Education & Exams

Ghana Education Service (GES): Latest News Today

Follow the latest from the Ghana Education Service (GES) in one place. This hub gathers our newest reporting on GES postings and recruitment, policy changes and circulars, the academic calendar, and teacher and staffing updates. Education announcements move quickly and affect schools, teachers and parents across the country, so we keep this page current as new coverage is published. For official notices, confirm details through the Ghana Education Service. The most recent stories are listed below.

education|2 days ago

Innovative Teachers Union Issues Legal Ultimatum to GNAT Over 2026 Bargaining Exclusion

A significant labor dispute has erupted within Ghana’s education sector as the Innovative Teachers Union (ITU) threatens to take legal action against the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT). At the heart of the conflict is the exclusion of the ITU from critical negotiations regarding the 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for teaching staff within the Ghana Education Service (GES). The ITU asserts that its sidelining from these discussions is not only unfair but a violation of existing labor frameworks, prompting the union to issue a formal demand letter to halt the process until their representation is secured. The Innovative Teachers Union bases its legal challenge on the Labour Regulations of 2007, which stipulate a requirement for lead unions to consult with other relevant unions during the bargaining process. According to the ITU, GNAT has a history of consulting various teacher unions while deliberately excluding them from the table. The union argues that constitutional fairness must be upheld, ensuring that all recognized bodies representing teachers have a voice in determining the terms and conditions of service that will govern their members' professional lives for the coming years. In response to these allegations, GNAT maintains a firm stance, contending that it remains the primary holder of the collective bargaining certificate for the sector. GNAT representatives have suggested that the participation of minority unions in such negotiations is discretionary rather than a mandatory legal requirement. This disagreement highlights a long-standing tension between established legacy associations and newer, independent unions over who truly possesses the mandate to speak for Ghana’s educators during high-stakes financial and administrative negotiations with the government. As the 2026 CBA negotiations move forward, the ITU has called upon relevant national authorities and labor regulators to intervene and mediate the impasse. The outcome of this dispute could set a vital precedent for labor relations in the public sector, potentially reshaping how collective bargaining is conducted when multiple unions represent the same workforce. If a resolution is not reached, the looming threat of litigation could stall the finalization of the agreement, leaving thousands of teachers in a state of uncertainty regarding their future benefits and working conditions.

education|2 days ago

Ghanaian Teacher Unions Maintain Nationwide Strike as Negotiations with Fair Wages Commission Reach Deadlock

Pre-tertiary education in Ghana faces a significant crisis as the nationwide strike by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) enters a critical deadlock. Despite appeals from the Ghana Education Service (GES) and a government commitment to settle outstanding promotion arrears by October 30, union leaders maintain that financial assurances alone are insufficient to end the industrial action. The standoff has paralyzed public basic schools across the country, particularly in the Ashanti Region, as teachers demand a comprehensive resolution to long-standing grievances regarding service conditions and professional allowances. The crux of the current stalemate lies in a disagreement over a 20% professional allowance and the structure of new negotiations. Dr. George Smith-Graham, CEO of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), stated that talks have stalled because unions are seeking a new allowance outside the current transitional framework. According to Dr. Smith-Graham, as the country prepares for the establishment of the Independent Public Emoluments Commission (IPEC), unions should focus on enhancing existing allowances rather than introducing new ones. However, PRETAG President King Ali Awudu and NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba have countered that these demands are not new, citing commitments made as far back as 2009. In the Ashanti Region, union members have insisted on receiving verifiable "bank alerts" before considering a return to the classroom. Government officials, including Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and Deputy Minister Dr. Clement Apaak, have urged teachers to return to work, citing the detrimental impact on students' academic progress. Dr. Apaak acknowledged that administrative delays in implementing new salary scales for approximately 80,000 teachers were due to data transfer issues between the GES and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department. To mitigate future bottlenecks, the FWSC has proposed a regional approach to processing teacher promotions. Meanwhile, the National Council of Parents Teachers Association (PTA) has signaled its support for the teachers’ concerns, with Secretary Raphael Kofi Gapson warning that parents may join the protests if the October 30 deadline for settling arrears is missed. External observers, such as the Institute for Education Studies (IFEST), have criticized the government for failing to act early, noting that the strike was avoidable had discussions begun before the collective agreement expired. IFEST Executive Director Dr. Peter Anti argued that the strike remains the unions' most effective tool, as it has already forced the validation of over 51,000 promotion claims. As negotiations are set to resume, the Mahama administration faces increasing pressure to balance fiscal constraints with the urgent need to stabilize the education sector. The resolution of this dispute now hinges on whether the government can provide concrete, broader action on service conditions beyond the immediate payment of promotion arrears.

Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis — Director-General, Ghana Education Service

education|2 days ago

Ghanaian Teacher Unions Stand Firm as Strike Deadlock Continues Over Allowances and Promotion Arrears

The nationwide strike by pre-tertiary teacher unions in Ghana remains in force as negotiations between the government and labor leadership reached a stalemate this week. Members of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) have withdrawn their services, leading to the closure of public basic schools across the country. While the government, through Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, has committed to settling outstanding promotion arrears by October 30, union leaders insist that clearing these debts is insufficient to end the industrial action. They are demanding a comprehensive resolution to broader concerns, including a 20% professional allowance and the finalization of a new collective agreement. At the center of the deadlock is a disagreement with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) regarding allowances. Dr. George Smith-Graham, CEO of the FWSC, reported that negotiations stalled after unions introduced demands for new allowances that fall outside the current transitional framework as the country moves toward establishing the Independent Public Emoluments Commission (IPEC). While the FWSC has urged unions to focus on enhancing existing allowances, labor leaders like NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba and PRETAG President King Ali Awudu argue that the government has failed to act on commitments dating back as far as 2009. In the Ashanti Region, union representatives have taken a harder line, declaring they will only return to the classroom once they receive verifiable bank alerts confirming the settlement of their payments. The strike has drawn significant reactions from education stakeholders and parents. The National Council of Parents Teachers Association (PTA) has expressed solidarity with the teachers, with Secretary Raphael Kofi Gapson warning that parents may join street protests if the government misses the October 30 deadline. Dr. Peter Anti of the Institute for Education Studies (IFEST) criticized the government for failing to engage the unions before the previous collective agreement expired, suggesting the strike was avoidable. Conversely, labor consultant Austin Gamey cautioned that negotiating while maintaining a strike is detrimental to industrial relations, likening the situation to holding the government in "handcuffs." Government officials, including Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak and Ghana Education Service (GES) Director-General Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, continue to appeal for a return to the classroom. They have attributed delays in salary adjustments for nearly 80,000 promoted teachers to complex data transfer issues between the GES and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department. As a gesture of future commitment, the government has announced plans for a 20% salary incentive for teachers in rural and underserved areas starting in 2026. For now, however, the academic calendar remains disrupted, and further talks between the FWSC and union leaders are scheduled for later this week in an attempt to break the impasse.

education|5th October

Spokesperson for Former Minister Adutwum Urges Restoration of Existing GES Digital Platforms

