Haruna Iddrisu and the Deputy Minister for Communications and Digital Technology, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, were involved in a road crash on the Bolgatanga–Tumu Road on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The incident occurred while both ministers and their teams were travelling to official events in the Upper West Region, including activities marking the 40th anniversary celebrations of Tumu College of Education and Jahan College of Education.

In a statement, the Minister’s Press Secretary confirmed that he was released from the 37 Military Hospital, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

The Minister also expressed gratitude to the medical personnel who attended to him, as well as members of the public who offered prayers and support during his period of recovery.

“He is in good spirits and has been advised to rest as part of his recovery,” the statement added.

Officials indicated that the Minister is in good spirits and has been advised by medical professionals to take time off to rest as part of his recovery.

“The Office of the Honourable Minister for Education announces that Hon. Haruna Iddrisu has been discharged from the 37 Military Hospital following a road traffic accident,” the statement said.

ALSO READ:

• Haruna Iddrisu, Deputy Communication Minister survive ghastly accident on Bolgatanga-Tumu Highway

• Haruna Iddrisu visits late Omane Boamah’s mother

The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday while the ministers and their convoy were travelling to the Upper West Region for official duties linked to the 40th anniversary celebrations of Tumu College of Education and Jahan College of Education.

In a statement, the Ministry of Education assured the public that no life-threatening injuries were sustained.

“The Minister and the Deputy Minister are in stable condition following a road traffic accident involving their convoy on the Bolgatanga–Tumu road,” the statement said.

All officials travelling with the ministers are also safe and have received the necessary medical attention.

“All members of the convoy are currently in stable condition and receiving the required medical care,” the release noted.

The Ministry further expressed gratitude to emergency responders and members of the public who offered immediate assistance.

“The Office expresses its appreciation to emergency responders, health professionals, and members of the public for their swift assistance and concern,” it added.

The cause of the accident is yet to be determined.

Read the full statement below:

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025) in Accra, the Minister said the gathering of leading figures in science, policy and education reflects a shared global understanding that science and innovation remain central to human progress.

According to him, UNESCO’s proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology signals the growing importance of quantum science in the modern world, while also placing responsibility on nations to ensure scientific development benefits society.

“Over the past year, attention has focused not only on discoveries, but also on the responsibility that accompanies scientific development,” he noted.

Mr Iddrisu pointed out that significant gaps remain globally, revealing that about 145 countries are yet to develop national quantum strategies, a situation he said must be addressed to ensure inclusive participation in frontier science.

He highlighted the practical impact of quantum technologies, noting their application in agriculture, food systems, climate forecasting, soil and water monitoring, and national security.

“For countries like Ghana, where agriculture sustains livelihoods, quantum science is not optional, it is significant and paramount,” he stressed.

The Education Minister said hosting the closing ceremony under the Global Scientific Dialogue platform affirms Africa’s place in the future of frontier science, adding that African talent, perspectives and intellectual contributions must be fully recognised.

He further emphasised that education remains the most powerful driver of scientific progress, noting that sustained investment in teachers, researchers and young people will determine how effectively quantum science and its applications serve Africa and the wider world.

Speaking at the Global Closing Ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025), Mr. Iddrisu praised the international recognition President Mahama received, calling it unprecedented.

“President Mahama getting the best honours that I have ever experienced in my life as a visiting president to another republic,” he said.

Highlighting the significance of Ghanaian cultural heritage, Mr. Iddrisu suggested the moment should encourage intentional promotion of indigenous culture, especially among young people.

“Maybe that reminds us and probably I should get the Director General of GES, to declare that on any day declared ‘OUR DAY’ every Ghanaian learner must go in a culturally fitting dress for them to observe our day nationwide, so that each culture, each society will reflect its values and culture as we observe it,” he proposed.

If implemented, the initiative would see students across the country wearing traditional attire representative of their ethnic heritage.

The measure is intended to foster greater cultural awareness, strengthen national unity, and ensure that Ghanaian traditions are celebrated and respected within the education system.

ALSO READ:

• Zambia scraps taxes on Fugu from Ghana for personal use following social media drama

• I wore a ‘fugu’ to the United Nations, I’m surprised Zambians didn’t notice –…

In a statement signed by the Minister’s Secretary, Hashmin Mohammed, the Office said it had noted the materials spreading across social media and described them as deceptive and unauthorised.

“The Office wishes to state unequivocally that these posters did not originate from Hon. Haruna Iddrisu or his office,” the statement said, urging the public to ignore the claims and treat them with “the utmost contempt they deserve.”

The statement stressed that neither Haruna Iddrisu nor his official team had any hand in producing or distributing the posters.

According to the Office, the Tamale South MP remains fully committed to his duties as Minister for Education and as a legislator and is not pursuing any internal party leadership campaign at this time.

Mr Iddrisu is currently in Lusaka, Zambia, accompanying President John Dramani Mahama on official engagements. While in Lusaka, he is said to be working with the President to advance the government’s Reset Ghana agenda, with a special focus on policy reforms and programmes in the education sector.

The Office therefore cautioned the public against attaching any credibility to the circulating posters, describing them as false and misleading.

ALSO READ:

• Haruna Iddrisu is also qualified to lead NDC as flagbearer – Muntaka

• Poll ranks Haruna Iddrisu as leading NDC contender for 2028 elections

• Focus on Mahama, not 2028 flagbearer race – Mustapha Gbande warns NDC members

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Iddrisu emphasized the central role of language in defining culture, stressing that no indigenous language should be marginalised in national educational policies.

“Every society is its culture, and language is at the forefront of the definition of that culture,” he said.

He added that it would be unthinkable for any government to exclude an indigenous language, particularly the Ga language. Mr. Iddrisu assured the Ga State that he would personally supervise their inclusion and hold discussions with President Mahama on the matter.

The Education Minister’s assurances were met with appreciation from traditional authorities, who described his visit as timely and reassuring. They noted that his engagement reflected a refreshed agenda that aligns with the aspirations of the Ga people.

The visit forms part of broader stakeholder consultations as the Ministry of Education works to integrate local languages into emerging digital and AI-powered learning platforms, aiming to promote inclusivity and preserve Ghana’s linguistic heritage.

Google plans to invest $1 billion in Africa and has already invested $37 million in establishing an AI Centre of Excellence for research and innovation in Ghana.

In a Facebook post on Friday, January 23, 2026, the Minister disclosed that he recently held discussions with a Vice President of Google at the ongoing Generative AI Summit in the United Kingdom, focusing on improving learning outcomes across Ghana and the African continent.

According to Mr Iddrisu, the engagement explored innovative ways of leveraging AI to enhance the quality, inclusiveness, and accessibility of education.

“Yesterday, I had a fruitful engagement with the Vice President of Google, where ideas were shared to improve quality education in Ghana and Africa as a whole,” he stated.

The initiative forms part of Google’s $37 million investment in Africa and includes the development of speech recognition and AI-powered tools in Ghanaian languages such as Twi, Ewe, and Dagbani. The tools will also cater to non-standard speech patterns, making digital learning more accessible to a wider range of users.

The Education Minister emphasized the importance of incorporating Hausa, a widely spoken language across Ghana and West Africa, to deepen regional inclusion.

He noted that deploying AI tools in local languages will help bridge educational gaps, particularly for learners in rural communities and persons with disabilities.

Mr Iddrisu further revealed that Google has assured the Ministry of Education that the tools will be deployed in Ghana on a zero-rated basis, allowing students to access them without incurring data costs.

The package includes curriculum-aligned educational content as well as resources on the responsible use of AI in teaching and learning, ensuring equitable access regardless of income or location.

As part of the partnership, Google will also collaborate with the University of Ghana and the GDI Hub to advance research into AI applications for local languages, positioning Ghana as a continental leader in inclusive digital education.

“Ghana is not just participating in the AI revolution; we are helping to shape it for Africa,” Mr Iddrisu added.

Speaking at a training programme in Tamale on the Ghanaian Youth Handbook and the rollout of the Guidance and Counselling (G&C) Framework, the Minister addressed public concerns surrounding content in some school manuals.

Mr. Iddrisu said every academic resource used in Ghana must clearly reflect biological sex.

“For our purposes, when we refer to a man, a woman or sex, we mean biological sex — the sex a person is born with. That position is settled,” he stated.

He explained that the policy aligns with Ghana’s social values and the moral framework expected within schools. According to him, learners must be educated in an environment that reinforces the country’s cultural identity.

“This reflects Ghanaian norms and values and how we want our children to grow and learn. The strength of our society depends on how well these values are upheld,” he added.

The Education Minister disclosed that his ministry has already corrected inconsistencies found in some materials and will ensure uniformity going forward.

