—significantly higher than the global average of 30.88. This milestone is complemented by the strategic evolution of Accra Technical University (ATU), which has officially renamed its Faculty of Business to the ATU Business School. At the unveiling, Chairman Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Amevi Acakpovi emphasized a necessary shift toward industry-oriented education and disruptive technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to prepare students for a globalized economy. Innovation in higher education is further highlighted by the recent Fulbright Scholar grant awarded to Professor Kofi Adu of Penn State University. In his second Fulbright tenure in Ghana, Prof. Adu will collaborate with the University for Development Studies (UDS) and the University of Edinburgh to spearhead nanoscience research and establish virtual physics labs. These labs are designed to bridge the urban-rural STEM education gap by providing high-quality digital resources to underserved communities. In the legal sphere, the University of Ghana School of Law emerged victorious in a Moot Court competition held to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Ghana, with GIMPA and UCC taking second and third place respectively. Justice Richard Adjei Frimpong lauded the competition for fostering professional advocacy and research skills among future legal practitioners. Practical skills and professional ethics remain central to the current educational narrative. ATU’s Department of Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management recently hosted the ‘Taste of Africa’ culinary exhibition, where students showcased traditional dishes like jollof rice and attiéké as part of their practical assessment. Meanwhile, in the Upper East Region, FactSpace West Africa, in collaboration with UNICEF and UNESCO, equipped 30 journalists with conflict-sensitive reporting skills. This training focused on ethical journalism and fact-checking to combat misinformation and support peacebuilding efforts in the region. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to aligning Ghanaian education with both cultural heritage and modern professional standards. Despite these advancements, academic leaders are also addressing systemic internal challenges. Prof. Kofi Agyekum of KNUST has brought attention to the "silent crisis" of academic bullying, calling for an end to the culture of silence that often surrounds the abuse of power in universities. He urged institutions to foster environments of accountability and integrity to protect the mental well-being of postgraduate students and early-career academics. Collectively, these developments—ranging from historic exam results and STEM research to institutional reforms and ethical advocacy—underscore a dynamic era for Ghanaian education as it strives for global competitiveness and internal reform under the current administration.

Ghanaian Students and Young Leaders Explore Environmental Sustainability and Global Media Trends Through International Partnerships
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Ghanaian Students and Young Leaders Explore Environmental Sustainability and Global Media Trends Through International Partnerships

Ghanaian youth are increasingly being positioned at the forefront of global challenges and professional innovation through diverse educational initiatives supported by international partners. At Accra Academy Senior High School, the Korea Alumni Association of Ghana (KAAG) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) recently spearheaded an environmental outreach program under the theme "Let’s RE-think Our Waste!". This initiative sought to instill the core principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3Rs) among students to combat the growing menace of plastic pollution and environmental degradation in Ghana. The program featured practical demonstrations on waste management, a competitive quiz, and the donation of essential sanitation tools to the school to foster a culture of cleanliness and environmental stewardship. Key stakeholders at the Accra Academy event emphasized the critical role of individual and collective action in ensuring a sustainable future. Headmaster Eric Ebo Sey and KAAG President Lovia Afoakwa highlighted that educating the youth on environmental protection is essential for shaping responsible citizens. KOICA’s Country Director, Donghyun Lee, further noted that the daily decisions made by young people can significantly impact environmental health. By providing both theoretical knowledge and practical recycling skills, the outreach aimed to transform students into environmental champions within their communities, reinforcing the long-standing educational partnership between Ghana and the Republic of Korea. On the international stage, Ghanaian young leaders are also being invited to participate in advanced professional training, such as the 'New Generation' Internship Program launched in Moscow by Rossotrudnichestvo and the RT television network. Scheduled to run from July 20 to July 25, 2026, this week-long program targets individuals aged 14 to 40, focusing on the intersection of modern journalism and artificial intelligence (AI). Since its inception in 2011, the 'New Generation' initiative has engaged over 11,000 participants from 154 countries, aiming to build global media ties and provide insights into international newsroom operations and digital broadcasting. This program offers a unique platform for young professionals to enhance their media literacy and foster long-term professional relationships across borders. These diverse educational opportunities—ranging from local environmental advocacy to global media and technology training—underscore a comprehensive approach to youth development for the next generation of Ghanaians. By combining local sustainability efforts with international exposure to emerging technologies like AI, these programs equip young leaders with the tools necessary to navigate a complex global landscape. Moving forward, the integration of such practical and cross-cultural educational frameworks remains vital for building a skilled workforce capable of addressing both domestic environmental issues and the demands of the modern digital economy.