Yaw Opoku Mensah, the spokesperson for former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has strongly countered recent assertions that the Ghana Education Service (GES) remains heavily reliant on manual administrative processes. In a detailed statement, Mensah argued that the groundwork for a digital GES was laid years ago, specifically under the previous administration’s tenure. He urged current education officials to focus on restoring and optimizing existing digital systems rather than attempting to introduce entirely new ones, which he suggests might be redundant or disruptive to established workflows. The push for digital transformation within the GES reportedly began in earnest in 2017, aimed at drastically reducing the bureaucratic burden of paperwork and enhancing overall institutional efficiency. Key among the platforms highlighted by Mensah are the Ghana Education Service Management Information System (GESMIS) and the Self-Placement Recruitment Platform. These tools were designed to streamline teacher recruitment, data management, and placement procedures, providing a digital backbone that the spokesperson claims was already operational and effective before the recent transition in governance. Mensah’s remarks come as a response to perceived narratives that the education sector is starting from scratch regarding digitalization. He emphasized that the focus should be on continuity in digital transformation, noting that several effective platforms have been discontinued or underutilized. The statement calls on the current Ministry of Education to conduct a thorough review of previous reforms to identify why these established systems were sidelined and to address any technical or administrative gaps that led to their dormancy. The debate highlights a broader challenge in Ghana’s public sector: the sustainability of technological initiatives across different political administrations. As the GES continues to navigate its modernization goals, the spokesperson’s call serves as a reminder of the investment already made in digital infrastructure. For stakeholders in the education sector, the priority remains the delivery of efficient services, which Mensah argues is best achieved by refining the proven tools of the past seven years rather than reinventing the wheel.

education|5th October

Upper East Stakeholders and Children Believe Demand Urgent Investment in Early Childhood Education

Stakeholders in the Upper East Region are sounding an alarm over the state of early childhood education (ECE), calling for a significant surge in investment to secure a robust foundation for children's lifelong learning. Organized by the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council with support from the non-governmental organization (NGO) Children Believe, the recent gathering brought together educational experts, social service representatives, and traditional leaders to address critical gaps in the region’s foundational education system. The consensus among participants was that the early years are pivotal, yet they remain one of the most under-resourced sectors within the national education framework. The discourse centered on several systemic hurdles that currently impede effective early childhood care and development. Key among these concerns is the acute shortage of trained teachers specifically assigned to kindergarten levels, which has led to suboptimal learning outcomes. Participants noted that planning for early childhood care often suffers from institutional oversight, resulting in learning environments that are frequently inadequate or poorly maintained. Furthermore, the meeting highlighted persistent funding challenges and the recurring issue of delayed enrollment, where many children start kindergarten later than the recommended age, putting them at a developmental disadvantage compared to their peers. The Regional Director of the Department of Children emphasized that without dedicated planning and resource allocation, the goal of providing a solid educational start remains elusive. To combat these deficiencies, stakeholders urged the Ghana Education Service and relevant authorities to prioritize the deployment of qualified teachers to early childhood centers rather than focusing primarily on higher levels of basic education. There was also a strong consensus on the need for collaborative resource mobilization, encouraging both state and non-state actors to pool funds and expertise to sustain development activities for the long term. As the meeting concluded, traditional leaders and NGO representatives underscored that the responsibility for early childhood development extends beyond government mandates to include active community-level involvement. By fostering a multi-sectoral approach, the Upper East Region aims to create a more resilient educational infrastructure that guarantees every child access to quality early learning. The participants agreed that addressing these foundational gaps is not just an educational necessity but a strategic socio-economic investment in the future human capital of the region.

education|4th October

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Vows Teacher Arrears Payment by October 30 Amidst Ongoing Nationwide Strike

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced that the government is committed to settling outstanding arrears for over 51,000 promoted teachers by October 30, 2026. This pledge comes as the Ghana Education Service (GES) works under a strict deadline of 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5, to submit the necessary promotion data to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD). The Minister described it as "inexcusable" if the government fails to honor these payments, emphasizing that the Ministry of Finance will be directed to pursue supplementary payments once the data reconciliation is complete. This move is a critical attempt to resolve the nationwide strike launched on September 25 by pre-tertiary teacher unions, including the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT). The Director-General of the GES, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, has highlighted that the service is prioritizing the submission of promotion details to address delays in salary grade placements—one of the primary grievances fueling the industrial action. Professor Davis expressed a strong preference for electronic processing to modernize record handling and reduce the administrative burden of the current paper-based system. However, he clarified that the final decision on whether to use electronic methods for payroll processing lies with the CAGD. Education Minister Iddrisu corroborated this need for modernization, criticizing the inefficiency of paper forms and calling for a robust IT infrastructure to streamline teacher promotions and salary adjustments. While the government has tabled new proposals—including updated salaries for promoted staff, a 20% allowance for teachers in deprived areas, and negotiations on expired service conditions—the strike remains in effect. NAGRAT has issued warnings to teachers who might attempt to undermine the strike, urging them to stay out of classrooms until their demands are fully met. Union leaders, including Madam Edith Adjua Sambo, have noted that frustration has peaked following years of stalled negotiations dating back to 2009. Despite these tensions, Professor Davis has urged teachers to return to work to protect the academic calendar while discussions continue. The impasse reached a temporary standstill following a high-level meeting on October 6, which ended without a formal resolution to call off the strike. Union leaders are currently consulting with their members to review the government’s latest offers and are expected to provide a formal response on Monday. The outcome of these deliberations, combined with the successful processing of the October 5 promotion data, will determine whether normal academic activities can resume in public schools across the country.

education|2nd October

Alhassan Mumuni Advocates for Urgent Establishment of Senior High School in Salaga North

Alhassan Mumuni, the Member of Parliament for Salaga North, is making a forceful appeal to the government and educational authorities to establish a Senior High School (SHS) in his constituency. The MP highlighted a critical gap in the local education system, where numerous Junior High School (JHS) graduates are currently unable to access second-cycle education due to the absence of a nearby facility. This deficit has left many young people in the district at a disadvantage, often ending their academic journeys prematurely or facing significant hurdles to travel elsewhere for schooling. Central to the MP's argument is the status of a specific infrastructure project: a Community Day Senior High School E-block. According to Mumuni, this project was originally initiated during President John Mahama’s previous term in office (2012-2017) but has since been abandoned. The sight of the uncompleted structure serves as a point of frustration for the community, which has seen several academic years pass without the promised local enrollment. Mumuni pointed to this project as a pressing issue that requires urgent intervention to revitalize the district’s educational prospects. In the absence of a completed government facility, the Salaga North community has taken matters into its own hands. Local leaders and residents have launched an initiative to establish a school using existing infrastructure within the area. Mumuni has voiced strong support for this grassroots effort, urging the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to officially recognize and approve the plan. By integrating this community-led school into the formal education system, the MP believes the district can bridge the current accessibility gap and provide immediate relief to students and their families. The push for an SHS in Salaga North is part of a broader demand for equitable distribution of educational resources across Ghana. Mumuni emphasized that providing local access to second-cycle education is essential for the socio-economic development of the district. As the community continues to advocate for the repurposing of existing buildings, the focus remains on the government to either complete the dormant E-block or provide the necessary regulatory backing for the local alternative. Resolving this educational crisis is seen as a vital step in ensuring that the youth of Salaga North are not left behind in the national pursuit of universal access to secondary education.

business|2nd October

Indomie Expands 'Slurp & Learn' School Feeding Initiative Nationwide with GES Approval

Indomie Ghana has officially opened registration for its 'Slurp & Learn' programme to basic schools across the country. The nationwide initiative, which has received formal approval from the Ghana Education Service (GES), seeks to integrate nutritious meal experiences with social interaction in the school environment. Headteachers of basic institutions are now invited to sign up for the scheme, which brings mobile kitchen teams directly to school premises to serve students freshly prepared noodles. To participate in the programme, school administrators must complete a registration process facilitated through a dedicated QR code system. Once registered, the Indomie outreach team coordinates specific visit dates to the schools. These visits are designed to go beyond mere food distribution; they are structured as interactive sessions that offer pupils a break from their standard classroom routines. By providing a communal dining experience, the programme aims to foster a sense of community among students and staff while ensuring children have access to warm, prepared meals during the school day. This initiative represents a significant corporate social responsibility (CSR) effort from the popular noodle brand, aligning with broader educational goals of improving student well-being and school attendance. The GES approval underscores the programme's compliance with safety and educational standards, making it a formal part of the extracurricular landscape for the current academic cycle. As the programme rolls out nationally, it is expected to reach thousands of pupils, providing both nutritional support and a lively engagement platform that encourages students to see the school environment as a space for both learning and positive social development.

Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis — Director-General, GES

education|1st October

GES Orders Refunds for Unauthorized Fees as CSSPS Resolves Over 30,000 School Placement Issues

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a stern directive to the heads of all senior high schools to immediately refund any unauthorized fees collected during the current student enrollment cycle. Highlighting that such charges directly violate the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, GES Director-General Professor Ernest Kofi Davis emphasized that the mandate is intended to remove financial barriers to education. He warned that non-compliance would be met with severe penalties and urged parents to report any school heads demanding illegal payments, while also noting that efforts to stabilize the academic calendar have successfully ensured students return to school on schedule. Simultaneously, the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) Resolution Centre has successfully addressed 30,781 out of 37,117 issues reported during this year’s placement exercise. According to the Ministry of Education’s Press Secretary, Hashmin Mohammed, approximately 83% of grievances have been resolved. However, 6,936 cases remain outstanding, primarily involving students seeking to change their status from day to boarding. Mohammed explained that many students initially selected day status to increase their chances of being placed in competitive schools, only to later realize that the distance from their homes made commuting impractical. While the CSSPS has seen significant progress, the remaining cases have led to frustration among some parents and students who report making multiple visits to resolution centres without a final result. Despite these delays, the Ministry maintains that the process is ongoing and that many successful re-placements have already been finalized. These administrative efforts are being supported by broader calls from the educational community to improve the quality of the student experience once enrollment is complete. In tandem with these systemic updates, educationists including Mr. Emma Bennett, Headteacher of Gina’s Angel School, and Mr. Emman Raymond of Intellect School Quiz Educational Consult, are advocating for stronger parent-teacher collaboration. They argue that resolving placement and fee issues is only the first step; sustained academic success requires regular communication between home and school to identify learning challenges early and reinforce positive study habits. As the academic year begins, the focus remains on balancing administrative efficiency with a supportive environment for Ghana's newest secondary students.

CSSPS Resolution Centre resolves over 30,000 issues

education|1st October

Ministry of Education Resolves 30,000 Placement Disputes as GES Orders Refund of Unauthorized School Fees

The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) are intensifying efforts to streamline the transition of students into second-cycle institutions following the latest placement cycle. The Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) Resolution Centre has successfully addressed 30,781 out of 37,117 reported issues, representing an 83% resolution rate. Concurrently, GES Director-General Professor Ernest Kofi Davis has issued a stern directive to school heads to immediately refund all unauthorized fees collected during the enrollment of fresh students, reinforcing the government's commitment to the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. According to Hashmin Mohammed, the Press Secretary for the Ministry of Education, the 6,936 cases remaining unresolved primarily involve requests for students to switch from day to boarding status. Mohammed explained that many students initially opted for day status to increase their chances of being placed in competitive schools, but later sought boarding placements due to the logistical challenges of long-distance commutes. While some families have secured successful placement changes, others have voiced frustration, reporting multiple visits to resolution centres without reaching a final outcome. This logistical bottleneck remains the primary hurdle in finalizing this year's placement exercise. On the financial front, Professor Davis emphasized that any demand for additional fees by school heads is a direct violation of national policy aimed at providing accessible education without financial barriers. The GES has warned that school administrators who fail to comply with the refund directive will face severe penalties. Parents are being actively encouraged to report any incidents where schools demand unauthorized payments, as the GES seeks to ensure that no student is denied entry to school based on illegal charges. Beyond immediate enrollment concerns, the GES reported significant progress in stabilizing the national academic calendar to ensure students return to school on schedule. Professor Davis also acknowledged ongoing engagements with teacher unions, committing to improvements in teacher promotions and overall welfare. These measures are part of a broader effort to maintain stability and improve the quality of the educational environment for both educators and students as the new academic term begins.

Get Your Answers Consult opens applications for fifth career mentorship cohort

business|1st October

President Mahama to Headline National Housing Finance Conference Amidst Surge in Corporate Empowerment Initiatives

President John Dramani Mahama is set to open the National Housing Finance Conference in Accra, marking a significant push toward resolving Ghana's housing deficit through innovative financing. The two-day event, scheduled for October 7 and 8, 2026, at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, is organized by the National Homeownership Fund (NHF). This high-level gathering serves as a centerpiece for a broader wave of business-led developments across the country, ranging from large-scale social empowerment projects to corporate recognitions in the manufacturing sector. President Mahama's leadership at the conference highlights the government's commitment to making homeownership more accessible for all Ghanaians. Parallel to the government's housing agenda, prominent businessman Alhaji Seidu Agongo has launched a major nationwide initiative aimed at empowering 10,000 women and youth. In partnership with the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), the first phase of this project will distribute free sewing machines and provide essential training to beneficiaries, including widows and school dropouts, to foster self-reliance in the dressmaking industry. This effort complements ongoing career development initiatives such as the Get Your Answers Consult mentorship programme, which recently opened applications for its fifth cohort starting November 8, 2026. This virtual programme is designed to equip jobseekers and professionals with essential workplace skills, personal branding, and networking strategies. In the corporate and manufacturing space, industry leaders are receiving significant recognition for their long-standing contributions to the economy and social welfare. The Latex Foam High Density Student Mattress was recently crowned the Legacy Foam Mattress Brand of the Year 2025 at the Old Schools Alumni Networking Gala Dinner. The award honors the brand's significant role in student comfort and its commitment to innovation within Ghana's manufacturing sector. Meanwhile, in the education-support sector, the popular food brand Indomie has received approval from the Ghana Education Service (GES) to scale its Slurp & Learn programme nationwide. This initiative provides freshly prepared meals to basic school pupils, aimed at enhancing the school experience through community engagement and organized interactive activities. These combined efforts from the presidency, private philanthropists, and established corporate brands reflect a multifaceted approach to national development. While the National Housing Finance Conference seeks to create sustainable paths to homeownership through structural financial reforms, the various skill-building and educational support initiatives aim to strengthen the grassroots economy. As President Mahama prepares to lead the dialogue on housing finance, the synergy between public policy and private sector intervention remains a critical driver for Ghana's economic resilience and social progress. These developments suggest a robust period of growth and social investment as the country moves toward the end of 2026.

business|1st October

Indomie Launches Nationwide "Slurp & Learn" Program for Basic Schools with GES Approval

Indomie has officially opened its "Slurp & Learn" program to basic schools across Ghana, following formal approval from the Ghana Education Service (GES). This nationwide initiative is designed to integrate nutritional support with interactive school activities, offering a unique break from standard classroom routines for young pupils. By scaling this project to a national level, the brand aims to reach thousands of students in diverse communities, reinforcing its commitment to the Ghanaian educational landscape through a blend of corporate social responsibility and community engagement. Under the program's framework, headteachers of basic schools are invited to register their institutions via a dedicated QR code system provided by the brand. Once registration is confirmed, the Indomie team coordinates scheduled visits to the respective schools to prepare and serve fresh noodles on-site. The initiative goes beyond a simple feeding program; it incorporates organized educational and recreational activities, turning each session into a multifaceted event that encourages social interaction and creative engagement outside of formal academic instruction. The collaboration with the GES underscores the strategic importance of private-sector partnerships in enhancing the primary education environment. By providing an enjoyable meal experience alongside structured activities, the program seeks to foster a stronger sense of community within schools and add variety to the daily student experience. For the brand, this expansion represents a significant investment in its corporate social responsibility portfolio, leveraging its market presence to support student welfare and engagement on a national scale.