“Every publication from the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service must respect the natural definition of sex and the natural meaning of man and woman,” he directed.

Mr. Iddrisu also tasked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) to take responsibility for the controversy and fix it without delay.

He said NaCCA has acknowledged that portions of the teacher manual did not reflect Ghanaian culture and norms, particularly the section on gender identity.

As part of corrective measures, the Minister ordered the recall of 736 printed copies of the Year Two Physical Education and Health (Elective) Teacher Manual for senior high schools and confirmed that a revised version has been uploaded online.

He cautioned teachers to rely on the updated digital version rather than old hard copies.

“The corrections are online, so no one should continue teaching from outdated printed materials,” he said.

Mr. Iddrisu reminded educators that Ghana’s curriculum is continuously updated and advised schools to use the official platform for current resources.

“All approved revisions will always be reflected on www.curriculumresources.edu.gh. That is where teachers can verify what is applicable and approved for instruction,” he noted.

The clarification follows nationwide debate over NaCCA’s teacher support manual, which was developed in 2024 to assist with the new Senior High School curriculum. Public criticism erupted after a definition of gender identity in the manual circulated online and was widely viewed as inconsistent with Ghanaian values.

NaCCA later withdrew the printed copies, apologised to the public, and released a revised version aligned with a biological interpretation of sex.

ALSO READ:

• Ntim Fordjour demands Education Minister appear before Parliament over gender identity definition in SHS…

• Minority demands parliamentary probe into NaCCA-SHS teachers’ manual saga

Speaking to journalists after a Thanksgiving Service marking President John Dramani Mahama’s first year in office, the Minister explained that the current review, supervised by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, is distinct from the process initiated under Article 278 during the administration of the late President J.E.A. Mills.

“Many people, including sections of the media, are still unclear about the constitutional review process. The review under the Prempeh Committee is not the same as one established under Article 278 of the Constitution,” he said, noting that the two processes are often conflated.

Mr. Iddrisu explained that the committee’s report, presented to President Mahama in December, is currently being examined by a team of legal experts to ensure its proposals comply with the Constitution and can withstand legal scrutiny.

Following this legal review, the document will undergo broad consultations involving Cabinet, political parties, and citizens nationwide. President Mahama also plans to establish an implementation committee to steer reforms through entrenched and non-entrenched constitutional provisions.

The eight-member committee, inaugurated in January last year, is chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh and includes former Supreme Court Justice Sophia Adinyira, Professor Kwame Karikari, former Electoral Commission Chair Charlotte Osei, Dr. Godwin Djokoto, Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, Dr. Esi Ansah, and Dr. Rainer Akumperigeya.

Minister Iddrisu emphasized that expectations of a white paper are misplaced due to the legal basis of the current review. He added that 2026 will be pivotal for governance reforms, with the constitutional review expected to support institutional strengthening alongside efforts to stabilize the economy and advance national development.

ALSO READ:

• Constitution Review Committee was mindful not to create problems while solving existing ones – Charlotte…

• Constitution Review Committee receives over 500 proposals from stakeholders

Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister said the establishment of the Authority fulfills a key commitment to end nepotism and partisan influence in the awarding of scholarships.

He emphasized that scholarship awards should no longer be based on individual discretion, but guided by a structured institutional mandate vested in the Authority.

Hon. Iddrisu explained that scholarship decisions will be anchored on merit, genuine need, specific beneficiary categories, and national development priorities.

He further urged the Authority to uphold high standards of accountability and transparency to ensure public confidence in the scholarship system.

In response, the Chairperson of the Board, Mr. Samuel Garba, thanked the Minister and the President for the confidence reposed in the board. On behalf of members, he assured that the Authority is committed to investing in Ghanaian youth while operating with competence, integrity, and strong ethical values.

The Governing Board comprises representatives from key institutions, including relevant sector ministries, the Office of the Attorney-General, the Association of Ghana Industries, the Students Loan Fund, civil society organizations in education, the Ghana Scholarships Authority Secretariat, and nominees of the President.

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has dismissed suggestions that he is unhappy or disappointed with his appointment, stating firmly that he is prepared to confront the challenges facing Ghana’s education sector and help reposition it for the future.

Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, Mr Iddrisu explained that his appointment was a conscious decision by President John Dramani Mahama, following broad consultations, and forms part of a wider agenda to reform the education system.

“Not at all, I’m sure President Mahama widely consulted in taking me to the Education Ministry, probably to help reset the education sector, which undoubtedly faces enormous challenges,” he said.

The Education Minister acknowledged that Ghana’s education system is burdened with long-standing problems spanning all levels, from basic to secondary education, and stressed the need for decisive interventions.

“From Kindergarten to Primary Junior High School to Secondary Education, there are significant challenges and problems that need to be dealt with head-on,” he stated.

Mr Iddrisu expressed confidence that the President’s decision was based on trust in his experience and judgment, assuring that he intends to justify that confidence.

“I’m sure he trusted my judgment in that respect, I have not disappointed in the last one year and I shall not,” he said.

Outlining his vision, the Minister said government plans to undertake a comprehensive review of the education system to ensure it produces graduates equipped with skills relevant to the demands of the modern world.

“We will review Ghana’s education generally in order that we will produce competencies that can withstand the 21st century,” he noted.

According to him, the reforms will prioritise critical thinking and analytical abilities rather than an overreliance on rote learning.

“Therefore we intend to work to equip Ghanaians with the 21st century skills, not just knowledge, but critical and analytical minds to contribute to the development of our country and global affairs,” Mr Iddrisu added.

ALSO READ:

• Jail corrupt officials in galamsey fight – Haruna Iddrisu to Judiciary

• I’ve guided the Minister, and he’s doing well – Opoku Prempeh on Haruna Iddrisu…

According to the Minister, the double-track arrangement has contributed to recent poor performance in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), largely due to reduced contact hours for teaching and learning.

He said the new funding will be channelled into infrastructure expansion to ensure a smooth transition to a single-track system nationwide.

“They (students) spend less time with teachers, less time in the classroom than they should,” Mr Iddrisu stated. “We remain very committed, and the government has secured $200 million from the World Bank to work to end double track.”

He assured the school of government support to improve facilities and sustain the initiative.

The minister made these remarks during the inauguration of Governing Councils for four Colleges of Education: Agogo Presbyterian Women’s College of Education, Gbewa College of Education, Al-Faruq College of Education, and Enchi College of Education.

Mr. Iddrisu praised St Peter’s Secondary School in Kwahu for independently taking steps to abolish the double-track system at the school level, describing the move as proactive and commendable.

The Minister further disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has secured a $30 million grant from the Chinese government for the construction of a new University of Science and Technology in Damongo.

The project, he said, forms part of broader efforts to expand access to tertiary education and strengthen Ghana’s human capital base.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving the quality of education through sustained investment in infrastructure, policy reforms, and strategic partnerships aimed at long-term national development.

ALSO READ:

• Double-track system ended before I left Education Ministry – Napo clarifies [Video]

• 2025 WASSCE: The narrative that double-track caused poor results is wrong – Former Deputy…

• Double-Track system not to blame for WASSCE decline – Former GES DG

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement organized by the GNRF, the Minister explained that the state of the economy and Ghana’s ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme limit the government’s ability to meet the requested funding level.

While acknowledging the importance of sustained investment in research and innovation, Mr Iddrisu noted that a GDP-based allocation is impractical under current conditions.

Earlier, the GNRF Board, chaired by Professor Yirenkyi Danquah, had indicated that a 0.5 per cent GDP allocation would allow the Fund to operate at full capacity and effectively support national development.

Despite these constraints, the Minister assured stakeholders of the government’s ongoing commitment to research and knowledge advancement, affirming that annual support will continue through the Common Fund to strengthen Ghana’s research capacity.

READ ALSO:

• 
  Education Ministry debunks 13th month salary claim for teachers
• There are no cracks in NDC – Fifi Kwetey on Special Prosecutor Bill withdrawal
• Fuel prices begin to drop as OMCs cut pump rates; petrol sells at ¢12.50 and diesel goes for ¢12.99
• Mamprugu Overlord rejects Otumfuo’s Bawku mediation report, calls process flawed

Speaking in a one-on-one interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Opoku Prempeh said Haruna visited him to discuss important issues, and he highlighted areas that needed attention.

“Haruna has visited me, and I drew his attention to important things. He has realized that he needs to work on them,” he said.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh stressed the importance of having knowledgeable advisors in education.

“Education is such that if you don’t get people who understand it to advise you, you will end up doing the wrong things,” he noted.

He also expressed concerns about some of the current minister’s support team, explaining that inexperience among advisors has sometimes created challenges.

“I have realized that some of those who are supposed to support the current minister don’t know what they are doing. Some are new and advising him in ways that I think create issues,” he said.

