Speaking at the Ministry of Education and National Teaching Council Ghana Teacher Prize sponsors’ appreciation breakfast in Accra, Dr. Apaak emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning.

“No indisciplined students will be pampered,” he stated, stressing that disruptive behaviour will not be allowed to undermine the educational process.

While acknowledging that the majority of students are focused on their studies, Dr. Apaak noted that a few individuals could threaten the peace and safety of the school environment.

“We are determined to ensure that schools remain safe havens for both teachers and students, free from disturbances caused by those bent on causing chaos,” he said, adding that any student found engaging in criminal behaviour would face the full rigour of the law.

The Deputy Minister made the remarks during the appreciation breakfast, where he also praised educators for their role in shaping the nation’s future and assured them that their hard work would not go unnoticed.

Dr. Apaak’s statement comes as the government continues efforts to strengthen discipline and improve academic standards in schools, ensuring every child’s right to quality education is protected.

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Preliminary information indicates that the students seen in the footage belong to the institutions within the region. Authorities have assured the public that immediate steps are being taken to investigate the matter.

The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has been directed to conduct a thorough probe. He is scheduled to meet with the Central Regional Director of GES, the relevant district directors, and the heads of the affected schools at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the GES headquarters in Accra.

While awaiting the outcome of the investigation, the Ministry emphasised that both the Education Minister and sector leaders view the incident with utmost seriousness. It further warned that individuals found culpable will face strict disciplinary action once investigations are concluded.

The Ministry of Education condenms, in the strongest terms, the acts of violence captured in the viral videos attached. Initial information indicates that the students captured in the videos are from two schools in the Central Region.

The Director General of GES has since been… pic.twitter.com/qD7p0yhvDV

— Dr. Clement Abas Apaak (@DrApaak) February 23, 2026

In a press statement dated February 19, 2026, the Ministry expressed grave concern over recent incidents involving attacks on teachers by students and related acts of violence in some schools across the country.

“The Ministry takes strong exception to these developments and is resolved to nip this in the bud. Any individual, including students, who assaults a teacher in the lawful performance of their professional duties will face severe consequences in accordance with the laws of Ghana,” the statement said.

The Ministry noted that it has consistently supported action against all perpetrators of assaults on teachers that have come to its attention.

Citing a recent case at Kade Senior High Technical School (Kade SHTS), the Ministry said all perpetrators were arrested and arraigned before the Kade District Court for assaulting a tutor.

According to the statement, the accused persons pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy and assault and have since been convicted and fined.

The Ministry also condemned misconduct recorded during the Super Zonal Sports Competition in the Eastern Region, which reportedly involved a stabbing and an alleged sexual assault.

It indicated that the suspects have been arrested and are currently in police custody assisting with investigations, while victims are receiving medical and psychosocial support from the appropriate authorities.

In a separate incident at West Africa Senior High School, two students and an accomplice have been arraigned before the Adenta Circuit Court in connection with the assault of a teacher. The accused have been remanded into police custody for six weeks pending further court proceedings.

The Ministry referenced remarks by John Dramani Mahama at the 54th Delegates Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), where he reaffirmed that attacks on teachers will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The Ministry said it fully aligns with the President’s position and will continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to ensure justice is served and prevent further incidents.

It added that beyond condemning the violent behaviours, it is taking concrete steps through the court system to demand justice for victims.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, February 13, reportedly involved a student who allegedly mobilised a group of individuals to enter the school premises and assault members of the teaching staff.

Speaking to Accra-based 3FM, the Press Secretary to the Minister of Education, Hashmin Mohammed, assured the public that those responsible would face consequences once identified.

“Schools are meant to be safe havens for learning, and we cannot allow a few truant students to disrupt others pursuing their academic goals. The Ministry of Education is taking this matter very seriously,” he said.

He added, “The Minister has directed GES to take decisive action regarding the assault on teachers.”

In a statement signed by Hashmin Mohammed, Press Secretary to the Minister for Education, the Ministry explained that the use of only four local languages is part of a pilot phase and does not reflect the final scope of the project.

The clarification follows public criticism from Ga and Adangbe groups after the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, announced the initial rollout of the AI-powered learning tool.

According to the Ministry, the pilot is meant to test the effectiveness, adaptability and educational impact of the technology before it is scaled up nationwide.

The Ministry stressed that the initiative is designed to be inclusive and assured that, after a successful pilot phase, the programme will be expanded to include all 12 approved Ghanaian languages, including Ga and Adangbe.

“At no point is the pilot intended to marginalise or permanently exclude any linguistic or cultural group,” the statement said.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to promoting linguistic diversity and ensuring equitable access to education as new technologies are introduced to enhance learning outcomes across the country.

In a Facebook post, Dr Apaak said he had forwarded the matter to the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) for urgent attention.

“I’ve shared the story and the disturbing video with the Director-General of GES for appropriate action,” he stated.

The video, which has generated widespread public reaction, shows students holding various charms, with some concealed under their school uniforms while others were openly displayed.

The incident has raised concerns about discipline, student safety, and the growing challenge of indiscipline in some senior high schools.

Dr Apaak stressed that the government will not tolerate violence or indiscipline in schools, particularly incidents involving students from different institutions.

“We cannot accept violence or indiscipline in our schools. We are committed to restoring order in the educational system,” he said.

He also called on parents to play a more active role in monitoring their children’s behaviour, urging them to consistently caution students against misconduct.

“Parents must take an interest in the conduct of their children while in school. Regular guidance and caution are essential to prevent acts of indiscipline,” he added.

The Deputy Minister further highlighted the importance of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), which he said the government has restored to strengthen collaboration between schools and parents.

“We revived PTAs because we believe parents have a key role to play in the education of their children, especially at the pre-tertiary level,” he noted.

Read the full post below:

In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the Ministry said the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) successfully processed and disbursed the allowances after resolving a technical issue that affected the final payroll run.

The Ministry explained that the delay was due to an unforeseen technical problem, which has now been fully addressed, allowing the payments to be completed.

It apologized to teachers nationwide for the inconvenience and thanked them for their patience and continued dedication to quality education.

The Ministry further assured that it will continue collaborating with the CAGD and other stakeholders to strengthen payroll systems and prevent similar delays in the future.

Read the statement below:

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

17th December 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀

1. The Ministry of Education wishes to notify all teachers across the country that the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has finished processing and paying the two types of teacher allowances planned for November 2025.
2. The Ministry acknowledges that a technical issue in the final payroll run prevented the payment from being processed as planned. This unforeseen challenge has since been resolved, by the CAGD, paving the way for the completion of the payments.
3. The Ministry of Education apologizes to all affected teachers for the delay and any inconvenience it may have caused. We deeply appreciate the patience, understanding, and continued dedication of our teachers, whose commitment remains central to the delivery of quality education across Ghana.
4. The Ministry will continue collaborating with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department and other stakeholders to improve payroll systems and prevent future issues.

Signed
Hon. Dr. Clement Apaak
Deputy Minister for Education

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In a press statement, the Ministry described the publication as deliberate misinformation, stressing that the Minister has never made such comments at any policy forum, public engagement or official meeting.