Jomoro College of Education Project Advances as Government Delegation Assesses Site for Ghana's First TVET-STEM Teacher Training Institution
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Jomoro College of Education Project Advances as Government Delegation Assesses Site for Ghana's First TVET-STEM Teacher Training Institution

Plans for the establishment of the Jomoro College of Education (JOCoE) have reached a significant milestone following a high-level government assessment of the project site. Led by Professor George K.T. Oduro, the delegation visited the Jomoro district to evaluate the readiness of infrastructure intended to host the nation’s first teacher training institution dedicated exclusively to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The initiative is designed to address a critical gap in the educational landscape by training a new generation of educators capable of preparing students for a rapidly industrializing economy. The proposed college is expected to accommodate approximately 2,000 students and will feature a comprehensive campus environment that includes basic schools for practical teacher training. During the tour, the delegation noted that the availability of existing structures could significantly expedite the college's formal setup. By integrating hands-on vocational skills with rigorous academic STEM standards, JOCoE aims to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled manpower. This approach is particularly targeted at empowering local youth to take advantage of opportunities within the burgeoning oil and gas sectors located in the Western Region. Community support for the project remains exceptionally high, with traditional leaders and residents describing the college as a transformative development for the area. Chiefs in the Jomoro district have offered unanimous backing, emphasizing that the institution will provide local youth with the means to acquire high-value technical skills without the need to migrate to distant urban centers. This grassroots enthusiasm is matched by government optimism, as officials view the project as a cornerstone of the national strategy to transition toward a knowledge-driven economy. While the project faces ongoing requirements regarding formal accreditation and long-term funding, the successful site assessment has bolstered confidence in its eventual realization. Moving forward, the focus will shift toward finalizing the regulatory frameworks and securing the resources necessary to begin full operations. Once completed, JOCoE is poised to serve as a beacon of specialized education, not only for the Jomoro district but as a model for specialized teacher training across the Western Region and the entire country.

Ministry of Youth Development Suspends National Service Training Program Following GH¢4.2 Million Allowance Deduction Controversy
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Ministry of Youth Development Suspends National Service Training Program Following GH¢4.2 Million Allowance Deduction Controversy

The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has suspended a controversial capacity-building program after approximately GH"4.2 million was deducted from the allowances of over 70,000 National Service personnel. The deductions, intended to fund skills training sessions, sparked significant backlash from service members who claimed they were neither consulted nor provided with the promised training. Lt. Col. Moses Doknach Kpeungu, the Deputy Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA), confirmed that while 99,508 personnel were deployed nationwide, the deductions specifically affected the 70,508 individuals serving within government institutions. Each affected personnel saw a total of GH"60 deducted from their May allowance. According to the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA), which spearheaded the initiative, this amount represented a cumulative GH"15 monthly charge over a four-month period. NASPA defended the program as a vital effort to equip graduates with competitive professional skills for the job market, noting that the initiative had been piloted in 2024. However, the implementation faced immediate resistance as many personnel reported they had not participated in any training sessions, leading to accusations that the funds were being taken without service delivery. The suspension of the program highlights a growing friction between the NSA leadership, NASPA, and the rank-and-file service personnel. Many affected individuals expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, arguing that the leadership of NASPA failed to adequately represent their interests or communicate the financial implications of the program. The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment’s decision to halt the initiative underscores the government's sensitivity to the economic welfare of young graduates during their service year under the administration of President John Mahama. Moving forward, the situation raises critical questions regarding the accountability of student-led associations and the oversight responsibilities of the National Service Authority. While the program remains suspended, stakeholders are calling for a clear roadmap on how the deducted funds will be managed or refunded to the affected personnel. The controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of robust consultation and clear communication when implementing mandatory financial contributions within national youth programs.