He cited an example where the minister suggested using local languages in teaching.

“In some instances, the minister said they would use local language to teach, and then Cabinet told him he cannot speak publicly like that when it has not been officially considered,” Dr. Opoku Prempeh added.

Despite these challenges, he remains positive about Haruna Iddrisu’s efforts and believes he is now on the right track.

ALSO READ:

Double-track system ended before I left Education Ministry – Napo clarifies…

I prefer offering Education policy advice ‘behind closed doors’ – Napo…

You have been unfair to me – Kpandai MP tells Speaker…

According to the Minister, the initiative forms part of President John Mahama’s broader vision to make education fully accessible and inclusive for all citizens, particularly those living with disabilities.

Haruna Iddrisu further disclosed that feeding allowances for students with disabilities will be increased significantly, from GH¢8.00 to GH¢15.00 per day. To facilitate this, the Ministry will amend the GETFund Act to allow for the immediate adjustment.

Additionally, financial support for feeding will rise from GH¢65 to GH¢100 per year following the amendment.

The Minister made these remarks on the floor of Parliament during discussions marking the International Day of Persons With Disabilities.

He also hinted at other upcoming interventions, including the provision of assistive devices to support students with disabilities in schools across the country, reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable education system.

READ ALSO:

• Jinijini–Drobo–Sampa road now a danger zone — Berekum West MP raises alarm over rising armed robberies
• NaCCA is developing a mobile App to give parents real-time access to students’ performance – NaCCA Boss
• Fresh nationwide SIM registration exercise to be rolled out by first quarter of 2026 – Sam George

Addressing the media on Wednesday, November 19, Minister Iddrisu described the initiative as “what may be the best news in the 2026 budget for President Mahama and for the Ghanaian people.”

The Minister said the decision follows recent visits to the Akropong School for the Blind and other special and inclusive institutions, where he witnessed the challenges learners face.

“I visited the Akuapim Akropong School for the Blind, as well as several other special and inclusive schools. What I witnessed there…” he said.

Mr. Iddrisu disclosed that he has submitted a comprehensive policy paper to Cabinet seeking approval to make education free for all learners in special and integrated schools.

“I have submitted a comprehensive policy paper to Cabinet to look at the possibility of introducing free education for all learners in special and integrated schools across the country,” he said.

Pending Cabinet and presidential approval, the policy is expected to take effect on January 1, 2026. The government aims to meet the needs of learners with special needs, including providing devices for persons who are visually impaired, those with hearing difficulties, and others.

“What I noticed as I went to Akropong was that even feeding, they still depended on government grants. That is not good enough,” the Minister said.

He added that the government will extend the School Feeding Programme to all special needs and integrated schools.

“For me, that will be the best intervention for meeting the needs of distressed, marginalised learners in the provision of our educational system,” he explained.

As part of the new measures, Mr. Iddrisu has directed the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to allocate a minimum of GH¢65 million to support programmes for learners with special needs.

“Accordingly, I’ve requested and directed GETFund to make a minimum allocation of 65 million Ghana cedis to support the initiative of supporting all learners with special needs,” he said.

He further announced a restructuring of special education financing, noting that GETFund will now assume a central role.

“GETFund will now essentially be responsible for the financing of free senior high school education, free tertiary education for all persons with disability, and free education for persons with special needs,” he explained.

“All we are doing is to offload the financing of that from the Consolidated Fund into the Ghana Education Trust Fund. The law anticipated that even in its original proposition,” he added.

Mr. Iddrisu described the 2026 budget as “bold and strategic,” emphasising that the government’s measures are forward-looking and aligned with national priorities.

READ ALSO:

• 
  Gov’t to recruit 6,100 teachers from 2023 cohort – Education Minister
• Parliament adopts report for review of Petroleum Revenue Management Act 
• New GSS data shows bribery declining, but repeat payments surge as Police MTTD tops list

Speaking to journalists on November 19, the Minister reiterated that the education sector remains Ghana’s largest employer and assured that addressing the concerns of unposted teachers is a top government priority.

He revealed that processes are already underway to place teachers in schools across the country.

Haruna Iddrisu also announced that Cabinet has approved the recruitment of 6,100 teachers from the 2023 graduate cohort, all of whom are accounted for in government recruitment records.

“Education remains Ghana’s largest employer. I understand that some striking teachers are looking for us on the streets of Accra. To respond to them, Cabinet has approved the recruitment of 6,100 more teachers from the 2023 cohort, and they are all adequately captured in our records,” he stated.

The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to absorbing trained teachers into the system and noted that the new recruitment will help reduce the backlog of unposted graduates.

He also urged protesting teachers to return to their respective offices for verification and audit procedures.

“I would be surprised if it is the same group that is on the streets. They should be going back to their offices for audit, identification, and reinstatement so they can be paid,” he added.

READ ALSO:

• Daddy Lumba did not marry Odo Broni – Elder sister tells court
• “I see myself in Shatta Wale” – Rex Omar on creative arts advocacy 
• I’ll put my GUM aside and join NDC if… – Osofo Kyiri Abosom

The digital platform is designed to collect, manage, and report comprehensive data on teachers to enhance both professional growth and administrative efficiency.

Speaking at the opening of a five-day Regional Competence Enhancement Workshop on Strengthening Teacher Professional Development and Management in Africa, held in Accra, Mr. Iddrisu described the TMIS as “a game-changer in the governance of teacher education and management.”

He explained that the TMIS will create a centralized database capturing essential information about teachers — including qualifications, licensing, deployment, continuous professional development (CPD) records, and career progression.

According to him, the innovation will ensure transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making within the education sector.

“The introduction of the Teacher Management Information System marks a new era of data-driven teacher management. It will help us better understand our teaching workforce, identify professional gaps, and design targeted interventions that improve the quality of education delivery,” the Minister stated.

The initiative forms part of Ghana’s broader education reforms, which include:
• Licensure and registration of teachers to ensure only qualified professionals enter the classroom.
• The National Teacher Professional Development Framework, providing a structured pathway for continuous learning.
• The Teacher Portal Ghana, enabling teachers to access and track their CPD courses online.
• The Professional Standards for Teachers and School Leaders, defining the competencies required for effective teaching in the 21st century.

Mr. Iddrisu noted that these reforms collectively align with the African Union’s Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16–25) and Sustainable Development Goal 4, both of which promote inclusive and quality education for all.

He also acknowledged persistent challenges such as limited funding for professional development, disparities between urban and rural education systems, and the need for stronger cross-border collaboration among African teacher regulatory bodies.

The TMIS, he said, represents a key solution to bridging many of these gaps.

“With TMIS, we are not only digitising records — we are empowering teachers, streamlining management, and building a data-driven education system that serves both national and continental aspirations,” he added.

The Minister commended the National Teaching Council and its partners for their leadership in promoting teacher professionalism and leveraging technology for sustainable education reform.

He concluded by urging participants, education policymakers, practitioners, and experts from across Africa to collaborate, share best practices, and develop actionable strategies to strengthen teacher development on the continent.

“Africa’s greatest asset is its people. By investing in our teachers, we invest in the future of our children, our communities, and our continent,” he declared, formally opening the workshop.

He made the remarks during the commissioning of a 160-bed dormitory block and a 24-unit girls’ sanitary facility at Bimbilla Senior High School in the Northern Region on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

The project, which was started under the previous government in partnership with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), was completed and commissioned under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration. Students and staff welcomed the new facilities, describing them as a major boost toward addressing the school’s long-standing accommodation challenges.

Mr. Iddrisu praised the previous government for initiating the project, emphasising that continuity in governance is essential for sustained national development.

“I will be the first to acknowledge the initiatives of the previous government and to assure you that President John Dramani Mahama, under his resetting agenda, will continue with worthy, viable initiatives of the previous government,” he said. “If it adds to Ghana’s developmental needs, especially in building manpower, President Mahama will continue it.”

The Education Minister, however, warned that projects lacking value for money would be thoroughly reviewed. He criticised the neglect of several GETFund projects in the past, describing such abandonment as a waste of public resources.

“We will not behave like them, leaving a number of GETFund projects to rot,” he said. “These actions do not give taxpayers justification or value for money on those projects.”

The Minister made this known during a visit to the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Legon, on Monday, October 20, where he inspected facilities and assessed the school’s admission procedures.

The Minister expressed concern over reports that some students were not offered their preferred programmes or were denied school choices despite having excellent grades.

“I have observed that some parents are unhappy, justified. Some students are unhappy, justified, because they chose a particular course, Science, and were given General Arts or Business. That would be a disincentive even for that child to study hard and do his best.”

He stated that the current placement system is not functioning as expected.