According to the statement, the report falsely attributed the alleged remarks to the Minister at a supposed policy forum held in Accra on Monday.

The Ministry clarified that while government remains committed to improving the welfare and working conditions of teachers and other education sector workers through structured dialogue and sustainable policies, no proposal for a 13th month salary has been announced or advocated by the Minister.

Consequently, the Ministry has called on Opera News to immediately retract the publication and issue an unqualified public apology to both the Minister and the Ministry of Education.

It also urged the public to disregard the report and refrain from sharing unverified information, assuring that the Ministry will continue to communicate with the public through official and credible channels.

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His remarks follow the release of the provisional 2025 WASSCE results by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which revealed a national concern over declining performance, with only 48.73% of candidates achieving grades A1 to C6.

Data from WAEC shows that 114,872 candidates failed Mathematics with Grade F9, representing 26.77% of total candidates, while Social Studies recorded 122,449 Grade F9s, or 27.5%.

Speaking to Adom News, Mr. Fenyi said the outcomes reflect the genuine efforts and academic strengths of the candidates.

“The learners’ performance reflects their true effort and academic strength,” he emphasized.

He explained that in previous years, widespread malpractice had influenced results, but the 2025 examinations were conducted under strict supervision, drastically reducing irregularities.

“This year has clearly shown that exam malpractice has reduced drastically compared to previous years. Complaints about cheating were minimal because we implemented strict measures and enforced standards throughout,” he added.

Mr. Fenyi further stated that the Ministry would carefully analyse the results to identify strengths, weaknesses, and lessons to improve teaching and learning outcomes across the country.

“We will study the results thoroughly to make improvements. Our hallmark is integrity and credibility, and we are committed to ensuring that every student’s result reflects their true performance,” he said.

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In a statement, the Ministry noted that Labone SHS had formally requested 3,282 mono desks through the Ghana Education Service (GES).

The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) approved and allocated the full request, with delivery completed on Monday.

The distribution is part of a nationwide initiative to supply 200,000 mono desks to 100 senior high schools transitioning from the double-track to the single-track system.

The programme aims to gradually eliminate furniture deficits and improve learning conditions across second-cycle institutions.

The Ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every student studies in a safe and conducive environment and pledged continued collaboration with GES, GETFund, and other stakeholders to strengthen educational infrastructure and enhance teaching and learning nationwide.

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This follows media reports quoting the Member of Parliament for Akrofuom, Joseph Azumah, who claimed that a constituent had paid GH¢30,000 to secure school placement for their ward.

“Someone who knew I was an MP came to me… and asked me to help their child gain admission. Within a week, the person came back with evidence showing that they had paid GH¢30,000 to secure the placement,” Mr Azumah reportedly said.

The Ministry, in a statement signed by Deputy Minister Dr. Clement Apaak on Wednesday, October 22, said it was treating the allegations with the utmost seriousness.

Similar claims, the statement noted, had also been raised by the Secretary of the Construction and Building Workers’ Union of the TUC, Mr. Richard Asamoah Mensah.

In response, the Education Minister has convened a meeting with National Security and formally referred the matter for thorough investigation.

“The Ministry is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and fairness in the school placement process. Any individual found to have engaged in acts of bribery, extortion, or manipulation will face the full rigours of the law,” the statement said.

The Ministry has urged Hon. Azumah, Mr. Mensah, and anyone with credible information to assist National Security in the ongoing probe.

It reaffirmed its resolve to protect the integrity of the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) and ensure that access to secondary education remains free, fair, and merit-based.

Source: AdomOnline

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It urged them to approach this new phase of education with “dedication, discipline, and enthusiasm.”

The Ministry also expressed appreciation to parents and guardians for their patience and cooperation throughout the school placement exercise, noting that the placement and residential arrangements for this academic year have now officially closed.

Parents were advised to visit the assigned schools to finalize enrollment processes and help their wards settle in for academic activities.

Reaffirming its commitment to equitable and inclusive education, the Ministry assured Ghanaians that it is taking all necessary measures to ensure a smooth start to the new school year nationwide.

“We once again welcome our young learners to the senior high school family and wish them the very best in their academic and personal development,” the statement concluded.

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The commitment was revealed during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and the Conference of Heads of Private Second Cycle Schools, marking the formal inclusion of selected private SHSs in the Free SHS policy.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu explained that the initiative, expected to benefit about 25,000 students, is part of government’s broader strategy to phase out the double-track system in public schools.

“The government is committed to providing a stipend to support the transition of that category of students moving into private schools. That’s negotiable, and we’ll continue discussions as we go along. But for a start, that’s the commitment we make for this pilot inclusion,” he said.

President of the Conference of Heads of Private Second Cycle Schools, I.K. Mensah, commended the government for the initiative and outlined the terms of the pilot.

He said the GH₵994 support applies to day students only, while parents who wish to enroll their children as boarders will be required to pay the difference between the government’s contribution and the school’s boarding fees.

“For example, if a school charges GH₵2,000 for boarding, the government will cover GH₵994, and the parent will pay the remaining GH₵1,006,” he explained.

He emphasized that the arrangement, though a pilot, is a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between the government and private schools in delivering equitable access to secondary education.

Source: AdomOnline

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The initiative will support more than 68,000 teachers in delivering lessons to over 1.4 million students, while promoting innovation in education without compromising Ghana’s ethical and cultural values.

The AI apps were co-created by the Ghana Education Service (GES), NaCCA, NTC, NaSIA, and CENDLOS, with technical input from Playlab AI and support from Transforming Teaching, Education and Learning (T-TEL) and the Mastercard Foundation.

According to the Ministry, the tools, built on Ghana’s curriculum materials—will help teachers plan lessons, conduct assessments, and access interactive resources, while giving students tailored learning support.

The statement added that the rollout will strengthen curriculum delivery, bridge teaching gaps, and provide teachers and learners with innovative tools for improved learning outcomes.

Source: AdomOnline

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In a statement, the Ministry praised the team’s achievement, describing it as a shining example of discipline, hard work, resilience, and teamwork.

It said the success reflects not only the players’ commitment to excellence but also the power of unity and the indomitable spirit of Ghana.

According to the Ministry, the UDS football team’s feat has brought immense pride and honour to the nation, serving as an inspiration to young people across the country.

The statement expressed confidence that the team could make history by winning gold in the final and lifting Ghana’s image even higher on the global stage.

The Ministry further noted that the Minister of Education has taken inspiration from the accomplishment and accepted the challenge to rejuvenate sports in second-cycle institutions, colleges, and universities.

“As the final match approaches, the Ministry of Education and the people of Ghana stand firmly behind you, offering unwavering support and encouragement,” the statement added.

Source: AdomOnline

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This comes after the release of placements, which saw over 107,000 candidates miss out on automatic school assignments.

Deputy Education Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, who oversaw proceedings at the GNAT Hall in Accra on Friday, September 19, assured that all cases would be resolved before the official reporting date of October 18.