Telecel Ghana Bolsters STEM Education through FESSP Scholarships and New ICT Infrastructure
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Telecel Ghana Bolsters STEM Education through FESSP Scholarships and New ICT Infrastructure

Telecel Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the digital divide and closing the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through a series of nationwide educational initiatives. Key among these is the selection of ten outstanding final-year female students for the 2026 cohort of the Female Engineering Students Scholarship Programme (FESSP). Selected from the University of Ghana (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Cape Coast (UCC), and University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), these scholars will receive comprehensive support, including financial aid for tuition, new laptops, data bundles, and mentorship to prepare them for careers in Ghana’s evolving technology landscape. During the unveiling of the new FESSP cohort, Telecel Ghana’s CEO, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, and HR Director, Rachael Appenteng, emphasized the program's role in nurturing female talent. Since its inception in 2011, the initiative has supported over 100 women, providing them with internships and potential job placements within the company. By addressing the specific challenges women face in engineering, Telecel aims to create a more inclusive tech ecosystem that fosters innovation and leadership among the next generation of female professionals. In tandem with its scholarship efforts, Telecel Ghana has significantly invested in physical digital infrastructure. At the University of Ghana, the company recently commissioned a modern 42-unit computer laboratory equipped with an 86-inch interactive touchscreen and dedicated internet connectivity. This facility is part of a long-standing strategic partnership dating back to 2010, designed to enhance research and digital learning capabilities for students. University representatives noted that the lab would be instrumental in preparing students for a digitally empowered workforce, aligning with national goals for technological advancement. Beyond the tertiary level, Telecel has extended its reach to rural communities through its Employee Volunteerism Programme (EVP). In the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region, employees contributed funds to refurbish and equip a 20-unit ICT laboratory for Asikuma Presby Primary and surrounding schools. This "Red Hearts" initiative provides primary students with their first practical exposure to technology. Komla Buami, Director of External Affairs, and Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, urged the community to maintain the facility to ensure its longevity. The project marks the second major community ICT lab donation by the foundation in 2023, following a similar project in May. These integrated efforts—combining high-level scholarships with grassroots infrastructure development—illustrate a holistic approach to corporate social responsibility in the education sector. By providing both the tools for digital literacy and the financial pathways for advanced engineering studies, Telecel Ghana is positioning itself as a central player in developing the human capital necessary for the country's future. The success of these programs now hinges on the continued maintenance of the new facilities and the active participation of the academic community in utilizing these resources to their full potential.

Professor Frimpong-Boateng Warns Against Chronic Underfunding of CSIR and Atomic Energy Commission
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Professor Frimpong-Boateng Warns Against Chronic Underfunding of CSIR and Atomic Energy Commission

Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, the former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, has issued a stark warning regarding the state of Ghana’s premier research institutions. Speaking at a lecture in honor of the late President John Evans Atta Mills on July 22, 2025, the renowned heart surgeon criticized successive governments for systematically neglecting the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC). He argued that this persistent oversight stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the role science and technology play in national development and economic transformation. According to Professor Frimpong-Boateng, the lack of consistent state investment has left these vital organizations in a precarious position, forcing them to rely on inadequate funding and commercial activities to survive. This shift toward commercialization is particularly concerning, as it often detracts from the institutions' primary research capabilities and core missions. He noted that while other nations have achieved significant technological advancements through dedicated funding, Ghana’s lack of support has resulted in a dearth of indigenous technological breakthroughs, leaving the country heavily dependent on foreign innovations. The former Minister further contrasted Ghana’s approach with that of economically successful nations like South Korea, which have prioritized long-term research and development strategies over short-term political gains. He lamented that Ghana’s potential for industrial growth has been stymied by a preference for politically-driven programs rather than comprehensive national strategies. This lack of a stable roadmap for science and technology has created an environment where innovation is stifled by bureaucratic and financial hurdles, preventing the country from reaching its full developmental potential. In his concluding remarks, Frimpong-Boateng warned that the continued marginalization of the CSIR and GAEC poses a severe threat to Ghana's future. He cautioned that the current trajectory will likely accelerate the "brain drain" phenomenon, as the nation’s brightest minds seek better-funded opportunities abroad, further weakening the local innovation ecosystem. He called for a paradigm shift in how the state perceives and funds research, emphasizing that sustainable economic transformation is impossible without a robust and well-supported scientific community.