health|30th September

NHIA Launches National Student Quiz as Pharmaceutical Firms Support Community Health Screenings

Ghana’s health sector is witnessing a dual-pronged approach to improving public wellness, combining educational outreach for the youth with direct medical interventions for local communities. From the launch of a nationwide National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) quiz competition to pharmaceutical-backed health screenings, various stakeholders are intensifying efforts to promote preventive care and insurance literacy across the country. These initiatives highlight a collaborative push between government agencies, the media, and the private sector to ensure that healthcare becomes more accessible and better understood by all citizens. By prioritizing both information dissemination and clinical support, these programs aim to build a more resilient national health framework. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has taken a proactive step in this direction through the launch of a nationwide sensitisation and inter-school quiz competition. On September 29, 2026, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, Chief Executive of the NHIA, officially opened the event at Kintampo Senior High School in the Bono East Region. The initiative, which enjoys the full support of the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, is specifically targeted at second-cycle students to enhance their knowledge of NHIS policies, operations, and service delivery. A total of 48 schools across all regions have been selected to participate in a series of interactive sessions and regional contests, which will culminate in a national grand finale on November 26, 2026. Dr. Bampoe emphasized that educating students is a strategic way to ensure the long-term sustainability of the insurance scheme. In a parallel effort to address immediate clinical needs, the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL) has partnered with major pharmaceutical entities to deliver essential care to the public. Indus Life Sciences Pvt Limited and Unichem Ghana Group recently donated a substantial quantity of medicines to support the GCGL’s annual free health screening outreach. Held on September 19, the exercise provided medical consultations and essential drugs to more than 1,000 residents who might otherwise lack access to such services. Both Indus Life and Unichem Ghana expressed their deep-seated commitment to corporate social responsibility, noting that their contributions are part of a broader mission to enhance community healthcare and encourage a culture of regular preventive health check-ups among Ghanaians. These distinct yet complementary programs underline the diverse strategies being employed to strengthen Ghana’s health system. While the NHIA focuses on the intellectual and administrative aspects of health insurance through its inter-school competition, the GCGL and its pharmaceutical partners are addressing the tangible barriers to medical treatment through grassroots outreach. The success of these initiatives demonstrates that a combination of public sector leadership and private sector philanthropy is vital for improving national health outcomes. As the NHIS quiz moves toward its November climax, the ongoing collaboration between media houses and healthcare providers sets a high standard for community engagement and public service.

education|30th September

GES Director-General Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis Orders Immediate Refund of Unauthorized Senior High School Fees

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a stern directive to heads of all second-cycle institutions to immediately refund any unauthorized fees collected from fresh students during the current enrollment cycle. Director-General Professor Ernest Kofi Davis announced the mandate, emphasizing that such collections are in direct violation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which is designed to eliminate financial barriers to secondary education. This move follows widespread reports and complaints from parents regarding illegal levies and additional charges imposed by some school administrators or third-party entities. Professor Davis warned that non-compliance with this directive will result in severe penalties for school heads. He reiterated that the GES remains committed to the integrity of the Free SHS policy, ensuring that no child is denied an education due to financial constraints. To enforce accountability, the service has encouraged parents and guardians to report any demands for unauthorized payments to GES officials. By empowering the public to speak out against these practices, the GES aims to curb exploitative administrative behavior and protect the financial interests of families across the nation. In addition to addressing fee violations, the Director-General highlighted improvements in the stability of the academic calendar and enrollment timelines. He noted that the synchronization of the school year has benefited both students and teachers, providing a more predictable and effective learning environment. Professor Davis also used the opportunity to address ongoing labor concerns, appealing to teacher unions to reconsider strike actions. He assured educators that the government is making progress on negotiations concerning promotions and other welfare issues, emphasizing the importance of keeping schools open and functional. This crackdown on unauthorized fees aligns with the broader educational priorities of the administration under President John Mahama. By ensuring that public schools adhere strictly to the Free SHS guidelines, the GES is working to maintain public trust in the state's educational commitments. Moving forward, the service plans to monitor enrollment processes more closely and continue its dialogue with teacher unions to prevent further industrial disruptions, ultimately aiming to improve the overall quality and accessibility of education for all Ghanaian students.

health|29th September

St. Anne’s Catholic Hospital Mortuary Faces Crisis as Refrigeration Systems Collapse

St. Anne’s Catholic Hospital is currently grappling with a critical infrastructure failure that has left the bodies of two deceased teachers in a state of logistical limbo. The total breakdown of the facility’s mortuary refrigeration engines has halted the proper preservation of remains, causing significant distress to the bereaved families and the local community. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the maintenance of essential medical equipment in regional health centers, particularly as the hospital struggles to provide basic mortuary services. The two individuals affected by this failure are Abu Seidu and Achempong Amafom Makline, both former educators. Abu Seidu’s remains were deposited at the morgue by the police following a death that reportedly involved a law enforcement incident, while Achempong Amafom Makline was brought to the facility by officials from the Ghana Education Service after he passed away shortly after reporting an illness. For both families, the mechanical failure at the hospital adds an agonizing layer of uncertainty to their funeral preparations and grieving process. Technical reports indicate that the refrigeration engines at St. Anne’s are approximately 13 years old, far exceeding their reliable service lifespan. These engines have reportedly failed multiple times throughout 2026, suggesting a pattern of systemic neglect rather than an isolated mechanical fault. Despite these recurring warnings, a permanent replacement or comprehensive overhaul was never executed, leading to the current total system failure. The persistent nature of these breakdowns has raised serious questions among the public regarding the hospital’s maintenance budgets and equipment replacement cycles. At this time, the management of St. Anne’s Catholic Hospital has yet to provide a public comment or a definitive timeline for the restoration of the mortuary services. The lack of communication has left the families of the deceased and the Ghana Education Service without clear instructions on how to proceed. This situation underscores the urgent need for government and private health administrators to prioritize the upgrading of aging infrastructure to ensure that dignity is maintained for the deceased and peace of mind is provided for the living.

health|29th September

St. Anne’s Hospital Mortuary Crisis: Bodies of Deceased Teachers Stranded as Aging Refrigeration Engines Fail

The families of two deceased teachers are currently facing a distressing situation at the St. Anne’s Catholic Hospital mortuary following a total breakdown of the facility’s refrigeration system. The bodies of Abu Seidu and Achempong Amafom Makline remain stuck in a state of limbo as the aging engines powering the cooling units have failed, rendering the storage area unusable for new or existing remains. This equipment failure has sparked significant concern among local residents and officials regarding the hospital's capacity to maintain essential services. ""The circumstances surrounding the two deceased men highlight the urgency of the situation. Abu Seidu’s body was deposited at the morgue by the police following his death, which reportedly occurred under circumstances that triggered a law enforcement investigation. Meanwhile, Achempong Amafom Makline was brought to the facility by officials from the Ghana Education Service (GES) after he passed away shortly after reporting an illness. Both men, who dedicated their lives to education in the region, now find their final arrangements stalled by the facility's mechanical failure. ""Technical reports indicate that the mortuary’s refrigeration engines are approximately 13 years old, significantly surpassing their expected reliable service life. This latest failure is not an isolated incident; the engines have reportedly broken down multiple times throughout 2026 alone. These recurring mechanical issues point to a chronic lack of maintenance or a desperate need for a complete replacement of the hospital's cold storage infrastructure. Despite the recurring nature of these faults, a permanent solution has yet to be implemented by the hospital administration. ""As of late September, hospital management has not provided a formal comment or a public timeline for when the repairs will be completed. This lack of communication has increased the anxiety of the bereaved families who are unable to proceed with funeral preparations. The situation at St. Anne’s underscores the critical need for consistent investment in healthcare and mortuary infrastructure, particularly in regional facilities where equipment failure can lead to severe emotional and logistical burdens for the community."