“As a ministry and a government, we will do our best to meet the needs of every student. While not everyone may secure their first choice, there are equally good schools available to meet their aspirations,” he said.

Dr. Apaak explained that the October 18 reporting date was set to allow sufficient time to address placement challenges and urged parents to remain patient and cooperate with officials.

The Ministry added that it will continue monitoring centres across the country to ensure all qualified students are placed before the academic year begins.

Source: Adomonline

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Out of 603,328 students who wrote the exams, 590,309 qualified for placement into Senior High Schools (SHSs), Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs), and Technical and Vocational Institutions (TVIs).

According to the Ministry, 483,800 candidates, representing 82 percent, have been automatically placed, while 107,509 candidates will have to use the self-placement portal.

Deputy Education Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, explained that the high demand for top-tier schools meant some candidates could not be matched with their preferred choices. He encouraged affected students to use the self-placement system, which is now active.

This year, the Ministry is piloting 70 private schools under the Free SHS Programme. Initially, only 21 were included during school selection, but all 70 are now accessible on the placement portal.

In total, the placement exercise covers 724 public SHSs/SHTSs, 233 TVIs, and the 70 private SHSs. Resolution centres have also been set up at district, regional, and national levels, with the GNAT Hall in Accra serving as the national centre.

The Ministry reminded parents and guardians that placement is free and cautioned against making payments to individuals in exchange for placement.

Source: AdomOnline

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According to the Ministry, placements will be determined by candidates’ aggregate scores in six subjects, with raw scores applied to break any ties.

Officials cautioned the public against fraudsters, stressing that no payment is required for placement and urging parents and students to report extortion attempts to the security agencies.

A choice confirmation window has been opened from August 27 to September 1, 2025, to allow candidates to verify or correct details such as gender, school, or programme before final placements are completed.

The results of the placement exercise are scheduled to be released on September 15, with resolution centres opening the following day.

The Ministry emphasised its readiness to ensure a smooth transition for all candidates, noting that first-year students are expected to report to school between October 18 and 20, 2025.

Read the statement below:

For Immediate Release
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION ANNOUNCES TRANSPARENT PLACEMENT SYSTEM FOR 2025 BECE CANDIDATES

ACCRA,—Following the release of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results, the Ministry of Education is providing a comprehensive update on the school placement exercise for all successful candidates. The Ministry assures all candidates and their families that the process will be fair, transparent, and strictly merit-based, ensuring every student has the opportunity to pursue their educational goals without discrimination.

Merit-Based Placement System

The 2025 Placement will be determined by a candidate’s aggregate score from six subjects: the four core subjects (English, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies) and the two best elective subjects. In the event of a tie, the system will use raw scores for a final ranking.

Zero Tolerance for Fraud

The Ministry wishes to emphasize that the 2025 placement exercise is strictly merit-based, and no payment is required for placement. The public is urged to be vigilant and report any individuals attempting to extort money under the guise of Ministry officials, GES, TVETs, CSSPS, or FSHS. All fraudulent activity should be reported immediately to security agencies.

Roadmap and Choice Confirmation Process

To ensure accuracy, the secretariat has launched a choice confirmation process from August 27 to September 1, 2025. This allows candidates to verify their selections and correct any errors in their gender, school, or program choices. Candidates can confirm their choices on the official portal: www.cssps.gov.gh. An explainer video will also be made available to guide students and guardians through this process.
The full roadmap for the placement exercise is as follows:
* August 23, 2025: BECE Results released
* August 27 – September 1, 2025: Text confirmation of choices
* September 15, 2025: Placement results published online
* September 16, 2025: Call centers and resolution centers activated
* October 18-20, 2025: First-year student reopening

The Ministry is ready for the placement process and asks candidates and the public to remain calm. We are committed to making this a smooth and successful transition for all.

Source: AdomOnline

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In a statement, the Ministry assured candidates, parents, and guardians that the placement will be conducted fairly, transparently, and strictly on merit, with equal opportunities for all students.

The 2025 placement will be based on candidates’ aggregate scores from six subjects: the four core subjects (English, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies) and the two best elective subjects. In case of a tie, raw scores will be used for final ranking.

To ensure accuracy, the Ministry has rolled out a choice confirmation process from August 27 to September 1, 2025. This allows candidates to verify and correct errors in their gender, school, or programme choices. Confirmation can be done via the official portal: www.cssps.gov.gh. An explainer video has also been made available to guide students and guardians.

The full roadmap for the placement exercise is as follows:

• August 23, 2025: BECE results released

• August 27 – September 1, 2025: Choice confirmation

• September 15, 2025: Placement results published online

• September 16, 2025: Call centres and resolution centres activated

• October 18–20, 2025: First-year student reopening

The Ministry emphasised that the exercise is strictly merit-based and warned the public against making payments for placement.

“Placement is free of charge. We urge the public to be vigilant and report any individuals attempting to extort money under the guise of Ministry officials, GES, TVETs, CSSPS, or FSHS. All fraudulent activity should be reported immediately to security agencies,” the statement added.

Source: Adomonline

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According to the 2024 Auditor-General’s report, some head teachers validated staff who had died and collected their salaries.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed these head teachers to refund the monies within 30 days.

This came to light when Dr Clement Abas Apaak, the Deputy Minister of Education, led a team from the Ministry to appear before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament sitting on Friday, August 22.

The Auditor-General’s report revealed that some senior staff of the Ministry of Education and GES received unearned salaries, with head teachers validating staff who had passed away.

The report also highlighted financial irregularities, including poor oversight and weak internal controls, which enabled those infractions.

The PAC has ordered head teachers involved in these irregularities to refund the monies within 30 days.

Mr. Samuel Atta Mills, the Ranking Member on the Committee and MP for Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem, was amazed how the issue of unearned salaries kept rearing its ugly head with the Ministry every year.

Mr. Atta Mills, who had served as a member of PAC for three terms, exclaimed: “Awurade nyankopon,” to wit “My God…GES, this is a problem ooo…Who is keeping an eye on this, to stop these infractions?”

The legislator was extremely flabbergasted that the Education Ministry and the GES had overseen those financial irregularities on a yearly basis and demanded that the supervising officers who were supposed to stop this should be sanctioned.

Dr Clement Abas Apaak, the Deputy Minister of Education and Builsa South MP, gave the assurance that the Ministry would put measures in place to rectify the challenge.

The Deputy Minister was of the belief that there was dishonesty and collusion among staff of the Ministry and GES, hence the continuous occurrence of the infractions and promised to expose those involved in such corrupt deals.

According to the GES, responsibility allowances are paid to specific categories of staff, including deputy directors, assistant directors, and principal superintendents.

Responsibilities that attract allowances among teaching staff include school heads, headmasters/headmistresses, and heads of departments.

Non-teaching staff eligible for responsibility allowances include principal accountants, internal auditors, and administrative officers.

The government has initiated a nationwide payroll audit to identify and remove ghost workers from the payroll.

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, earlier this year, announced the termination of salaries for tens of thousands of inactive or separated government employees and is working to recover unearned salaries paid due to wrongful validation.