“It means that the computerised placement system is not working well for the country, and I’m happy to review it, and I will review it,” he said.

“I’ll put in place a committee to review its performance over the decade and then give me a credible alternative. What we need is meritorious admission. Nobody would accept that you get an Aggregate 6, and you can’t get the spot of your first choice. That’s unfair, and we’ll look very closely into that.”

The Minister also used the visit to highlight the broader challenges facing the implementation of Free Senior High School education in Ghana.

“My understanding as I’ve gone around this morning is, we need to manage the crisis in the provision of quality Free Senior High School in Ghana. To manage it will mean deliberate, sustainable investment in education, expanded classrooms, expanded laboratories, expanded dormitories for the learners.”

While acknowledging the government’s role, Mr Iddrisu also commended the contributions of alumni and religious institutions in supporting educational development.

“What I’ve also particularly noticed is the role of old boys, old students, in supporting the state. I recognise a strong bond, a relationship between the church and the state in providing quality education. And for our purposes today, the Presbyterian Church, I want to salute them and pay tribute to them.”

Mr Iddrisu praised PRESEC for its long-standing record of excellence. “From Odumase now to Accra, Presec have trained many young people, mentioning Okudzeto Ablakwa, Oko Boye, they are all proud students of this school,” he said.

On infrastructure, the Minister admitted that the school was struggling with inadequate facilities. “My assessment here is that classrooms are not adequate, dormitories not adequate, laboratories insufficient and not in good shape,” he said.

To address these challenges, he announced that government plans to upgrade schools across the country. “Government will deliberately, in the coming years, particularly into 2026, work to upgrade 10 Category C schools to B schools, and 10 Category B schools to A schools.

“Then I’ll pick a special 10, and Presec will be part of that special 10. We will give you the needed intervention by way of improved infrastructure in the classroom, laboratories and dormitories,” he added.

About 590,000 first-year Senior High School (SHS) students started reporting to their respective schools from Saturday, October 18, and today, Monday, October 20, 2025, to begin the 2025/2026 academic year.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

ALSO READ:

• National Coordinator announces positive changes in School Placement System

• SHS Placement: Why students get schools they didn’t choose [Listen]

He explained that the initiative is intended to promote fairness and increase access for students who often face difficulties gaining admission into their preferred Category A schools.

Speaking at the launch of the ADEA Triennale on Education Conference, Mr. Iddrisu noted that the Ministry will require substantial budgetary support to provide the necessary infrastructure in the selected schools.

“The ministry acknowledges that there is a significant challenge when there are 76,000 vacancies but 393,000 qualified applicants desiring to fill them. The challenge is described as a near impossibility,” he said.

He further revealed that discussions with the President are already underway regarding the plan’s rollout in 2026.

“To address equity and capacity, the Minister has discussed with the President a plan for 2026 to convert at least 10 Category C schools to Category B, and 10 Category B schools to Category A. This conversion will be backed by infrastructure development, including available classroom blocks, dormitories for students, and quality improvement through improved teaching and learning materials and aids.

“But I will need budgetary support and allocation to do that,” he indicated.

This announcement follows a petition submitted by the Coalition of Unpaid Teachers—comprising graduates from Colleges of Education and universities—who have gone over 13 months without salaries.

Upon receiving the petition on Tuesday, September 30, Mr. Iddrisu assured the group that the Ministry of Education, together with the Ministry of Finance, would prepare a joint memorandum for Cabinet to resolve their grievances.

Source: Adomonline

Speaking at the 2025 Ghana Teacher Prize ceremony in Accra, held under the theme “Elevating the Status of Teachers for Quality Education,” the Minister said the future of Ghana lies in the moral strength and professional commitment of its people.

“This issue is very important. Teachers and parents are watching your behaviour and character. The future is yours, the future of Ghana is yours. But be disciplined, work hard, and uphold integrity, and the future will remain yours,” he said.

Haruna Iddrisu praised the nation’s over 349,000 teachers for their dedication to shaping the next generation despite the challenges they face.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving teacher welfare through the Teachers’ Diplomatic Initiative, which will provide modern three-bedroom housing for teachers across the regions.

He also announced that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, plans are underway to establish a new campus of a public university in Keta, to be known as the School of Public Affairs, aimed at building capacity in leadership, governance, and policy.

“We remain committed to making education the cornerstone of Ghana’s transformation. When we invest in teachers, we invest in the nation’s future,” he said.

The Education Minister concluded his address by inviting Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to deliver her keynote remarks, describing her as “a symbol of knowledge, humility, and leadership.”

Source: Ivy Setordjie

ALSO READ:

• Haruna Iddrisu endorses Prof. Opoku-Agyemang for future presidency

• Serve students better food or lose feeding grants – Haruna Iddrisu warns SHS heads

The poll shows Haruna leading with 30% support, ahead of NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia at 24% and Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson at 18%. Former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah followed with 10%, while North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa secured 8%.

Other potential aspirants, including Eric Opoku, Joshua Alabi, Armah-Kofi Buah, and Kwame Awuah-Darko, each polled 2%, with Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah at 1%. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije did not register significant support.

In alternative scenarios, Haruna’s dominance increased. In a three-way race excluding Ato Forson, he stretched his lead to 45%, compared to Asiedu Nketia’s 37% and Julius Debrah’s 18%. Among NDC supporters, his backing rose to 47%, with 48% support in key swing regions.

However, if Haruna is not in the race, the contest tightens significantly. Asiedu Nketia would lead with 40%, narrowly ahead of Ato Forson at 38%, while Julius Debrah held 22%. Among core NDC voters, the two front-runners are nearly tied—42% for Asiedu and 41% for Forson. Forson performed particularly well in swing regions, topping Asiedu with 47% to 38%.

The poll indicates that Haruna Iddrisu is currently the clear favourite, but his absence could trigger a fiercely competitive race between Asiedu Nketia and Ato Forson, potentially reshaping the NDC’s leadership contest ahead of the 2028 elections.

Source: AdomOnline

READ ALSO:

• NPP flagbearer race: Bawumia begins two-day tour of Central Region
• Asante Kotoko confident ahead of Wydad clash – Sarfo Duku
• Military, police, and football legends promote peace in Nkwanta South

Speaking during the Vice President’s working visit to the Ministry of Education, Mr. Iddrisu publicly affirmed his admiration and support for her leadership qualities.

“It is my personal wish that you are elevated to become the first female President of our country,” he said.

He further pledged his backing should the Vice President decide to pursue the presidency in the future, assuring her of his “unwavering support.”

The Vice President’s visit to the Ministry formed part of her broader engagements with key state institutions.

A survey by Global InfoAnalytics in April 2025 tipped the Vice President as the frontrunner with 26% voter preference.

She was closely followed by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, with 19%, and the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who ranked third with 12%.

National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia shared fourth place with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, both polling at 10%.

However, a new polling data, excluding Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, has placed Mr. Iddrisu in an early lead with 27% support.

He is followed closely by Mr. Nketia at 26%, while Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson holds third place with 22%.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa ranked fourth and fifth with 11% and 8% support respectively.

Source: Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa

ALSO READ:

• Prof. Jane Naana takes lead as Asiedu Nketia struggles to gain ground in NDC’s…
• Global InfoAnalytics poll reveals tight race to succeed Mahama as Haruna takes early lead
• Former Adentan MP declares bid for NDC 2028 flagbearership [Video]

• Stop early jostling to replace Mahama – Victor Smith warns NDC bigwigs

Speaking in an interview with Blessed Sogah on Joy Prime’s ‘Prime Insight, ‘ Mussa Dankwah, the Executive Director and Head of Research at Global InfoAnalytics, revealed that the race is extremely close, with multiple candidates gaining significant support.

According to the most recent data from a July poll, Haruna Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South and Education Minister, leads the pack with a support rating of 27%.

He is closely followed by the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who is at 26%.

The current Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, occupies the third position with 22%.

Mr Dankwah’s findings indicate a fluid and dynamic succession contest, which he described as “quite strange” given the absence of a declared contest.

The poll results paint a picture of a party with several strong personalities and factions. The data is as follows:

• Haruna Iddrisu: 27%
• Johnson Asiedu Nketiah: 26%
• Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson: 22%
• Julius Debrah: 11%
• Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa: 8%

The data shows a significant gap between the top three candidates and the others, suggesting that the “jostling” for the flagbearer position is becoming more pronounced.

Mr Dankwah confirmed that the poll was conducted to gauge the popularity of key figures within the party.

He mentioned that if the current Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who is an unconfirmed candidate, were to contest, her name would be included in future polls.

The findings come amidst a period of political manoeuvring within the NDC, with several high-ranking members embarking on “Thank You Tours” and “Health Walks,” which are widely interpreted as early campaign activities.