education|29th September

GES Director-General Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis Orders SHS Heads to Refund Unauthorized Fees or Face Dismissal

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a stern ultimatum to heads of Senior High Schools (SHS) across the country, demanding the immediate cessation and refund of all unauthorized fees and items collected from parents and students. Under the leadership of Director-General Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, the service warned that school administrators who fail to comply with this directive risk severe disciplinary action, including summary removal from their positions. This move signals a rigorous enforcement of government directives aimed at protecting the integrity of the nation's educational system and ensuring that financial barriers do not impede student access. According to the GES, the collection of these unapproved levies directly contradicts the foundational principles of the Free Senior High School policy. The policy was designed specifically to eliminate the financial burdens previously placed on families, thereby broadening access to secondary education for all eligible students. Professor Davis emphasized that any headteacher found to be undermining this flagship initiative through illegal charges is effectively sabotaging the state's efforts to provide equitable education. The Director-General reiterated that the GES will maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward practices that exploit parents or deviate from official budgetary guidelines. To ensure compliance and transparency, the GES has called upon parents and guardians to be vigilant and proactive in reporting any demands for unauthorized payments or materials to the service. By empowering the public to act as monitors, the GES aims to create a more accountable administrative environment within the secondary education sector. This directive serves as a clear reminder to all educational stakeholders that the current administration remains committed to the total elimination of hidden costs, ensuring that the promise of free education remains a reality for all Ghanaian households.

“Violence has no place in our schools” – Zanetor mourns Kinbu SHS student

education|29th September

MP Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings Demands Action After Fatal Stabbing at Kinbu Senior High School

Tragedy has struck the Kinbu Senior High School in Accra following the fatal stabbing of a student, an incident that has sent shockwaves through the local community and the national education sector. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle, has condemned the act in the strongest terms, describing the loss of life as both "tragic and senseless." The incident, which occurred in the heart of the capital, has brought the issue of campus security and student safety to the forefront of national discourse. Speaking on the matter, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings emphasized that educational institutions must remain sanctuaries for learning rather than sites of violence. She called on the Ghana Police Service to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to ensure that justice is served for the deceased student and their grieving family. The MP underscored that such acts of violence are entirely unacceptable and have no place within the Ghanaian school system, urging for a firm response to deter future occurrences and provide closure to the affected community. Beyond the immediate call for justice, the lawmaker is advocating for a comprehensive reassessment of safety protocols within Senior High Schools across the country. She highlighted the urgent need to address the underlying causes of such violence, including the mental health challenges often faced by students in high-pressure academic environments. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings pledged to collaborate closely with school authorities, parents, and security agencies to implement enhanced safety measures and provide robust mental health support systems for learners. This fatal incident at Kinbu SHS serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the school environment. As stakeholders mourn the loss of a young life, the focus now shifts to how the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service will respond to the growing calls for increased security personnel and improved counseling services on campuses. The outcome of the police investigation and the subsequent safety reviews are expected to set a critical precedent for handling student safety in the Klottey-Korle constituency and across the nation.

education|29th September

GNAT Warns of Retirement Risk for 80,000 Teachers Amid Promotion and Payment Delays

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has expressed grave concern over persistent delays in processing teacher promotions, a crisis that threatens the retirement benefits of over 80,000 educators. National President Prosper Tackie revealed that the backlog includes roughly 58,000 higher-ranked staff and thousands more in lower ranks whose careers are currently in limbo. The urgency of these promotions is underscored by the fact that many affected teachers are nearing retirement age, and any delay in their official rank advancement directly reduces their final pension payouts. Tackie noted that President John Mahama is aware of the situation, having acknowledged the pending promotion issues during a recent public engagement where the welfare of the teaching workforce was prioritized. To avoid losing government financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance, thousands of teachers were reportedly forced to sit for promotion examinations during the December holiday period. Tackie explained that the exams were scheduled at short notice to beat the expiration of budget year clearances, forcing many teachers to sacrifice their Christmas celebrations to ensure their eligibility for advancement. Despite these sacrifices, the processing of results and subsequent salary adjustments have remained sluggish. Discrepancies in data have further complicated the matter, with GNAT criticizing the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) for only accounting for a portion of the affected workforce while ignoring lower-ranked personnel in the payment pipeline. In response to the mounting pressure and potential threats to industrial peace, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has called for an end to the "blame game" between government agencies. GES Public Relations Officer Daniel Fenyi emphasized that the service is working around the clock to meet a strict deadline for submitting the necessary documentation, including promotion letters and input forms, to the CAGD. While the CAGD recently confirmed it had processed payments for a preliminary batch of 6,079 newly promoted teachers, this represents only a small fraction of the tens of thousands of expected cases. Fenyi urged all stakeholders to focus on technical solutions rather than finger-pointing to ensure teachers can remain in the classroom and maintain the stability of the academic calendar. The ongoing crisis highlights systemic friction between the Ghana Education Service, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department. As teacher unions demand prompt placement on updated salary scales and the immediate payment of arrears dating back to early 2026, the government faces significant pressure to resolve the administrative bottleneck. The successful resolution of these promotion and payment disputes is seen as critical not only for teacher welfare but also for preventing widespread strikes that could derail the national education agenda under the Mahama administration.

education|29th September

Teacher Unions Maintain Nationwide Strike Over Promotion Arrears as Government Appeals for Return to Classrooms

A nationwide strike by pre-tertiary teacher unions is entering a critical phase as classrooms across Ghana remain empty. The industrial action, initiated on September 25, 2026, by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Education Teachers’ Association of Ghana (PRETAG), centers on unresolved financial and administrative grievances. Key demands include the payment of outstanding promotion arrears, the automatic placement of newly promoted teachers on their correct salary scales, and the urgent negotiation of a new Collective Agreement. Union leaders emphasize that their members will not return to work until the government provides tangible evidence of progress, rather than mere verbal assurances. The impact of the strike is being felt acutely in several regions. In Dormaa-Ahenkro, approximately 2,000 teachers across 25 basic schools have complied with the stay-at-home directive, leaving most public schools closed. Similar reports from Sekondi-Takoradi describe students arriving at locked gates and classrooms, while in the Upper West Region, parents and students have expressed deep concern over the lack of regular instruction for final-year students preparing for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). PRETAG Communications Director Kingsley Anyimadu warned that nearly 99% of schools currently lack teaching staff, signaling a near-total shutdown of the public basic education system. In response to the crisis, the government, through Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, has urged the unions to suspend the strike while negotiations continue with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC). The government has proposed a 20% allowance for teachers in rural deprived areas to take effect in January 2027 and claims to have validated over 30,000 teachers for promotion out of an expected 80,000. Education Minister Iddrisu assured that efforts are being made to process affected salaries by October. Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, cautioned that the ongoing industrial action threatens to disrupt the recently stabilized academic calendar, urging teachers to reconsider their stance for the sake of the students. Despite the government's appeals, union leaders remain cautious and have signaled potential escalation if their demands are not met. NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba stated that the association is currently consulting its regional and district councils to verify the government's claims regarding validated promotions and the list of eligible schools for the rural allowance. PRETAG has also threatened to intensify the strike if outstanding payments are not resolved promptly. As the FWSC meetings resume, the resolution of the strike hinges on the government's ability to provide a concrete roadmap for the payment of arrears and the formalization of improved conditions of service.