Source: GNA

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Inaugurating seven governing councils of colleges of education in Sunyani, the Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, confirmed that Ghana now has 48 public colleges funded by the taxpayer.

The institutions are Savannah College of Education, Ghana Muslim Mission College in Beposo, Christ the Teacher College in Nsoko, McCoy college of education, Bagabaga college, Jahan College, Gambaga College, Tamale College, Atebubu College, EP Training College, Bimbilla

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has been tasked with finalising the absorption processes for these three colleges.

The Minister also provided an update on the government’s ongoing efforts to address the shortage of hostel facilities in these institutions.

“In 2023, the Ministry of Education initiated processes for the construction of 45 hostels across 46 Colleges of Education,” the Minister stated. “Unfortunately, only nine of these projects have made significant progress and are nearing completion, while 11 have shown steady progress, and 25 have not seen much work done.”

To rectify this, the Minister announced that contracts for the stalled projects have been canceled and will be re-awarded.

An estimated GHS 403 million has been allocated under the GETFund for the completion of these projects to ease pressure on hostel facilities.

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the ongoing transition of the 48 Colleges of Education to university status.

This migration affects the scheme and conditions of service for staff, as well as the enabling Act that established the colleges.

GTEC has been tasked with working with the Attorney General’s department to amend the Act to reflect their new status, a process that is expected to be finalized during the next sitting of Parliament.

Recognizing the complexities of this transition and the absence of a properly functioning act, the Minister has requested that all college councils work in close collaboration with GTEC on major decisions, particularly concerning key appointments.

The Minister also noted that approximately 20 principals will be retiring or completing their mandatory terms next year.

He urged the governing councils of these institutions to work with GTEC to ensure a seamless replacement process.

The Ministry of Education remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition and providing the necessary support to enhance tertiary education in Ghana.

Source: Education Ministry

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Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu made the announcement on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, during an engagement with Home Economics teachers from Senior High Schools(SHSs) in the Eastern Region.

He explained that the initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing curriculum reforms aimed at strengthening foundational learning and equipping pupils with practical skills.

“We believe that a holistic education goes beyond core academic subjects. By reintroducing Art, Craft, and Needlework, we are providing our youngest learners with the tools to develop their creative skills, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for our cultural heritage,” the Minister stated.

Mr. Iddrisu added that the new policy is a key step in preparing students for a future where innovation and creativity are as valuable as literacy and numeracy.

The Ministry said it will collaborate with teachers and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth rollout of the programme nationwide.

Source: Ministry of Education.

In a press release signed by Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, the Ministry cautioned that any teaching or non-teaching staff found aiding or abetting exam malpractice would face severe consequences, including dismissal and prosecution.

The statement emphasized the Ministry’s collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), and security agencies to ensure the integrity of the exams is maintained.

“There must be zero tolerance for exam malpractice across the country; the young ones must grow in integrity and let no one of them be associated with exam malpractice.”

Surveillance and monitoring measures have been intensified nationwide to detect and deter irregularities.

Staff were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, while students were encouraged to believe in themselves and write with confidence.

The Ministry affirmed its commitment to upholding fairness in the examination process and warned it would not shield anyone found complicit in cheating.

Read the statement below:

AUGUST 5, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2025 WASSCE: TEACHING AND NON-TEACHING STAFF CAUGHT AIDING OR ABETTING EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE WILL FACE SEVERE PUNISHMENT

Today, the 5th of August 2025, marks the official commencement of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). On behalf of the Minister for Education, I wish to remind all school authorities, teachers, invigilators, and supervisors that the credibility and integrity of the examination process must be upheld at all times.

The Ministry of Education, working in close collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), and the security agencies, will not tolerate any form of cheating, leakage, or compromise in this year’s WASSCE.

Staff members found guilty of aiding or abetting examination malpractice will face strict disciplinary action, including dismissal and possible jail term. The integrity of our examinations is non-negotiable, and all teaching and non-teaching staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and accountability.

We also urge all personnel to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity before, during, or after examinations. Protecting the fairness of the examination process is a collective responsibility of all. We expect all stakeholders to work together to maintain a culture of integrity and to ensure that students succeed based on merit.

The Ministry of Education will not shield anyone who engages in any attempt to aid or abet any examination irregularity.

Schools are places of learning, not breeding grounds for dishonesty. Those who participate in any acts that compromise the integrity of the examination will be dealt with severely. This year, we are watching closely. Surveillance and monitoring have been intensified. The consequences of misconduct will be swift, public, and unforgiving.

You have been employed to nurture, guide, and support students in their academic journey, not to compromise their future.

“There must be zero tolerance for exam malpractice across the country; the young ones must grow in integrity and let no one of them be associated with exam malpractice,” the Honorable Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has stated.

To our hardworking WASSCE candidates, we urge you to remain focused and confident. You have been prepared well. You have what it takes to succeed with integrity. Believe in yourselves, and go into the examination room knowing that your best effort is enough.

The Ministry of Education wishes you all the very best as you write with all confidence.

Signed
Dr. Clement Abas Apaak
Deputy Minister for Education (MP)

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He called for greater cooperation in promoting child online protection and ensuring the responsible use of mobile phones by students.

The Minister also underscored the urgent need to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), describing it as essential in tackling youth unemployment.

“If we are to solve youth unemployment, TVET must be taken seriously. We need help retooling and equipping our TVET institutions to prepare the next generation for the job market,” he noted.

In response, Mr. Mukadi welcomed the proposed collaboration and reaffirmed World Vision Ghana’s commitment to supporting the Ministry’s educational priorities.

He pledged the organisation’s support in formulating a digital education policy and helping address infrastructure and furniture shortages in schools.

World Vision also committed to supporting the Ministry’s sanitary pad initiative and the construction of changing rooms for girls to enhance menstrual hygiene and reduce absenteeism among adolescent girls.

The areas of collaboration align with World Vision Ghana’s strategic priorities, which include education, health and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), livelihoods, child protection, faith and development, and disaster risk reduction.

The strengthened partnership is expected to make a meaningful impact in ensuring safe, equitable, and well-resourced learning environments for all children in Ghana.

The event underscored the importance of evidence and data in shaping decisions that affect Ghanaian children’s education.

The ESRG’s reconstitution forms part of the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project Additional Financing (GALOP AF2), which seeks to scale successful interventions and strengthen the research ecosystem. Funding for the revitalised ESRG is provided through GALOP AF2.

Education Minister Harun Iddrisu outlined three main reasons for reconstituting the group:

1. Vibrancy and Inclusivity:
While the previous ESRG was insightful, it lacked the breadth and frequency needed to meet rising demands. The new group has expanded its membership to include academia, civil society, think tanks, and development partners. This diverse representation aims to enrich the Research and Learning Agenda (RLA).

2. Stronger Coordination Through GEEDLab:
GALOP AF2 is also supporting the establishment of the Ghana Education Evidence and Data Laboratory (GEEDLab), a new hub that will unite data scientists, researchers, and policymakers. The ESRG will guide GEEDLab’s work to ensure its studies align with key policy areas.