These events are often seen as a way for potential candidates to connect with the party’s grassroots base and build momentum ahead of any official contest.

The NDC’s constitution requires a flagbearer to be elected by delegates ahead of a general election.

The last flagbearer race saw John Dramani Mahama secure a resounding victory, but the race for his successor, whenever it occurs, appears to be shaping up as a more competitive affair.

Source: David Apinga

ALSO READ:

• I don’t want to be here; I may be gone – Dr. Aidoo on…

• Afenyo-Markin alleges internal struggles in NDC over Mahama’s successor 

He said the investment will close long-standing infrastructure gaps and ultimately phase out the double-track system in senior high schools.

“This funding will help us deal decisively with infrastructure deficits and ultimately tackle the double-track system,” Mr Iddrisu stated during a working visit to the Upper East Region.

As part of the tour, the minister visited Zebilla Senior High Technical School, where he interacted with WASSCE candidates and assessed the impact of the Bawku conflict on academic activities.

He urged students to remain committed to their education despite the challenges they face. “We need to say no to war, no to conflict. Education remains our surest bet to fight ignorance and poverty, so grab the opportunity and give it your best,” he encouraged.

In a symbolic act, the minister refused to wear a bulletproof vest offered to him, saying: “I refused to put it on because a bulletproof jacket does not belong in an academic environment. It does not create the conducive atmosphere needed for learning to thrive.”

Calling for calm in Bawku, Mr Iddrisu stressed that lasting peace was vital to restore a proper environment for teaching and learning. “Lasting peace must be restored in Bawku so that the city can be rebuilt and a serene environment for education restored,” he added.

He also highlighted the plight of students in conflict zones, noting that their disadvantaged circumstances are often ignored during examinations.

“It is unfortunate that examiners will not consider the fact that students here did not have the serenity and peace of mind to learn, yet they will be graded equally with their counterparts in peaceful areas,” he observed.

Source: Adomonline

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, announced this during the inauguration of a new staff accommodation facility at Accra Girls’ Senior High School.

The massive investment, which will reflect in next year’s budget, will be sourced from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).

Rationale for double-track

The double-track system was introduced in the 2018/2019 academic year to accommodate the surge in student enrolment following the implementation of the audacious Free SHS policy.

It was expected to be a temporary measure to address the issue of insufficient infrastructure and overcrowding by dividing students into two groups to alternate in cycles, utilising the existing facilities more efficiently.

Infrastructural challenges

Mr. Iddrisu explained that the proposed investment aimed to tackle the long-standing infrastructure deficit that necessitated the double-track system.

Mr Iddrisu explained that “this substantial investment is central to President Mahama’s vision for enhancing the quality of senior high school education.”

The Education Minister said the funds would be used to complete stalled projects, including classroom blocks and assembly halls, to ensure all students were accommodated in a single, unified system.

“We remain committed to ending the double-track system as our contribution to improving the quality of senior high school education,” Mr Iddrisu quoted President Mahama as saying, adding that “President Mahama has directed the Minister of Finance to make an allocation of GH¢1 billion, dedicated to managing the transition and responding to the challenges of the transition.”

Free SHS and digital solutions

Mr. Iddrisu, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Free SHS policy, assuring the public that it would not be discontinued.

He said most people had thought that with the coming of President Mahama, Free SHS was going to be scrapped.

“Whatever it is, Free SHS is here to stay and it is contributing significantly to improving literacy and numeracy,” he assured.

Mr Iddrisu stressed that his administration would work to enhance the programme by investing in infrastructure and improving literacy and numeracy rates across the country.

He said so far, the ministry had phased out 100 double-track schools, adding that the remaining ones would be rigorously phased out with next year’s budget.

The minister added that the government would explore and implement additional measures, such as digital solutions, to expand access to quality education.

Source: Graphic.com

ALSO READ:

• SHS Double Track system driving young girls into early marriages – Head potters

• 99 double-track SHSs to revert to single-track

Haruna Iddrisu had asserted that the double-track system has hurt the quality and outcomes of education across SHSs in Ghana.

Speaking at a media briefing, Mr. Iddrisu described the policy, which was introduced to manage overcrowding in SHSs, as a temporary solution that has compromised effective teaching and learning.

But the former Deputy GES head disagrees.

In an article in which he responded to the minister, he said far from lowering standards, the policy was a “masterstroke of policy” that not only expanded access but also significantly improved learning outcomes.

“The fear that reduced classroom time would lead to a decline in quality crumbles in the face of hard data,” Dr. Tandoh argued. “An analysis of WASSCE results from 2015 to 2024 reveals that the period under the Free SHS and Double-Track system represents the best performance in Ghana’s WASSCE history.”

He pointed to WAEC statistics showing that from 2020 onwards, pass rates for all four core subjects consistently stayed above 50%, with Mathematics results climbing from the 30s in earlier years to above 60%. He further highlighted that Ghanaian students topped the WAEC Excellence Awards across West Africa over the past five years — proof that quality had not been compromised.

Dr Tandoh, who served at GES between 2018 and 2025, recalled that the Double-Track policy, introduced in 2018 under then Education Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, was a pragmatic response to overwhelming demand after the launch of Free SHS.

“With over 180,000 qualified students at risk of being denied access due to infrastructure limitations, the system allowed schools to maximize existing facilities while government ramped up construction. It was an essential bridge, not a setback.”

He noted that far from reducing teaching time, the school calendar was restructured into semesters, “increasing contact hours from 1,080 to 1,134 per year – adding 162 more hours over three years.”

Dr Tandoh also pointed to complementary interventions such as 8,872 new teaching jobs, free remedial support under the Academic Intervention Grant, and specialized training for Maths and Science teachers as evidence of the government’s commitment to quality.

Beyond infrastructure, he said the Double-Track era ushered in a digital leap in education, citing the Ghana Library App, the iCampus portal, Ghana Learning TV and Radio, and the “One Teacher, One Laptop” and “One Student, One Tablet” initiatives as long-term reforms that future-proofed learning.

Beyond the Hype: How data and digital innovation show the double-track system was a triumph for Ghanaian education

For him, the legacy of the double-track system is clear: “It’s about the over 1.2 million students who would have been denied education without this intervention. To say it negatively impacted quality is to ignore the data, the innovation, and the lives transformed.”

He concluded that while the policy was always designed to be temporary, it achieved its purpose by ensuring access, improving outcomes, and accelerating Ghana’s educational infrastructure and digital transformation.

Source: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie

ALSO READ:

• NDC cannot end Double Track by 2027; they lack understanding of the policy

• GES conducts public survey on Free SHS and Double Track System

Addressing the media on Sunday, August 24, 2025, Mr. Iddrisu explained that the double-track system, though introduced to ease congestion in SHSs, has negatively affected academic performance.

“The double-track system has reduced contact hours and study time, ultimately affecting the quality of education under the Free SHS policy. To end this system, government is committed to expanding school infrastructure, boosting digital learning resources, and enabling private SHSs to admit qualified students,” he said.

As part of the transition, an 11-member committee has been inaugurated to oversee the reversal from double-track to single-track in SHSs and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs).

The committee, chaired by Prof. Peter Grant of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), will review the 2024/2025 academic calendar and propose a roadmap for the phase-out.

Other members of the committee are:

• Prof. Godwin Awabil, UCC

• Prof. Samuel A. Atintono, PRINCOF

• Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi (Mrs.), Deputy Director-General (Management Service), GES

• Dr. Munawaru Issahaque, Deputy Director-General (Quality and Access), GES

• D. W. Agbenyo, WAEC

• Rosemond Wilson (PhD), WAEC

• Mr. Augustus Agyemfra, CODE

• Mr. David Odjidja, CHASS

• Addo Nicholas Nii Kpakpoe, COHBS

• Prince Charles Agyemang-Duah, Schools & Instructions Division, GES

Mr. Iddrisu stressed that the decision reflects government’s broader commitment to improving learning outcomes and consolidating the gains of the Free SHS policy.

READ ALSO:

• Kwahu Onion farmers urge government to regulate foreign imports
• Deadly doses: JoyNews unmasks Ghana’s growing drug epidemic

The construction of the proposed facility, he explained, was to honour the late Dr. Omane Boamah, an old student of the school, for his loyalty and dedication to the service of Ghana.

“As we launch this BSTEM project today, I am happy on behalf of the government of President Mahama to assure the good people of Koforidua that the government will build a modern dedicated science laboratory in honour of the late Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah,” Haruna Iddrisu said.

He was speaking in Sunyani in the Bono Region on Monday [August 18, 2025] at the inauguration of the Basic Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (BSTEM) teacher training reports Graphic Online’s Biiya Mukusah Ali.