Haruna Iddrisu - Minister of Education
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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Unveils New AI Curriculum and 16,000 Teacher Recruitment Drive; GTEC Bans Mandatory University Entrance Exams

The Ghanaian education sector is set for a significant transformation as Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announces a comprehensive overhaul of the basic school curriculum and a massive recruitment drive for 16,000 teachers. Simultaneously, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a firm directive to all universities to stop using entrance examinations as a mandatory prerequisite for admission, reinforcing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) as the primary standard for entry. These initiatives represent a coordinated effort by the government under President John Mahama to modernise instruction, address staffing shortages in underserved areas, and ensure equitable access to higher education. In a circular dated July 20, 2026, GTEC Director-General Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai emphasized that requiring entrance exams as a precondition for admission is inconsistent with the national admissions framework. The Commission observed that some institutions were bypassing the approved minimum entry requirements, prompting the directive to uphold fairness and transparency. While universities may still use entrance exams as an additional assessment tool for highly competitive programs, they are prohibited from making them compulsory for general admission. All heads of tertiary institutions have been instructed to withdraw any admission notices that violate these regulatory guidelines, as mandated by the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020. At the basic education level, the Ministry of Education has introduced a revised curriculum for Kindergarten to Primary Six that integrates cutting-edge subjects such as coding, artificial intelligence (AI), and electronics. Developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), the new framework also prioritizes citizenship education, ethics, and Ghanaian languages for early learners, while introducing Chinese as an optional language alongside standardized Arabic teaching. Minister Iddrisu has given the Ghana Education Service (GES) a one-week deadline to validate the curriculum and ensure technical readiness for classroom execution. The goal is to foster critical thinking and foundational STEM skills from an early age, though the final implementation still requires approval from the President and Parliament. To support these pedagogical changes and address chronic staffing gaps, the government will commence a two-phase recruitment of 16,000 teachers starting in November 2026. This follows the recent hiring of 7,000 educators and will prioritize districts facing acute shortages, particularly in underserved communities and technical and vocational education (TVET) institutions. Newly recruited teachers are expected to begin their duties in early 2027. Minister Iddrisu noted that these investments in teacher welfare and workforce expansion are essential to the broader goal of providing high-quality, accessible education for all Ghanaian children under the current administration.

Thomas Nyarko Ampem — Deputy Minister of Finance
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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Secures $300 Million World Bank Facility to End SHS Double-Track System by 2029

Parliament has ratified a $300 million credit facility from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) to fund the Secondary Education Transformation for Access, Relevance and Results for Jobs (STARR-J) project. This investment, bolstered by an additional $31 million from the Government of Ghana, is designed to overhaul senior high school (SHS) infrastructure and directly address the overcrowding that necessitated the double-track system. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu emphasized that the project is a cornerstone of President John Mahama’s strategy to ensure that educational facilities keep pace with high enrollment numbers while enhancing the overall quality of secondary education. The project’s financial structure allocates approximately $257.7 million to physical works, focusing on the construction of 10 new senior high schools and the rehabilitation of 210 educational institutions, including 112 SHSs and 38 technical and vocational (TVET) centers. A significant highlight of the expansion includes the construction of new community day senior high schools in Nima and Kasoa. The Nima facility is expected to specialize in science education to meet specific local demand, while the Kasoa school will provide much-needed relief for one of the country’s most rapidly growing populations. During a recent briefing in July 2026, Minister Haruna Iddrisu set a definitive target to completely phase out the SHS double-track system by 2029. While this timeline represents an adjustment to President Mahama’s initial 2027 goal, the Minister noted that the scale of the STAR-J upgrades requires a realistic window to ensure value-for-money and structural integrity. The initiative has received bipartisan endorsement, with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin acknowledging the project’s continuity with long-standing educational policies. Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Nyarko Ampem further highlighted the concessional nature of the loan, which features a 30-year repayment term and a five-year grace period. Beyond physical infrastructure, the STARR-J initiative introduces a comprehensive approach to student and teacher welfare. Plans include the construction of 50,000 teacher housing units, the establishment of a dedicated TVET Fund, and the distribution of 12.2 million sanitary pads to female students to promote health and consistent school attendance. Additionally, $33.8 million is designated for professional teacher development and curriculum reforms. As the Ministry prepares for the release of the 2026 BECE results by late July, these systemic investments signal a long-term commitment to aligning Ghana’s secondary education system with the evolving needs of the global labor market.