An aerial photograph showing a residential neighborhood in Hohoe severely impacted by flooding. Numerous buildings with red-tiled and corrugated metal roofs are partially submerged in murky, brown water that has covered streets and yards.

news|29th September

Hohoe MP and Officials Appeal for Urgent Aid After River Dayi Floods Displace Over 3,000 Residents

Severe flooding in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region has displaced more than 3,000 residents after the River Dayi burst its banks following heavy rainfall. The disaster has impacted over 400 homes across several communities, with the Zongo neighborhood being the hardest hit, where more than half of the area remains submerged. Although the heavy rains have subsided, local authorities report that water levels have continued to rise, further complicating rescue and relief operations and straining the resources of the Municipal Assembly. The scale of the crisis has forced hundreds of families into temporary accommodations, with over 700 residents currently taking refuge in classrooms provided by the Ghana Education Service. Member of Parliament for Hohoe, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, has described the situation as dire, noting that many displaced persons have lost nearly all their personal belongings and livelihoods. Municipal Chief Executive Prosper Kumi added that while no lives have been lost, the destruction of approximately 400 households has created an overwhelming humanitarian need that requires immediate national intervention. In response to the emergency, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has commenced the distribution of essential relief items. Pascal Agbagba, the Volta Regional Director of NADMO, confirmed that mattresses, food, mosquito nets, and cooking oil are being provided to affected households, with over 1,000 additional mattresses being mobilized from the national office. Volta Regional Minister James Gunu has assured the people of Hohoe that the government is fully committed to supporting the impacted communities and has dispatched teams to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damage. Beyond immediate relief, local leaders are calling for long-term solutions to prevent a recurrence of the disaster. MCE Prosper Kumi has requested heavy machinery to dredge the River Dayi, citing the need to improve the river's capacity to handle future overflows. Additionally, health officials are collaborating with the Ghana Health Service to monitor the temporary shelters for potential disease outbreaks. As the community begins the slow process of recovery, MP Tsekpo continues to appeal to private organizations and individuals to support the displaced families who remain without stable shelter.

education|28th September

Ghana Education Oversight: Adaklu Tackles Teacher Absenteeism as Stakeholders Call for Enhanced Student Safeguards

Recent developments across Ghana's educational landscape highlight a multi-faceted push for accountability, ranging from teacher attendance monitoring in the Volta Region to the protection of student environments in the Bono East Region. In the Adaklu District, the Directorate of Education has established a dedicated monitoring and supervision committee to address teacher absenteeism and tardiness. Announced by District Director Mac-Peter Dumatonu during the commissioning of a new classroom block at Adaklu Vodze District Assembly Basic School, the initiative involves random checks of attendance registers and lesson plans. Adaklu District Chief Executive Jerry Yao Ameko emphasized that teachers must prioritize their professional responsibilities over personal business during school hours, warning that non-compliance will face strict consequences. Simultaneously, concerns regarding the physical and digital safety of students have prompted high-level interventions. In the Bono East Region, Minister Francis Owusu Antwi directed local authorities to halt a private developer's hotel project adjacent to the New Konkrompe Senior High School. The decision followed alarms raised by Assistant Headmistress Catherine Antwiwaa regarding the potential negative influence such an establishment could have on female students. Meanwhile, in Adidome, parents have urged the government to configure Senior High School tablets to block access to adult content. During a community session organized by the Department of Gender, with support from UNFPA and Global Affairs Canada, parents expressed fears that unrestricted internet access was distracting students from their academic goals. On the administrative and social front, the Ghana Education Service (GES) and non-governmental organizations are working to alleviate the burdens on parents and students. The GES recently clarified that the purchase of educational products from Prospectus Ghana Limited is entirely voluntary, following reports of a partnership with the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations to market items in 200 schools. At the same time, Fairuza Abdul-Rahman Safian, Executive Director of CAMFED Ghana, highlighted that social barriers—such as the disproportionate load of domestic chores—still threaten rural girls' education. Speaking at an event at KNUST, she called for a shift in traditional attitudes and more equitable household responsibilities to ensure both genders can thrive academically. Finally, efforts to improve student welfare through nutrition and infrastructure continue to gain momentum. World Vision has commended the government's decision to fully fund the School Feeding Programme, though it urges a stronger emphasis on sourcing food from local farmers to enhance nutrition and support the agricultural economy. These combined efforts from district directors, regional ministers, and international NGOs reflect a broader national commitment to improving educational standards. By addressing teacher accountability, student safety, and social equity, stakeholders aim to create a more supportive and effective learning environment for the current generation of Ghanaian students.

education|28th September

MPs Commission New School Infrastructure in Ellembelle and Kpandai Amidst Renewed Focus on Abandoned Projects

In a significant boost to Ghana’s educational sector, Members of Parliament have recently inaugurated several key infrastructure projects aimed at improving learning conditions for students in rural communities. The Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and the MP for Kpandai, Mathew Nyindam, have collectively handed over new Junior High School (JHS) and technical facilities to the Ghana Education Service (GES). These developments align with the broader national agenda under President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize human capital development and bridge the infrastructure gap between urban and rural populations. In the Ellembelle constituency, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah commissioned three major projects designed to provide equal opportunities for rural youth. These include a 12-unit classroom block at the Kikam Technical Institute (KIMTECH) and two three-unit JHS blocks located at Mandumgbane and Atababo. During the handing-over ceremony, the MP emphasized that education remains the most potent tool for national development. District Chief Executive Joseph Armah Agyekum supported these efforts, noting that the infrastructure is part of a holistic development strategy that also includes improvements to road networks, health services, and electricity within the district. Simultaneously, in the Kpandai Constituency, Hon. Mathew Nyindam fulfilled a 2024 commitment by commissioning a newly built JHS block in Meme. Nyindam highlighted the necessity of investing in education as a primary strategy to combat poverty and build a stronger economic future for the region. The District Director of Education commended the initiative, assuring that the facility would be used effectively to enhance the educational aspirations of local children. Community leaders in Meme praised the project, noting that such infrastructure is vital for the development of the area’s youth. While new facilities are being celebrated, attention has also turned to the long-standing challenge of abandoned state resources, specifically the "E-Block" project in Anyima, Kintampo South. For nearly a decade, the Community Day Senior High School project sat unfinished, leading to the deterioration of thousands of wooden desks. However, there is renewed hope as contractors have recently returned to the site. Local leaders are urging authorities to salvage existing resources and expedite the completion of the school to address furniture shortages in nearby institutions. This combination of new commissions and the revitalization of stalled projects underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure every Ghanaian child has access to quality learning environments.