Gov’t to introduce STEM subjects from basic level

He said the government will revolutionise Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education from the foundation level in the new curriculum review.

As part of that, artificial intelligence (AI), engineering, coding, robotics, among others, will feature prominently at the foundation level in the new curriculum to make Ghanaian students competitive and to secure their future.

“We want to revolutionise STEM at the basic level to secure the future of our schoolchildren. I must first thank the Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who first conceptualised the idea,” the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, said.

BSTEM project

The launch brought together hundreds of students from senior high schools (SHSs) in the region.

The effort is aimed at equipping teachers with modern skills, digital tools, and innovative pedagogies to make STEM exciting and accessible to basic school-level learners.

It is also targeted at whipping up the interest of students at an early age and igniting their curiosity, creativity, and confidence to drive national development.

The project was launched in partnership with the Ministry of Education and itec Global, and is expected to benefit 8,800 teachers and 4,400 schools across the country.

Revive

Mr Iddrisu said the government had revived the BSTEM project, which had stalled for several years, to achieve its full potential.

He said the new curriculum had been carefully designed to create pathways for the learners to identify and develop their talents early.

“We are moving away from rote memorisation towards enquiry, problem-solving, and creativity, which will give every Ghanaian child the opportunity to nurture his or her potential, whether in science, technology, the arts, or entrepreneurship,” he said.

Mr. Iddrisu said the project represented one of the ministry’s most important priorities, strengthening STEM education from the basic level, where the foundation of learning was laid.

He recalled that between 2012 and 2016, under the leadership of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who served as Minister of Education, a committee was established to review the challenges confronting the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics in schools, particularly at the basic level.

Mr Iddrisu explained that out of that critical review, the Basic Science and Mathematics project was born to address the challenges directly.

“Over time, the project evolved to reflect global educational trends and to embrace the full breadth of STEM. This transformation led to the BSTEM project, which we are gathered here today to advance,” he said.

Mr. Iddrisu, however, said no matter how well designed, a curriculum could not succeed without modern teacher training that equips teachers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to deliver STEM at all levels, hence the BSTEM programme.

Government ambition

The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Professor Ernest Kofi Davies, said the aim of the government was to provide quality, accessible and relevant education to produce 21st-century graduates with balanced knowledge, skills, attitude and values.

He said the current education system focused on training entrepreneurs, innovators, life-long learners and global citizens.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

ALSO READ:

• Even in disagreement, you can’t quarrel with Omane Boamah – Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

• Omane Boamah saved my son’s life – Prof. Gyampo reveals in emotional tribute [Video]

With a heart crushed beneath the weight of grief, I stand before a world that commiserates in sadness, a nation that is grief-stricken, and the family of Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah that can only be utterly shaken to the core, to pay this untimely tribute in my capacity as a colleague Cabinet Minister to the Minister for Defence of the Republic of Ghana until that tragic event of Wednesday, 6th August, 2025.

On that fateful day, since dubbed Ghana’s Black Wednesday, Dr. Omane Boamah, was onboard a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter together with seven others, namely: Hon. Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed–MP for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Limuna Muniru–Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of our National Democratic Congress, Samuel Aboagye–former parliamentary candidate, and the flight crew of Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The group was en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) when their aircraft came down near Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofuom District in unconfirmed circumstances.

All eight gallant Ghanaians perished in what Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Julius Debrah, described as a national tragedy.

As a nation, we are grief-stricken and mourn as we do because never in the history of Ghana has such a fate befallen us, for high-ranking state officials of that stature to be lost as they were on that dark day.

We grieve but submit to the ways of the all-knowing Allah. Because as we faithfully hold, it is Allah’s will that what happened happened and happened as it did, gruesome and devastating as it is.

It is particularly so for Dr. Omane Boamah for whom this eulogy goes, because we know he was earlier not scheduled to be on that ill-fated flight. What a tragic loss! He was simply formidable, thoughtful, and strategic in all he did, a political thinker whose singular preoccupation was Mahama’s success, driven by his love for mother Ghana.

You were a founding member of the Committee for Joint Action (CJA) with Kwesi Pratt, Bernard Mornah, and Kwesi Adu, among others.

From the night John Mahama conceded to the outcome of the 2016 elections to your untimely and tragic death in a helicopter crash, you served with unalloyed loyalty, dedication, and unwavering commitment. Ghana has lost an exemplary public servant and son.

You told me and Rita that you were not interested and not likely to accept an appointment into His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s “Second Coming.”

You told me there were only two threats (to be shared in the future or at a later date) and God that could stand in the way of now President Mahama’s return, and you worked with your small team to make it happen.

It is an irony of fate that the Minister of Defence was bereft of the defence he deserved when it mattered most, and the medical doctor was left with no option for emergency care.

Sad and, as it were, unacceptable as it is, who are we, mere mortals, to question the script of the All-Powerful yet Ever Merciful God?

Even as we’ve been to the family house to commiserate with the inconsolable Rita and the rest of the family, my heartfelt condolences go to them and the children again.

Edward, your death is a terrible blow and very hard to bear, as you died in such a tragic way in the line of duty.

May your blood so painfully shed be the caustic cleaning agent that purifies our water bodies from the pollution of heavy metals and restores our degraded forests from the evil of illegal small-scale mining, otherwise known as “galamsey.”

Omane Boamah and I, besides being trusted and able lieutenants as Cabinet Ministers of His Excellency the President, John Dramani Mahama, share in common a number of notable roles since our respective student days.

In that sense and in reality, he was a younger brother to me, and a dear one at that. I am in great pain.

As I was from 1996 to 1997 in a memorable and epoch-making tenure, Edward was also President of the National Union of Ghana Students during his student days at the University of Ghana Medical School.

His efficiency and political acumen were honed from those times as he combined the demands of medical education with student politics, also serving as the Coordinating Secretary of the Federation of Ghana Medical Students Association.

Again, Omane received my handing-over notes in 2013 as he succeeded me as Minister of Communications during President Mahama’s first presidency.

At a time when that portfolio was combined with that of Information, he concurrently and ably served as the Spokesman for His Excellency the President.

Previously, he had served in Deputy Ministerial capacities for Environment, Science and Technology and also for Youth and Sports during the tenure of our late and beloved President John Evans Atta Mills.

At a time when youth were not being credited with much experience and capacity, Omane Boamah was part of the corpus of young and vibrant political activists whom President Mills purposefully sought to challenge with ministerial portfolios.

And by the grace of God and by virtue of our preparation and the support of Ghanaians high and low, we delivered and lived up to the high expectation of us.

Indeed, I was particularly tasked by the Venerable Ato Awhoi to recruit some of such student activists from NUGS to be appointed Ministers and Omane Boamah turned out to be one such vibrant and promising young politician.

Indeed, Omane Boamah has been described as the midwife who helped deliver NDC’s resounding 2024 electoral victory in his capacity as the party’s untiring Director of Elections and IT.

His brilliance and ability to quickly find solutions to problems and as a strategist inspired President John Mahama to entrust him with the high office of Defence Minister.

It is regrettable that you have been so cruelly snatched away from us just seven months into the victory you worked so hard to achieve, and while our arduous duty to reset Ghana has just begun.

Like a gallant warrior, you went on an important mission to help save our nation from the canker of “galamsey”.

As Defence Minister, you led the charge in a military helicopter to help battle Ghana’s current existential threat of illegal small-scale mining. You showed leadership.

But alas, and heart-wrenchingly so, it was a mission of no return. But as the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church—as your beloved Pope John’s Senior High School and Minor Seminary would have taught you—your work and the ultimate price you paid will never be forgotten.

I have lost a brother and a friend. Only you could calm me because you understood my irrepressible and optimistic temperament. You would tell them, “Leave Haruna to me.”

As we commit the mortal remains of my friend, brother, and colleague into the bosom of Mother Earth, I hark to the words of the immortal lines the Armed Forces call forth to bid farewell to their fallen heroes—the Binyon Verses: Omane, “[You] shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary [you], nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember [you].

Rest in perfect peace, Dr. Omane Boamah. The memory of you was to work for Mahama to succeed.

Yes, indeed, and you began to succeed in that resolve with our electoral victory.
Fare thee well. My brother and friend, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah—Minister for Defence of the Republic of Ghana: January 20, 2025, to August 6, 2025.

ALSO READ:

• Late Dr. Omane Boamah was a leader who deeply cared for people – Defence…

• Biography of late Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah 

The tragedy occurred in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region and has been described by government officials as a national catastrophe.

Speaking to JoyNews shortly after the confirmation, Mr. Iddrisu said, “The President is down, down, down emotionally. We pray that God will give him the fortitude and the Ghanaian people the strength to accept this tragic loss.”

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, announced the tragic news at a press conference today.