3. Faster, Smarter Decision-Making:
The ESRG is expected to close the gap between research and policy action, enabling the ministry to respond more swiftly to challenges such as learning losses, digital divides, and educational emergencies.

The Minister charged the ESRG to:

• Draft and finalise a research and learning agenda

• Produce evidence-based briefs

• Track how research is adopted into policy

He urged members to challenge assumptions, pursue innovation, and collaborate openly by sharing data and avoiding duplication.

He also called on the group to promote the uptake of evidence by packaging findings in accessible formats and publishing datasets and study protocols to foster trust.

“Evidence without action is merely information,” the Minister said. “Evidence harnessed for strategic decisions is the power to allocate resources equitably to improve learning outcomes.”

He encouraged quarterly reviews, the use of GEEDLab for data sharing and analysis, and close alignment with GALOP AF2 indicators to show measurable progress.

Mr. Iddrisu thanked partners including the SCALE Funders, GPE, and World Bank for their continued support.

He expressed hope that the reconstituted ESRG would become a “reference point of vibrant collaboration and a decisive, evidence-generating platform” that serves “the millions of Ghanaian children whose futures depend on the quality of choices we make today.”

The funding—secured through support from the World Bank, the Global Partnership for Education, and other development partners—will support teacher training, school grants, and performance-based incentives to improve learning outcomes in Ghana’s basic education sector.

The announcement was made at the inaugural meeting of the GALOP Project Oversight Committee on Tuesday, July 15.

Delivering a speech on behalf of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, who chairs the committee, the Ministry emphasized the importance of effective deployment and monitoring of all interventions.

“GALOP AF2 provides an additional $117.1 million to scale up targeted interventions in basic schools. We must ensure that every intervention—from teacher training and school grants to performance-based incentives—is effectively deployed and monitored,” the statement read.

The Minister further noted, “As a committee, our effectiveness will be measured by the clarity of our direction, the quality of our oversight, and the responsiveness of our system to on-the-ground realities.”

The meeting brought together development partners, implementing agency heads, and committee members, including representatives from the World Bank, to discuss strategies for the successful implementation of the expanded programme.

The Ministry underscored that strong oversight and adaptive implementation systems are essential to ensure the funds translate into tangible improvements in teaching and learning outcomes nationwide.

Source: AdomOnline.com

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This strategic partnership aims to promote e-learning and strengthen foundational education nationwide.

The MoU underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to investing in digital learning infrastructure and fostering innovation within the education sector.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, highlighted the importance of the agreement, calling it a testament to Ghana’s vision of becoming a leader in digital education across Africa.

“Today marks more than the signing of a formal agreement—it reflects Ghana’s determination to lead in Africa’s digital transformation,” Dr. Apaak said. “Since 2005, E-Learning Africa has served as the continent’s premier platform for educational innovation, and we are proud to be part of this journey.”

He also announced that Ghana will host the 18th edition of the E-Learning Africa Conference in Accra from June 3–5, 2026.

“We look forward to welcoming delegates from across the world to our capital, where we will showcase not only our business hub but also the remarkable progress we’ve made through initiatives such as the GALOP project and our education planning goals through 2030,” he added.

E-Learning Africa has worked across the continent for more than 20 years, collaborating with governments to improve digital learning ecosystems despite challenges such as limited internet access and underdeveloped digital infrastructure.

The founder and leader of E-Learning Africa, Rebecca Stromeyer, commended Ghana for its strides in embracing digital education and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration.

“Ghana has achieved so much, including support for young startups in the digital space,” Madam Stromeyer said.

“With the upcoming conference, we aim to highlight Ghana’s growing e-learning infrastructure, and we at E-Learning Africa are committed to investing in its further development.”

Source: Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa 

Addressing a press briefing at the Presidency, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu revealed that the Ministry is actively reviewing the decentralised feeding policy to make significant adjustments aimed at improving outcomes.

“Under the proposed new framework, the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) will oversee the supply of perishable food items, while the National Food Buffer Stock Company will handle grains and other non-perishable staples,” Mr. Iddrisu explained.

He clarified that the government has no intention of scrapping decentralisation entirely but is prepared to modify it where necessary. “It is not our wish to reverse the decentralisation decision—far from it,” he said. “Since my appointment as Minister, and working closely with the Director-General of the Free SHS Secretariat, funds have been released directly to facilitate procurement.”

He added: “Between December and yesterday, we have disbursed between GH₵500 million and GH₵600 million; just today, I am aware that GH₵203 million, GH₵208 million, and an additional GH₵100 million have been released.”

Despite the substantial funding, the Minister admitted that food quality remains a pressing concern. “We are simply not satisfied with the quantity and quality of the food being provided,” he stated. “This is why we are re-engaging stakeholders and repositioning our approach to ensure shared responsibility. We remain in the consultation phase, but where necessary, we will reverse the policy.”

The government’s revised plan will likely see up to 40 percent of perishable supplies handled by CHASS, while Buffer Stock and the Ghana Commodity Exchange take responsibility for staples like rice, maize, and beans.

Mr. Iddrisu shared a personal anecdote to underscore the urgency of the situation: “I am not typically a WhatsApp user, but the President insisted I join. Since then, I have received disturbing images of poor-quality gari and palm nuts being served in schools. Such standards are wholly unacceptable.”

He further revealed that the Ministry’s Internal Audit Unit has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive nationwide review of the feeding programme and presenting a detailed report.

Meanwhile, discussions with CHASS are ongoing to ensure consensus on the way forward. “We are actively negotiating and working with CHASS to ensure shared responsibility and improved outcomes,” the Minister concluded.

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The exercise, which will run for nine days nationwide, comes ahead of the start of the BECE on June 11, 2025.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the Principal Information Officer at the Ministry, Larry George Botchway, revealed that teams from relevant institutions have already embarked on nationwide sensitisation to guide candidates through the new selection procedures.

“The registration will last nine days and the candidates have been briefed. Almost everyone knows what it entails. The process starts today and we have put in place stringent measures to ensure everyone meets the deadline,” he stated.

Mr. Botchway expressed optimism that the process will be smooth, with minimal challenges.

“Over the years, we’ve reviewed the issues that come up, and officers have been deployed for sensitisation. We expect that prospective candidates fill in the correct information. We will manage any challenges that arise,” he added.

He also noted that there may be a mop-up exercise to allow candidates to correct any errors that may occur during the initial registration.

Mr. Botchway urged candidates, parents, and guardians to take full advantage of the nine-day window and comply with all laid-down procedures.

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The Minister made this pledge during the official inauguration of the University’s Governing Council at a brief ceremony held in Accra.

Members of the council were sworn in, taking both the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the university’s governance.

Addressing the newly constituted Council, Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the university, particularly the burden of the ECG legacy debt.

He noted that the Ministry will work closely with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to ensure the debt is cleared, allowing the institution to focus on its academic and developmental priorities.