A group of educators attends an in-service training session for Early Childhood Development (ECD) in a classroom. A female facilitator at the front points to a projection screen displaying 'Early Morning Activity' while participants listen attentively.

education|28th September

AAMUSTED Vice-Chancellor Urges Practical Focus for New Teachers as 400 Sunyani Educators Complete Early Childhood Training

Stakeholders in Ghana's education sector are intensifying efforts to reform teaching standards by prioritizing practical skills and foundational learning. This week, Professor Frederick Kwaku Sarfo, Vice-Chancellor of the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), called on newly graduated teachers to move beyond their academic certificates and embrace innovation. Simultaneously, in the Sunyani East and West municipalities, approximately 400 kindergarten educators completed an intensive two-week training program designed to modernize classroom activities and implement the national early childhood curriculum. Speaking at the 16th convocation of the Komenda College of Education, Professor Sarfo emphasized that the modern educational landscape requires teachers to act as facilitators of knowledge rather than mere transmitters of information. The ceremony celebrated the graduation of 457 students, including 207 females, across various Bachelor of Science Education programs. Both Professor Sarfo and the College Principal, Dr. Kwesi Nkum Wilson, underscored the necessity of ethical professionalism, digital literacy, and innovative pedagogies. They urged the new cohort to remain lifelong learners and adapt to rapid technological changes to drive national development. Complementing this push for professional excellence, Sabre Education, in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES), organized specialized in-service training for kindergarten heads and proprietors in the Bono Region. The program focused on the revised KG curriculum, which aims to equip young learners with essential 21st-century skills. Mr. Theophilus Cudjoe of Sabre Education noted that the training is particularly vital for the private sector, where many teachers may lack formal backgrounds in early childhood education. By addressing these professional gaps, the initiative seeks to ensure a stronger foundation for students entering the formal school system. These dual initiatives reflect a growing national priority to address learning gaps from the earliest stages of schooling through to higher education. By fostering partnerships between non-governmental organizations, the GES, and tertiary institutions, Ghana aims to produce a workforce of educators who are not only certified but are also skilled practitioners. As these 457 new graduates enter the field and 400 existing teachers update their methodologies, the collective focus remains on transforming the classroom experience to better serve the needs of the next generation and enhance the country's overall educational quality.

Mr. Peter Kofi Marfo, Ashanti Region Cultural Centre Director

education|28th September

Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS Triumphs at Ashanti STUDRAFEST as Regional Director Calls for Creative Investment

Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School (SHS) emerged as the champion of the Ashanti Regional Students Drama Festival (STUDRAFEST) held at the Apatakesie Theatre on September 26, 2026. The school’s drama troupe captivated the audience and judges with their performance of "The Treasure We Broke," securing first place among eight competing institutions. St. Louis Senior High School and Kumasi Wesley Girls Senior High School followed in second and third places, respectively, in a competition that showcased the depth of theatrical talent within the region. Organized by the National Commission on Culture (NCC) in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES), the festival serves as a vital platform for talent incubation and cultural preservation. The participating schools presented plays focused on themes of discipline, cultural values, and youth development. Beyond the overall rankings, the event recognized individual excellence with awards for Best Indigenous Play, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Costume, and Best Script, highlighting the multifaceted nature of theatrical production in schools. Mr. Peter Kofi Marfo, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Centre for National Culture (CNC), emphasized during the event that STUDRAFEST is essential for nurturing a creative workforce capable of contributing to national development. He described the festival as a strategic tool for education and future job creation. While praising the dedication of teachers and school administrators who prepared the students despite various logistical challenges, Mr. Marfo also appealed to corporate bodies and philanthropists to provide more support and performance spaces for the arts in schools. Following their regional victory, Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS will move on to represent the Ashanti Region at the national STUDRAFEST competition scheduled for October 2026. The festival’s success underscores the growing importance of the performing arts in the Ghanaian educational curriculum. Advocates of the program hope that the upcoming national finals will further demonstrate how theatre can be used to foster creativity and character-building among the youth, ultimately preparing them for roles in the country's expanding creative economy.

education|28th September

NCPTA Reaffirms GH¢200 Cap on Semester Dues and Challenges GES Directive to Halt Collections

The National Council of Parents-Teacher Associations (NCPTA-Ghana) has reaffirmed that the maximum allowable Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues and levies for senior high schools are capped at GH¢200 per parent per semester. This announcement comes as the council firmly opposes a directive from the Ghana Education Service (GES) ordering a cessation of all such collections. NCPTA President Christian Aikins Atsu has asserted that the council is relying on a standing High Court injunction that protects existing collection practices, arguing that the GES order ignores legal precedents that preserve the autonomy of the associations in gathering funds for school development. The GH¢200 fee structure, clarified following an Extraordinary National Conference held from August 25 to 27, 2026, is specifically divided into GH¢50 for membership dues and GH¢150 as a development levy. President Atsu emphasized that these rates are the standard for all member associations, and any local PTA seeking to charge more than this stipulated amount must obtain express written clearance from the NCPTA national leadership. This move is designed to curb unauthorized financial demands on parents and maintain the credibility of the associations across the country while ensuring that school projects remain adequately funded. Beyond setting financial limits, the NCPTA leadership has urged local PTA executives to maintain transparency and resist external pressures. Atsu specifically cautioned executives against allowing school heads to influence financial practices or dictate the use of PTA funds. Parents have been encouraged to verify any demands exceeding the GH¢200 threshold with national executives to ensure they are not being overcharged. The council maintains that proper accounting and strict adherence to approved charges are essential for fostering trust between parents, teachers, and school administrators. The ongoing tension between the NCPTA and the Ghana Education Service highlights a significant struggle over the management and funding of secondary education. While the GES seeks to regulate or eliminate additional financial burdens on families, the NCPTA argues that these levies are vital for completing essential infrastructure projects and improving educational quality. By reinforcing its fee structure and citing legal protections, the NCPTA aims to solidify its role as a key stakeholder in the education sector, ensuring that parents remain active contributors to the maintenance of school environments.

education|28th September

Ghanaian Teacher Unions Extend Strike as Government Struggles to Process Promotion Arrears

Public pre-tertiary education across Ghana remains at a standstill as the three primary teacher unions—the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG)—have rejected government appeals to end their nationwide strike. The industrial action, which began on September 25, has left thousands of students unsupervised in major metropolitan areas including Accra, Kumasi, and the Eastern Region. Despite high-level meetings with Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, union leaders maintain that they will not return to the classroom until their demands regarding promotion arrears and salary placements are visibly reflected in their bank accounts and payslips, dismissing verbal assurances as "promises upon promises." At the heart of the dispute is a significant administrative bottleneck between the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD). While the CAGD has confirmed the processing of salary adjustments for 6,079 newly promoted teachers, this represents only a fraction of the 58,620 cases expected. The department clarified that the delay is primarily due to missing documentation from the GES, which is required to validate the master list of promoted staff. Beyond promotion arrears, the unions are demanding the immediate implementation of a new Collective Agreement to replace the one that expired in June, as well as the payment of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Allowance typically settled in September. In response to the escalating crisis, Minister Haruna Iddrisu has directed the Director-General of the GES to submit all outstanding data on promoted teachers by the end of the week to facilitate payments in the October salary cycle. The government has also proposed a 20% Deprived Area Allowance for teachers in rural sectors, though this is not slated for implementation until January 2027, following a validation exercise by a joint committee. These measures have so far failed to placate union leadership. NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba and GNAT’s Head of Salaries Isaac Baah have criticized the government for a lack of seriousness, particularly regarding the stalled negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), which are now scheduled to resume on October 6. The strike has drawn sharp criticism from political and social observers. Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, a member of the Parliamentary Education Committee, has urged the government to prioritize the GH"5c2 billion owed to educators over infrastructure projects like the Accra–Kumasi Expressway. Meanwhile, students in affected regions have appealed to both the government and teachers to find common ground, citing fears that the prolonged closure of schools will jeopardize their upcoming end-of-term examinations. As the deadlock continues, the unions remain firm: the strike will only be suspended once documented evidence of payment and formal timelines for the Collective Agreement are provided.

education|27th September

Educationist Aaron Feron-Fenuku Urges Teacher Reflection Following Zero Pass Rates in 15 Volta Region SHSs