“I have the unpleasant duty, sadly, to announce a national tragedy involving the crash of a military helicopter in the Adansi area in the Ashanti Region,” Mr. Debrah stated.

The crash resulted in the deaths of five prominent civilians and three members of the Ghana Armed Forces. Among the deceased are:

• Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
• Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, MP and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
• Muniru Mohammed Lemunade, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture
• Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chair of the National Democratic Congress
• Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate

The military personnel who also lost their lives have been named as: Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala, Flying Officer Manim Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Source:myjoyonline

ALSO READ:

• New cocoa price disappointing, farmers feel betrayed – Dr. Isaac Opoku

• Fiifi Boafo challenges gov’t over new cocoa price [Listen]

• Ato Forson’s GH₵6,000 promise was a mere political talk – Cocoa farmer

According to him, TVET has been redefined and evolved into a competitive career pathway, attracting brilliant minds and individuals passionate about practical skills and innovation.

The Tamale South MP made these remarks while touting Ghana’s TVET achievements at the 2025 TVET Pitso Forum held at Ba Isago University.

The high-level event was co-hosted by Botswana’s Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) and officially opened by the President of Botswana, Duma Gideon Boko.

The Minister acknowledged the longstanding obstacles hindering the growth of TVET across many African countries, citing inadequate funding, weak alignment with industry requirements, and deep-rooted social perceptions that undervalue vocational pathways.

“TVET is no longer a path reserved for the less academically inclined or a punishment for non-conformist youth. Today, TVET is the backbone of national development. It is our government’s top priority for industrialization and job creation,” he said.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu made the announcement at the launch of the Government’s flagship education programme, dubbed the “No Fees Stress Policy” initiative, held at the SDA College of Education in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital.

The launch was performed by President John Dramani Mahama.

According to the Minister, one of President Mahama’s enduring legacies would be the introduction of the President’s Scholarship, which targets brilliant students in priority areas such as Science, Mathematics, and Engineering.

“So the President’s Scholarship for Scholarship would honour 10 brilliant students, determined and declared by the West African Examinations Council, as the overall best students in the country,” Mr Iddrisu stated.

“Then the President will absorb them to benefit from his scholarship for his full tenure.”

Touching on the “No Fees Stress Policy,” Mr Iddrisu said it was in fulfilment of President Mahama’s campaign promise to Ghanaians.

Describing President Mahama as a “fountain of honour,” he added, “Today, from that fountain, they will drink with the students in our first-year tertiary public institutions across Ghana.”

He also noted that the policy extends to persons with disabilities, whose fees would be fully paid by the Government.

The Minister disclosed that his Deputy, together with the Chair of the Federation for Disabled People, is working on a roadmap to ensure the smooth disbursement of funds for students with disabilities.

He added that in the next academic year, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) would double its allocation to the Students Loan Trust—from GH₵70 million to GH₵150 million—to support students requiring further financial assistance.

The “No Fees Stress Policy” is aimed at boosting enrollment in the nation’s public tertiary institutions and will provide free tuition for all first-year students.

The event was graced by New Juaben Manhene, Nana Kwaku Boateng III, and New Juabenmanhemaa, Nana Juaben Serwaa III.

Source: GNA

He made the call during the official inauguration of the governing boards for the National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NASIA) and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) in Accra on Thursday.

The Minister tasked the newly inaugurated NaCCA board to align Ghana’s national curriculum with 21st-century demands, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

He stressed that reforms in the education system are critical to preparing Ghanaian students to thrive in the global economy and contribute to national development.

“Our curriculum must be future-ready. I urge the NaCCA board to prioritize strengthening STEM and TVET education so our students are well-prepared for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he stated.

On the sidelines of the event, the Tamale South MP also raised concerns over the growing use of weapons among students, describing it as a troubling development that endangers both learners and teachers.

He called for a united front in tackling the rising tide of violence in schools and urged NASIA to strengthen its inspection mandate and work closely with school authorities and stakeholders to promote safety, discipline, and order in both basic and second-cycle institutions.

“The use of weapons by students is unacceptable. I expect NASIA to intensify its inspections and strictly enforce safety standards. Every child and teacher deserves a safe and secure learning environment,” Hon. Iddrisu emphasized.

The newly inaugurated boards are expected to offer strategic leadership and oversight to both NASIA and NaCCA—two institutions at the heart of the government’s broader education reform agenda.

Source: Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa

ALSO READ:

• NAGRAT threatens action over rising violence against teachers
• Teachers trained as advocates to combat gender-based violence in schools

Speaking on PM Express, the Tamale South MP emphasized that government’s role will be limited to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive under the initiative.

“What was profound is for the President to remark publicly that the 24-hour economy will be private sector-led, and that it will not be dominated by government,” he said. “Government will only be an enabler, a facilitator, for the private sector to take up the initiative in the various sectors of the economy.”

His remarks followed the official unveiling of the 24-hour economy blueprint by President Mahama on July 2. Haruna described the launch as a “rare opportunity” and “not a nerve-breaking exercise at all” for the president, who he said has been contemplating the initiative for several years.

“He launched the 24-hour policy and the Accelerated Export Development Initiative of his government, and shared with the Ghanaian people that this has been in his thinking and contemplation in the last four or more years,” he noted. “He’s talked about it whilst being out of government, and expedited it due to the current economic realities.”

Haruna cited alarming figures shared by the president to highlight the urgency of boosting local production:
“About $3 billion on rice imports, $3.4 billion on cereal grains, $2.6 billion on frozen poultry, and $2.4 billion on other imported goods.”

He said the policy is a direct response to Ghana’s dependency on imports and the need to build a self-sustaining economy.

“It means that the President wants to respond to a national need – a need for us to invest more in, in his words, a self-reliant, food-sufficient country that can feed itself and guarantee food security,” he stressed.

Haruna also highlighted the strategic importance of appointing businessman and policy expert Goosie Tanoh to lead the implementation of the programme.

“That is why he’s gotten Goosie Tanoh, one of the sharpest and brilliant minds of the NDC, to be the anchor person to guide him in implementing the 24-hour economy.”

He added that the president is committed to moving beyond slogans and delivering real economic change.

“From policy or from slogan to action – that is the 24-hour-plus initiative of the president,” he said. “This is not an event or a race which must end today.”

ALSO READ:

• Bawumia accuses NDC of abandoning 24-hour economy promise

• Establishment of 24-hour economy policing system will guarantee security – Interior Minister

According to him, the bill aims to reform the current system and enhance the selection process.

Speaking at the WAEC Distinction Awards on Thursday, he said the bill will address cronyism and nepotism in the awarding of government scholarships.

“I will be introducing in Parliament, within the next few weeks, the Ghana Scholarship Authority Bill on behalf of the President, as he pledged to the Ghanaian people to deal with nepotism and cronyism that was associated with the award of scholarships,” he said.

As part of the reforms, the new merit-based scholarship system will include a Presidential Scholarship to reward outstanding academic performance in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

“As I introduce the bill, I have the pleasure, on behalf of President John Mahama, to announce today that the number of award winners will be expanded from three to 10.

“All the awardees—overall best-performing candidates in WASSCE every other year—to be determined by WAEC, will qualify for President John Mahama’s Scholarship for Scholarship,” he noted.

The scholarships will be fully sponsored by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and administered through the proposed Ghana Scholarship Authority.

“So every other year, without any interference in WAEC’s determination of these best students, 10 of them will receive the President’s pleasure of continued support with full GETFund-sponsored scholarships through the Scholarship Authority yet to be established,” he said.

The Minister assured that the top five students from each academic programme—Science, General Arts, Business, and Visual Arts—will receive awards, along with “the best female science and maths student and the best performing female from the most deprived community.”

He also called on WAEC to incorporate this initiative into the upcoming legislation.

“So I am making the application to you, Chairman, that when I bring the Ghana Scholarship Authority Bill, part of its functions will be to support the President and WAEC for the Scholarship of Scholarship undertaken by WAEC.

“So when you are doing your legislation, make room for the President’s Scholarship for Scholarship,” he urged.

He emphasised that President John Mahama’s vision for the scheme goes beyond Ghana’s borders.

“The President has also asked me to share with you that the second leg of that scholarship will be to promote Pan-Africanism.

“If there are other excellent students in the sub-region who want to learn our culture—and for us to learn their culture—they may also qualify for the President’s Award from the neighbouring West African countries,” he said.

The Minister congratulated the awardees, encouraging them to be proud and ambitious.

“Walk shoulder high with confidence, be proud of the training you’ve gotten from your parents and teachers. Dream big, but act with character and integrity.”

ALSO READ:

• New scholarship bill to prioritise STEM – Education Minister

• Government scholarships are not for sale – Registrar

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.