Challenging Heights selected for FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund
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UNFPA and Partners Scale Up Vocational Training and Literacy Initiatives to Empower Vulnerable Women and Children in Ghana

In a significant push for socio-economic empowerment, several non-governmental organizations and international partners have intensified vocational training and literacy programs across Ghana. Most recently, 25 young women previously working as head porters, or Kayayei, graduated from a year-long vocational program in painting and tiling. This initiative, part of the Kayayei Assistance Project (KASPRO), was led by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with Prudential Life Insurance Ghana and Purim Africa Youth Development. The program marks a major milestone in providing sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable migrants, bringing the total number of women trained through these collaborations to over 2,000. Beyond technical skills like tiling, painting, beauty services, and waste recycling, the participants received critical education on sexual health and the prevention of gender-based violence. Dr. Wilfred Ochan, the UNFPA Country Representative, emphasized that the goal of these initiatives is to provide alternative income sources that help women escape the cycle of poverty and hazardous migration. Plans are already underway to expand the program nationwide, with intentions to partner with technical and vocational institutions to provide graduates with recognized certifications. The transformative impact of such training was highlighted by graduate Mary Lancelot, who shared her journey from porterage to self-reliance, noting that she is now equipped to train others in her community. Stakeholders at the graduation ceremony praised the graduates for their resilience and for challenging gender stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated fields like construction. Parallel to these efforts, other organizations are targeting specific regional and educational needs. In Jana, a remote community in Northern Ghana, the Adunyame Foundation recently empowered women through soap-making and entrepreneurship training, providing start-up kits and organizing them into a cooperative for financial inclusion. Similarly, in Pokuase, the Women’s Trust celebrated a decade of its 'Akwanya' program, which offers adult literacy and vocational skills to women who missed formal education. Event chairman Samuel Gyabah and Executive Director Kafui Duho called for sustained investment in adult education, arguing that literacy is the foundation for improved livelihoods and meaningful societal engagement. Investment in education has also extended to child welfare, with the Ghanaian NGO Challenging Heights being selected as one of 31 global recipients of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This funding will support the renovation of a recovery center classroom for children rescued from trafficking and exploitation. The 'Inclusive Learning & Opportunity Program' will provide these children with individualized support in literacy, counseling, and creative learning, creating a safe environment for their rehabilitation. These combined efforts from the UNFPA, local foundations, and international donors reflect a growing national commitment to using education and vocational skills as primary tools for combating unemployment, poverty, and exploitation across Ghana.

Derrick Akomprah, an alumnus from CCTU and entrepreneur, addressing students at the 2026 career fair
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Experts Demand Urgent Reform of Ghana's Education System to Prioritise Financial Literacy and Practical Skills

Prominent Ghanaian experts and industry leaders are calling for a fundamental shift in the nation's educational curriculum, moving away from a traditional focus on academic certificates toward a model that prioritises lifelong financial literacy and practical employability skills. Economist Professor Godfred Alufar Bokpin and Derrick Akomprah, CEO of Elite B & C Company, have both highlighted the growing disconnect between current educational outputs and the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy. Their collective insights suggest that without a coordinated national strategy to equip students with financial and soft skills, the next generation remains vulnerable to fraud and unemployment. Speaking at the JoyNews-Hubtel Dialogue, Professor Bokpin advocated for the integration of financial literacy into the national curriculum starting as early as kindergarten. He criticised Ghana’s current approach to financial education as reactive and fragmented, arguing that sporadic public education campaigns are insufficient to combat the rise of financial fraud in the digital space. Bokpin emphasized that financial markets are "not for the ignorant" and urged regulators and educational institutions to collaborate on a unified, proactive strategy. He proposed that financial education must be delivered through the digital platforms where citizens already engage, ensuring that individuals are prepared to manage risks before they enter the financial system. Supplementing this call for reform, Derrick Akomprah addressed students at the Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU) 2026 Career Fair, where he urged a shift in focus from degrees to demonstrable skills. Under the theme "Creating Careers in the Digital Age," Akomprah noted that in a competitive global market, traits such as attitude, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication often outweigh academic qualifications. He encouraged students to view emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), as essential tools for innovation rather than threats to employment. The fair provided practical workshops, including CV reviews and mock interviews, to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and workplace expectations. These calls for reform underscore a critical need for Ghana's education system to adapt to the realities of the 21st century. By embedding financial literacy in early childhood education and fostering high-level soft skills at the tertiary level, stakeholders believe Ghana can produce a more resilient and versatile workforce. The consensus among these experts is that a successful transition to a digital economy requires not just technological access, but a well-coordinated educational framework that empowers citizens to navigate both financial markets and professional landscapes with confidence and integrity.