Educationist Aaron Feron-Fenuku has issued a stern call for teachers and school administrators to reassess their professional commitments following an alarming report on academic performance in the Volta Region. According to recent data from the Ghana Education Service (GES), at least 15 Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the region recorded zero qualification rates in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This shocking outcome has prompted a broader discussion on the efficacy of the current educational delivery system and the specific roles of frontline educators in ensuring student success. Speaking on the back of these findings, Feron-Fenuku emphasized that the path to improving SHS performance begins with an honest self-assessment by teachers regarding their core responsibilities. He highlighted that effective teaching is predicated on thorough preparation, punctuality, and a consistent system for monitoring student progress. By reflecting on these fundamental pillars, educators can better identify where gaps in the learning process occur and implement the necessary interventions to prevent the total failure of entire cohorts of students. Beyond individual teacher accountability, the educationist pointed to a wider systemic crisis involving school management and student attitudes. He noted that school heads bear a significant burden of responsibility for supervising teaching practices and ensuring that a conducive learning environment is maintained. Furthermore, Feron-Fenuku criticized a growing culture among students that favors shortcuts over genuine learning, warning that a reliance on examination malpractices and "trial-and-error" approaches to academic achievement is detrimental to the nation’s human resource development. To address these challenges, Feron-Fenuku called for a unified front involving all stakeholders, including parents and community leaders. He argued that restoring a culture of discipline and academic integrity requires more than just administrative changes; it necessitates a collective shift in priorities toward genuine knowledge acquisition. As the Ghana Education Service and regional authorities review the 2026 WASSCE performance, the educationist’s remarks serve as a reminder that the restoration of academic excellence in the Volta Region depends on the renewed dedication of those at the helm of the classroom.

education|27th September

Controller and Accountant-General's Department Processes Promotion Payments for 6,079 Teachers Amid Nationwide Strike

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has confirmed the processing and payment of 6,079 teacher promotion cases, including applicable arrears, in an effort to address labor unrest within the education sector. These payments, which were reflected in the September 2026 salary cycle, include arrears backdated to January 1, 2026. The announcement comes as teacher unions, including the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG), declared or threatened strike actions over prolonged delays in salary placements and unpaid arrears for promoted staff. While the processing of these cases marks progress, a significant gap remains between the number of teachers paid and the total number of promotions. The CAGD revealed that it has only received 6,079 completed cases from the Ghana Education Service (GES) out of an anticipated total of 58,620 cases. The department clarified that the payroll administration process relies on a dual-platform system involving the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database 2 (IPPD2). According to the CAGD, the GES is responsible for initiating promotions and providing the necessary documentation to trigger salary adjustments. The department emphasized that the primary cause for the outstanding payments is a lack of valid documentation from the GES, such as signed promotion forms and official letters. The CAGD maintained that these documents are essential for validation to ensure the legitimacy of payments and to prevent unauthorized adjustments to the government payroll. As of late September 2026, many cases remain pending because they lack the required paperwork for the CAGD to finalize the transactions. To resolve the standoff and ensure the remaining 52,541 teachers are correctly placed on their new salary scales, the CAGD has called for increased collaboration among stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and the GES. A framework established during a meeting on August 31 was intended to streamline the submission of the full list of promoted teachers. The CAGD has assured all legitimate claimants that their payments will be handled promptly once the GES submits the necessary documentation, urging unions to remain cooperative as the administrative hurdles are cleared.

education|26th September

Ghana Education Service Warns SHS Heads Against Collection of Unauthorized Fees and PTA Dues

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a stern warning to the heads of second-cycle institutions across the country, ordering an immediate halt to the collection of unauthorized fees from parents and guardians. This directive comes as first-year Senior High School (SHS) and Senior High Technical School (SHTS) students began reporting for the 2026 academic year on September 18. The GES management emphasized that these illegal collections directly contradict the government's free senior high school policy, which aims to eliminate financial barriers to secondary education for all Ghanaian children. According to the GES, school heads must not compel parents to pay admission fees or Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues as a condition for enrollment. The Service specifically highlighted that the mandatory collection of PTA dues is currently under judicial review, making any requirement for payment legally sensitive at this time. The GES management expressed concern that such unauthorized practices undermine the transparency and accessibility of the placement process, which this year saw 87.3% of qualified candidates successfully assigned to their respective schools. In a move to ensure accountability and relief for affected families, the GES has instructed all school heads who have already collected unapproved fees to refund them to parents immediately. The Service has warned that non-compliant officials will face administrative sanctions. By enforcing these regulations, the Ghana Education Service aims to protect the integrity of the national education policy and ensure that the transition into SHS remains a purely academic milestone rather than a financial burden for Ghanaian households.

Ghana Education Service (GES): Latest News Today

Innovative Teachers Union Issues Legal Ultimatum to GNAT Over 2026 Bargaining Exclusion

Ghanaian Teacher Unions Maintain Nationwide Strike as Negotiations with Fair Wages Commission Reach Deadlock

Ghanaian Teacher Unions Stand Firm as Strike Deadlock Continues Over Allowances and Promotion Arrears

Spokesperson for Former Minister Adutwum Urges Restoration of Existing GES Digital Platforms

Upper East Stakeholders and Children Believe Demand Urgent Investment in Early Childhood Education

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Vows Teacher Arrears Payment by October 30 Amidst Ongoing Nationwide Strike

Alhassan Mumuni Advocates for Urgent Establishment of Senior High School in Salaga North

Indomie Expands 'Slurp & Learn' School Feeding Initiative Nationwide with GES Approval

GES Orders Refunds for Unauthorized Fees as CSSPS Resolves Over 30,000 School Placement Issues

Ministry of Education Resolves 30,000 Placement Disputes as GES Orders Refund of Unauthorized School Fees

President Mahama to Headline National Housing Finance Conference Amidst Surge in Corporate Empowerment Initiatives

Indomie Launches Nationwide "Slurp & Learn" Program for Basic Schools with GES Approval

NHIA Launches National Student Quiz as Pharmaceutical Firms Support Community Health Screenings

GES Director-General Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis Orders Immediate Refund of Unauthorized Senior High School Fees

St. Anne’s Catholic Hospital Mortuary Faces Crisis as Refrigeration Systems Collapse

St. Anne’s Hospital Mortuary Crisis: Bodies of Deceased Teachers Stranded as Aging Refrigeration Engines Fail

GES Director-General Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis Orders SHS Heads to Refund Unauthorized Fees or Face Dismissal

MP Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings Demands Action After Fatal Stabbing at Kinbu Senior High School

GNAT Warns of Retirement Risk for 80,000 Teachers Amid Promotion and Payment Delays

Teacher Unions Maintain Nationwide Strike Over Promotion Arrears as Government Appeals for Return to Classrooms

Hohoe MP and Officials Appeal for Urgent Aid After River Dayi Floods Displace Over 3,000 Residents

Ghana Education Oversight: Adaklu Tackles Teacher Absenteeism as Stakeholders Call for Enhanced Student Safeguards

MPs Commission New School Infrastructure in Ellembelle and Kpandai Amidst Renewed Focus on Abandoned Projects

AAMUSTED Vice-Chancellor Urges Practical Focus for New Teachers as 400 Sunyani Educators Complete Early Childhood Training

Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS Triumphs at Ashanti STUDRAFEST as Regional Director Calls for Creative Investment

NCPTA Reaffirms GH¢200 Cap on Semester Dues and Challenges GES Directive to Halt Collections

Ghanaian Teacher Unions Extend Strike as Government Struggles to Process Promotion Arrears

Educationist Aaron Feron-Fenuku Urges Teacher Reflection Following Zero Pass Rates in 15 Volta Region SHSs

Controller and Accountant-General's Department Processes Promotion Payments for 6,079 Teachers Amid Nationwide Strike

Ghana Education Service Warns SHS Heads Against Collection of Unauthorized Fees and PTA Dues

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