“S.D. Dombo has not seen any significant support in terms of infrastructure. I am happy to announce that this year, the government, through GETFund, will make available some seed funding for the university. This is part of President Mahama’s broader vision to support the institution’s growth,” the Minister stated.

He further urged the Governing Council to provide strategic direction and support to enable the university to thrive, assuring them of the government’s continued backing, especially in the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects under GETFund.

Dr. Benjamin Kumbour, who chairs the newly inaugurated Governing Council, pledged the council’s commitment to restoring and enhancing the university’s fortunes. He emphasized the importance of community and private sector involvement in the development of the institution.

“We, on our part, will also explore private initiatives and engage the local community to contribute to the growth and development of SD Dombo University,” Dr. Kumbour said.

In a related development, the Education Minister announced that the government is preparing to present a bill to Parliament for the establishment of a new University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Kintampo.

This upcoming institution will primarily serve the Bono Region and will align with Ghana’s national agricultural development strategy.

Despite agriculture being a pillar of the economy for decades, the sector continues to suffer from underinvestment and a lack of modernization. The proposed university is expected to help bridge this gap by training professionals and conducting research to advance sustainable agricultural practices in Ghana.

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At the center of the discussions was the creation of a “Hub of Excellence,” which aims to provide specialized training in automotive repair and maintenance.

This initiative is designed to equip young people with the technical skills necessary for successful careers in the rapidly growing automotive industry.

The Hub of Excellence will offer hands-on training and industry-focused education, ensuring students acquire practical knowledge tailored to meet the evolving demands of the job market.

In addition to training youth, the program will focus on strengthening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector by equipping TVET teachers with the expertise needed to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant lessons.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu expressed full support for the initiative, emphasizing that it aligns with the Ministry’s vision to equip the youth with practical, employable skills.

He noted that programs like this are essential for building a future workforce capable of driving economic growth and reducing unemployment across the country.

Through this partnership, the Ministry aims to not only empower the youth with valuable skills but also contribute to the development of Ghana’s automotive sector, creating long-term career opportunities for young professionals and fostering economic growth nationwide.

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Read the full statement below:

Speaking to JoyNews, Mr Kwarteng said, “I wish Haruna Iddrisu the best as he embarks on this important new role. I genuinely expect him to do well, he said.

“While I’m not here to offer premature praise, I believe that during our time at the Ministry, we worked hard to serve the nation to the best of our abilities, and I trust Haruna will do the same.”

He continued, “Expectations are always high in such positions, no matter where one stands. Ghanaians, in particular, have a strong interest in the education sector, and I am confident that Haruna will not only meet these expectations but will exceed them.”

Mr Kwarteng also highlighted that Haruna’s personal ambitions would be a key driving force in his success.

“I understand that he has significant aspirations for the future, and this will undoubtedly motivate him to give his best. It is in his own interest to perform well, as the impact of his work will extend far beyond his tenure,” he explained.

He further emphasised the vital role of the education sector, noting its far-reaching influence on society. “Education touches everyone in some way. Nearly every Ghanaian has been shaped by the education system, and people naturally care deeply about how it is managed. As a result, scrutiny is inevitable, but that comes with the role,” Mr Kwarteng said

Despite the challenges ahead, Mr Kwarteng remains optimistic about Haruna’s potential. “Public figures in education will always face intense scrutiny, but that’s part of the responsibility. I have no doubt that Haruna Iddrisu will rise to the occasion, and all that I can say is that I wish him every success as he takes on this important responsibility,” he concluded.

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This comes after WAEC dismissed claims by the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, that the 2024 WASSCE results would be released by December 29, following the disbursement of GHS 25 million to the Council.

Speaking after a visit to WAEC’s offices on Tuesday, Dr. Adutwum announced that WAEC was finalizing the marking process and assured that results would be ready by December 29.

However, WAEC’s Head of Public Relations, John Kapi, refuted the claim, stating that no additional funds beyond the GHS 25 million received on December 18 had been disbursed, contrary to the Minister’s remarks.

Mr. Kapi noted that, WAEC had requested an additional GHS 35 million from the Ministry to fix broken-down scanners, complete the scanning of objective test answer cards, and process results, but the funds were yet to be received.

In response, the Ministry issued a statement on Thursday, December 26, clarifying that WAEC had formally acknowledged receipt of the GHS 25 million payment in a letter dated December 20, 2024.

The Ministry also stated that it had since released the requested GHS 35 million to facilitate the processing of the WASSCE results.

“It is surprising to note that the WAEC PRO has publicly denied the receipt of the GHS 25 million payment, despite official documentation confirming its acknowledgement,” the Ministry said in its statement.

The Ministry emphasized that public statements by WAEC officials should be grounded in verified information to avoid miscommunication or casting aspersions on the Ministry’s commitments.

The Ministry reiterated that it has disbursed a total of GHS 167,976,815 to WAEC from July 2024 to date, fulfilling its financial obligations for the 2024 WASSCE.

It assured the public that efforts are ongoing to ensure the timely release of the examination results and urged calm as the process concludes.

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The station christened “Channel MOE” will focus on transmitting quality education materials to students, teachers, parents and other viewers across the globe.

Launching the station, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, expressed excitement and hope that it would enhance effective learning as well as disseminate quality information to its view­ers wherever they may be.

He praised the Chief Executive Officer of CENDLOS, Nana Gyamfi Agyabour, and the staff of the agency for their hard work leading to the successful launching of the station.

Dr Adutwum who is also the Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe was upbeat that the new station would help show the various developments in the sector as well as the help in the teaching and learning process.

This, he said could be done by allowing teaching of certain lessons on television for the benefit of students who might make time to watch such lessons.

He also praised all development partners who contributed in diverse ways towards successful procurement, installation and conduct of test transmission which lasted a couple of months.

Dr Adutwum was particularly happy that the launch of the station, would serve as a good platform to transmit quality instructions to students and other viewers as well as quality information needed by all viewers to improve their lives.

He said, “We are building one Ghana where the children of the poor and the rich would have the opportunity to study together to develop their future through the attainment of quality education.”

The Education Minister urged all Ghanaians to ensure that they vote mas­sively for the New Patriot­ic Party on December 7 to continue the good works it had started for the good of the nation.

The CEO of CEND­LOS, Nana Gyamfi Ag­yabour, expressed joy at the launch of the station, saying, it would go a long way to educate as well as entertain its viewers

He commended Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum for his exceptional leadership and vision which led to the incubation of the station as well as the final execution leading to its launch.

The CEO commended its partners like Planned International, UNICEF and CEM­FED Ghana among others for their support towards the attainment of such a feat.

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The Ghana Statistical Service’s 2022 Ghana Demographic Health Survey also highlighted that many of these early encounters result in teenage pregnancies.

This has prompted the Ministry to launch a campaign aimed at creating safer, more inclusive learning environments for students.

The initiative, targeting senior high school students, coincides with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, reinforcing the need for collective action to protect vulnerable children and uphold their rights.

Greater Accra Regional Director of Education, Stephen Abamfo, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the cause.

“Together with a solid commitment to this essential cause, we aim to create school environments free from fear, harassment, and violence. This initiative aligns with the global campaign, reminding us of our duty to protect the vulnerable and uphold the rights of every individual, particularly in our schools,” he said.

UNICEF Ghana’s representative, Prince Nkrumah, commended the initiative, noting that early sexual encounters remain a critical issue, with one in ten girls aged 15 to 19 engaging in sexual activity before they are of age.

The Ministry’s campaign is designed to empower students with the knowledge and tools to prevent harassment, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for learning and growth.

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The Ministry has said the rice was certified as wholesome by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) before the distribution.

The claims were made by North Tongu MP and former Deputy Education Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Wednesday, November 13.

He alleged that the rice expired in December 2023 and was placed in locally produced sacks labelled “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana rice,” but with no expiry date.

Mr. Ablakwa indicated that the National Food Buffer Stock Company collaborated with a company called Lamens Investments Africa Limited to repackage and supply the rice imported from India.

However, the Ministry has said initial findings following a probe into the allegation has revealed that the rice was initially imported with an expiry date of December 2023 but a portion remained unsupplied by the end of the year.

On the advice of the FDA, Lamens Ventures had the rice re-tested in India to determine whether its shelf life could be extended.

“Following re-evaluation, the FDA confirmed that the rice was still safe for consumption and granted an extension of the “Best Before” date to April 30, 2024,” the Spokesperson, Kwasi Kwarteng noted in a post on X.

Mr Kwarteng noted that Lamens Ventures had formally requested approval from the FDA to re-bag the remaining stock, reflecting the updated shelf life.

Below is Mr Kwarteng’s post:

For purposes of Education, my friend, Hon @S_OkudzetoAblak , can join me in reviewing this.

The concepts of expiry date and best before dates in product labelling are fundamentally different: pic.twitter.com/wmoNTiRt1R

— Kwasi Kwarteng (@KwasiKwartengF) November 15, 2024

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According to him, the Ministry either actively participated in or knowingly allowed the act to take place.

Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that the Ghanaian-owned company Lamens Investments Africa Ltd. imported 22,000 bags of rice in 2022, which was repackaged and distributed after its expiry to several SHSs in February 2024.

He explained that numerous schools in Greater Accra received the expired rice and may be at risk of serious health complications, including cancer.

Speaking to JoyNews, Mr. Ablakwa stated that he had brought the issue to the attention of the Deputy Minister of Education, John Ntim Fordjour, in January 2024, yet the expired rice was still distributed in February 2024.

He explained that the Food and Drugs Authority’s investigative committee had discussed the matter with the Deputy Minister, and he expressed surprise that the Ministry was acting as though it was unaware of the issue.

“Why are they pretending that I have not brought this to their attention? That is why I insist that we need an independent, impartial investigation. The Ministry of Education is complicit,” he said.

His comments followed an acknowledgment by the Ministry of Education’s PRO, Kwesi Kwarteng, that the allegation of expired rice distribution to SHSs provided valuable feedback for the Ministry.

Mr. Kwarteng clarified that the Ministry itself does not handle food distribution and supply, as this responsibility falls under the National Food Buffer Stock Company and the Ghana Commodity Exchange.

Mr. Kwarteng stated, “It is important to reiterate that we take these allegations very seriously, and we have immediately commenced investigations.”

“We are jointly looking into the concerns or the matters that have been raised. We need certain responses from them,” he said.

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The claims were made by North Tongu MP and former Deputy Education Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Wednesday, November 13.

He alleged that the rice expired in December 2023 and was placed in locally produced sacks labelled “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana rice,” but with no expiry date.

Mr. Ablakwa indicated that the National Food Buffer Stock Company collaborated with a company called Lamens Investments Africa Limited to repackage and supply the rice imported from India.

However, he appreciated the legislator for bringing the matter up.

In a statement signed by Spokesperson Kwasi Kwarteng, MoE said it takes these allegations seriously and, as a matter of urgency, has commenced a full investigation.

The Ministry added that it had engaged the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX), the entities responsible for the supply and distribution of food to senior high schools.

“Together, we have launched a thorough investigation into the issues raised by Hon. Ablakwa,” it added.

Important Notice pic.twitter.com/5xBN8m3An0

— Kwasi Kwarteng (@KwasiKwartengF) November 14, 2024

The Ministry assured students, parents, guardians, and the public of its commitment to protecting the health and safety of every student under its care.

“Rest assured, we will pursue this matter to the end and provide updates to the public as our investigation progresses,” it added.

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In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Kwarteng explained that this occurs when prospective students do not secure admission in any of their preferred schools.

According to him, 13.2% of students in the 2024 selection process, for instance, did not choose certain schools they had, increasing the placement rate.

“They were recommended schools based on the students’ selections. The system looks out for similar schools with vacancies, but it is not compulsory for you to accept it.

“It is based on criteria such as region, district, courses, and which schools can match their geographical area,” Mr. Kwarteng explained.

Touching on what happens to a student who declines such schools, he explained they still have the opportunity to select a school through the self-placement system.

This clarification follows the qualification of 553,155 candidates who sat for the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for placement.

Out of a total of 563,339 results submitted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), 447,698 (representing 80.93%) were automatically placed in one of their selected schools.

104,918 eligible candidates were unable to be matched with any of their chosen schools and are expected to access the Self-Placement platform.

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In a statement, the Ministry explained that access to the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) platform will no longer require the purchase of pin codes.

This makes it more convenient and accessible for students and families.

According to the Ministry, the new measure is intended to streamline the placement-checking process and remove financial barriers, allowing candidates to verify their school placements with ease.

The statement signed by the spokesperson, Kwasi Kwarteng on October 25, emphasized the government’s commitment to facilitating access to education by ensuring a smooth and equitable placement process.

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Read full statement below:

The unions, which include the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Vice-Chancellors Ghana, and the Vice-Chancellors-Tertiary Union, have vowed not to resume work until their demands are met.

Last week, a meeting between the unions, the Education Minister, and representatives from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission ended without resolution.

The Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Education, Kwasi Kwarteng, confirmed this decision to JoyNews,

He however acknowledged that some issues remain unresolved.

Mr Kwarteng added that today’s meeting is expected to “cross all the t’s and dot all the i’s” in hopes of reaching a final agreement.

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In a statement, the Ministry explained that, the allowance has been increased from GH¢1,200 to GH¢2,400 annually for professional teachers.

“Non-professional teachers will now receive GH¢1,200 up from GH¢800. Payments for these revised amounts have already been made to teachers,” the statement added.

The statement noted that, these enhancements reflect the government’s commitment to supporting teachers in pursuing professional development and skills upgrades, ensuring they are equipped with modern skills and knowledge to deliver effective teaching.

The CPD allowance was introduced in 2020 by the Government as part of efforts to enhance the professional growth of teachers and improve the quality of education.

It provides financial support to professional and non-professional teachers in pre-tertiary schools to undertake training, acquire new teaching methodologies, and upgrade their skills.

Prof Ababio explained that, while university enrolments have risen due to the policy, there have been little efforts from the government concerning infrastructure enhancement in tertiary institutions.

Speaking during a campaign outreach by lecturers aimed at raising awareness on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 manifesto, Prof. Ababio praised the NDC on its proposal to review the Free SHS policy.

But in an interview with Adom News, the Public Relations Officer(PRO) Kwasi Kwarteng said the assertion was false as available data suggests otherwise.

According to Mr Kwarteng, data from the Ministry of Education has revealed significant improvements in student performance since the introduction of Free SHS in 2017.

For instance, the percentage of students passing English Language has increased from 45.2% in 2015 to 72.11% in 2023.

Similarly, pass rates in Integrated Science and Social Studies have also seen substantial gains, rising from 28.7% to 66.82% and 57.4% to 76.76%, respectively.

He attributes these successes to innovative measures implemented by the government, such as the double-track system.

This system has enabled schools to increase enrollment while maintaining quality, by dividing students into two tracks and increasing contact hours.

Additionally, the introduction of serialization in examinations has reduced malpractices and improved the overall quality of education.

While acknowledging that increased enrollment can sometimes lead to reduced quality, Mr. Kwarteng argues that, Ghana’s experience has defied this trend.

He urged Professor Ababio to conduct more comprehensive research, considering the available data and the government’s efforts to enhance education.

He noted that, the Ministry is committed to repositioning Ghana’s education system for the 21st century. Initiatives like STEM education aim to provide students with relevant skills for the modern workforce.

“By focusing on facts and data-driven solutions, Ghana can continue to improve its education system and provide quality education for all,” he said.

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The announcement comes on the back of a call by the Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG) to principals of the colleges to annul the academic calendar since it is left with three weeks for it to come to an end.

TTAG in its appeal to the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education-Ghana (PRINCOF) on August 9 said examination for this semester must be withheld while the authorities revise the current semester for a fresh one.

It explained that 54 days of no academic work has rendered the current semester untenable.

But speaking to JoyNews, the Deputy Education Minister, John Ntim Fordjour appealed to CETAG to end the strike and return to the classroom.

“They should come back so an amicable solution is reached. I will appeal to the students to exercise restrain. We have engaged them till now and we will continue to engage them together with members of CETAG. There will definitely be a resolution for learning to continue,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, students of the 46 Colleges of Education are beginning to take their destinies into their own hands.

Available information indicates that scores of students have left for home, while the few remaining on campus are demanding closure to ease the burden of rent, feeding, and other costs.

The students say they have almost given up hope of their teachers returning to the classroom anytime soon.

According to them, the prolonged strike has disrupted their academic activities and strained their finances, compelling many of their peers to go home.

One student said that the decision to return home was a good one because the cost of feeding on campus was expensive.

“Feeding on campus has become too much to bear. So, we [students] would rather be ok at home when they [lecturers] return then we also come back,” he said.

Background

On June 14, teachers in various colleges of  education laid down their tools, demanding better working conditions and remuneration packages.

This action was a response to the government’s delay in implementing the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) Arbitral Award Orders and negotiated service conditions.

CETAG’s demands include the payment of one month’s salary to each member for additional duties performed in 2022, and the application of agreed rates of allowances payable to public universities to deserving CETAG members.

Source: Myjoyonline

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Out of the GH₵53.7 million recorded in procurement irregularities, as many as GH₵29.6 million, representing 55% of all irregularities.

The procurement irregularities reported are not directly from the Education Ministry itself but rather from various institutions under its jurisdiction.

The most significant issue occurred at the University of Cape Coast. The university awarded contracts for building construction totaling GH¢24,207,250.47, but these contracts were increased by GH¢25,068,241.13 to GH¢49,275,491.55—an average variation of 104%.

This change was made without the required approval from the Central Tender Review Committee, violating Section 87 of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).

The university’s management did not respond to these findings.

The Auditor General recommended that sanctions under Section 92 of the Act be applied to the responsible officers and urged the university’s management to adhere strictly to the Procurement Act in the future.

The was another also from the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), the university awarded contracts totaling GH¢414,214.34 to two firms, Maiden HealthCare Logistics and Osei Nyamekesse Supplies who did not possess licences from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Pharmacy Council and Manufacturer’s Authorization to engage in the supply of essential drugs to the University.

This was also against the Procurement Act.

The Ministry featured in all irregularity types listed by the Auditor General.

Outstanding Debtors, Cash Irregularities, Payroll Irregularities, Tax Irregularities, Procurement Irregularities and Contract Irregularities.

In fact, the total irregularities recorded by the Ministry was GHS54.7 million.

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The food suppliers said the government owes them seven months’ worth of arrears.

The Association stated that, the protest is necessary because of what they describe as the government’s deliberate attempt to hinder the operational activities of the National Food Buffer Stock Company which is negatively impacting them.

In an interview with Citi News, Kwaku Amedume, the spokesperson for the National Food Suppliers Association, urged the government to pay the outstanding amounts in full or face their wrath.

“They have been deducting our money left, right, centre and when you ask for an explanation they are not willing to give it to you. In my case like this they have deducted almost three thousand cedis, so imagine the others.

“Buffer Stock deducting 3% and 2% and a whole lot. By Monday we will be calling a press conference. We have written a few letters but nothing is working. We want the government to pay our money in full. We are planning on serious picketing because it looks like they are bent on taking our monies,” he stated.

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We are ready to forfeit our August salaries – CETAG members

President Akufo-Addo initially announced on March 24, 2024, that approximately 1.3 million Smart Tablets would be distributed to Senior High School (SHS) students across the country.

He said this during the launch of the Ghana Smart Schools Project in Accra, which aims to equip students in the free SHS program with essential technological skills, in line with the government’s commitment to advancing education through technology.

In May 2024, the Ministry reported that around 70,000 smart tablets had already been distributed to 30 out of the 450,000 schools scheduled to receive them.

During the International Educators Summit 2024, themed “Reimagining Education for the Future We Seek: Africa and the World in Dialogue,” the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum assured that, all schools would receive their tablets by October.

“We have begun a momentum, education, technology integration. All high schools within the next two, or three months will get their tablets, everyone. The 1.3 million. We have started already,” he stated.

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In a press release dated June 3, 2024, the Ministry refuted claims made in a report by The Fourth Estate Media, asserting that the allegations of service failure and misappropriation of funds are inaccurate and do not align with the facts.

According to the Ministry, the Wi-Fi for Schools Programme was initiated in 2019 as part of the government’s broader education transformation agenda.

The programme aimed to enhance learning, administration, and research capabilities by extending internet access to educational institutions across Ghana.

The Ministry outlined the contractual framework of the programme, detailing two phases approved by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).

The first phase involved engaging Busy Internet Ghana Limited to provide Wi-Fi services to 717 Senior High Schools, while the second phase expanded coverage to include regional and district education offices, colleges of education, and additional schools.

Addressing concerns about payment and service delivery, the Ministry emphasized that compensation for monthly costs is prorated based on service accessibility.

Read the full release below;

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