ALSO READ:

• Free SHS feeding issues: NPP has been vindicated, NDC scammed Ghanaians – Ntim Fordjour

• Mahama’s campaign dismiss reports on cancellation of free SHS feeding payments

The initiative, aimed at strengthening the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, is expected to transform skills development and job creation.

Speaking at the launch of the project, the Minister underscored the critical role of TVET in Ghana’s economic transformation. He emphasised that investment in technical and vocational training remains the most effective strategy for addressing youth unemployment and building a resilient workforce.

“We seek to help produce entrepreneurs who can create their own jobs and not rely on government,” he stated.

He tasked the Director-General of Ghana TVET, Eng. Dr. Eric Kofi Adzroe, to work closely with the Ministry’s Policy Planning Directorate to lead a rebranding campaign that positions TVET not as a fallback, but as a first-choice pathway to success.

The goal, according to the Minister, is to shift public perception and make TVET a gateway to entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-sufficiency.

The Minister further revealed that the TVET Training Centre will be one of the key beneficiaries of the RISE project.

The project will be implemented through the Commission for TVET (CTVET), with a focus on institutional revitalisation, modern equipment, and upgraded curricula aligned with industry needs.

Chairperson of the newly inaugurated TVET Council, Sebastian Fred Deh, lauded the Minister for his vision and dedication to the sector. He assured that the Council would offer strong strategic direction to deliver on its mandate and ensure the success of the RISE project.

“With the right investment and leadership, TVET can become the engine of economic growth. We are committed to working with the Ministry and all stakeholders to deliver lasting impact,” Mr. Deh affirmed.

The RISE project marks another significant milestone in Ghana’s drive to make skills development and entrepreneurship central pillars of national development. It also reflects growing international confidence in the education reform agenda, with Italy’s support signaling a strong partnership for progress.

ALSO READ:

• Catholic Bishops’ Conference calls for TVET schools in every region

• TVET is not a dumping ground for underperforming students – C/R Minister

The 11-member CIHRM Council comprises the following: Florence Hutchful (President), Dorothy Asare (Vice President), Dr. Francis Eduku (CEO of the Institute), Dr. Edward Kwapong (Immediate Past President), Nana Kwabena Yeboah (Executive Member), Dora Siaw-Lartey (Executive Member), Eric Sewonu Adadevoh (Executive Member), Louise Agyemang-Barning (Executive Member), Anita Andrews Nanfuri (GTEC Representative), Truedy A. Osae (GEA Representative), and Comfort Dede Aki Ashiagbor (Ministry of Education Representative).

In his address at the inauguration, the Minister charged the Council to pay particular attention to three key areas of grave concern to the President: punctuality, productivity, and workforce size.

He remarked, “HR managers have allowed the mushrooming of numbers in both the Civil and Public Service. When I was the Chairman of the Free Zones Authority, we had only 70 employees, but now I’m told the workforce is over 300. I ran NCA with about 98 staff. Today, I’m told it has ballooned to 300 employees. We are just adding up numbers instead of downsizing.”

Mr. Iddrisu therefore tasked the CIHRM Council to develop a manpower roadmap that clearly outlines the categories of staff needed across governmental agencies.

On behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, the Minister conveyed hearty congratulations to the new CIHRM Council members and wished them well in the task ahead.

In brief remarks, CIHRM President Florence Hutchful, on behalf of the new Council and the entire membership, thanked the Minister for taking time out of his busy schedule to inaugurate the Council.

She stated, “Education remains the cornerstone of national development, and the Institute recognizes the critical role the Ministry of Education plays in shaping policies that impact the future of our country.”

She emphasized that CIHRM, as the only legally mandated HR professional body established by law in Ghana, is committed to equipping HR professionals with the required competencies and character to support the building of a productive workforce and healthy organizations for national development.

She also accepted the Minister’s challenge to address the concerns related to productivity, punctuality, and optimal workforce size in the Civil and Public Service.

The CEO of CIHRM, Dr. Francis Eduku, used the occasion to formally invite the Minister to be the keynote speaker at the Institute’s upcoming 2025 HR Conference, scheduled for June 18–19, 2025, at Alisa Hotel, North Ridge, Accra.

The proposed institution is expected to serve the broader Bono Region and contribute significantly to Ghana’s national strategy for agricultural development and food security.

The announcement was made during the official inauguration of the Governing Council of the S.D. Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies in Wa.

According to the Minister, the Ministry of Education is in the final stages of preparing a bill to be presented to Parliament to provide the legal framework for the establishment of the University of Health, Agriculture and Life Sciences. The university will focus on agricultural innovation, life sciences, and rural development, with the overarching goal of promoting sustainable development.

Mr. Iddrisu reiterated the President’s commitment to ensuring that each of Ghana’s 16 regions hosts a public university.

“It is the desire of the government that every region of Ghana will be host to one higher education institution of learning. It is the dream and desire of President Mahama that in each region there will be an established university, but we have to begin somewhere, and we have begun somewhat in getting that done,” he stated.

“One of the new universities that I will lay a bill in Parliament for will be the University of Health, Agriculture and Life Sciences at Kintampo to serve the Bono Region. I intend to table the bill in Parliament as soon as Parliament reconvenes,” he added.

In addition to unveiling plans for the new university, the Minister also disclosed the government’s intention to revert the names of certain public universities that were changed under the previous administration.

He said the move is intended to restore the historical identities of the institutions and reaffirm their foundational missions.

“I’ve heard people, some very critical of us, saying, ‘Why did we announce that the names of the universities will change?’ Yes, it will change; that’s the policy decision of the government, and we intend to get the bill into Parliament for the names to change to reflect the historical names of those institutions,” the Minister explained.

“It’s not to say that we do not appreciate the sacrifices and contributions of those individuals the institutions were named after. If I were to be very political, I would have just said that President Akufo-Addo was busy naming universities he didn’t build, but I will not say that,” he clarified.

The Minister assured that the bill for the establishment of the new university and the proposed name reversions would be laid before Parliament promptly when it reconvenes.

ALSO READ:

• Education Ministry to settle SD Dombo University’s ECG debt as new council takes office

• Free University tuition: Gov’t to pay fees of over 150k students

Speaking in Accra during the inauguration of a 17-member Board of Trustees for the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), he said the bill aims to address cronyism and nepotism in the awarding of government scholarships.

“Apart from dealing with cronyism and nepotism and giving scholarships to those who are undeserving, the emphasis will be on meritocracy and helping our institutions build faculty,” he stated.

The Minister tasked the Board with ensuring substantial financing for the Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative and maintaining reliable food supplies for schools.

He urged the Board to align GETFund allocations with President Mahama’s research agenda for education, which seeks to train learners with 21st-century competencies, values, and aptitudes.

Mr Iddrisu emphasised the need to prioritise basic education funding as key to educational success.

“Ideally, I would say 35 per cent should go into basic education, 40 per cent into higher education, and 25 per cent into free SHS, on the condition that we still have some financial support from the Ministry of Finance,” he said.

He also directed the Board to address infrastructure challenges in secondary schools caused by increased enrolment under the Free SHS programme.

The Minister announced plans to support public universities in funding at least five PhD scholarships locally.

He further called for the completion of over 300 uncompleted GETFund projects to ensure value for money.

“We trust that this Board of Trustees will continue to support institutions of higher learning to expand and improve access, quality, and relevance of education,” he added, urging the Board to make budgetary provisions for emergencies in the education sector.

Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Chairman of the GETFund Board, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to fulfil their mandate.

Board members include: Prof Ahmed Jinapor, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission; Prof Ernest Davis, Ghana Education Service; Mr Masawudu Mahama, Ministry of Finance; Rev Dr Cyril G.K. Fayose, Religious Bodies; and Mr Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Ghana Revenue Authority.

Others are: Mr Paul Adjei, GETFund; Mrs Mamle Andrews, Ministry of Education; Mr John Awuah, Ghana Bankers Association; Mr Seth Kobla Aklasi, Ghana Insurers Association; Ms Patience Abla Ganyo, National Pensions Regulatory Authority; and Rev Prof John Frank Eshun, Technical Universities.

The rest are: Ms Philippa Larsen, Ghana National Association of Teachers; Mr Daniel Nii Botchway, National Union of Ghana Students; Ms Grace Amey-Obeng, Association of Ghana Industries; Madam Francisca Atuluk, National Council on Women and Development; and Mr Alexander Frimpong, Ghana Employers’ Association.

ALSO READ:

• Wendy Shay rewards girl in viral dance video with educational scholarship

• Tuition scholarships for Ghanaian students should be allocated across all universities – Prof. Sam…

The Minister made the call at the 2025 Eid-ul-Fitr prayers with the Ambariyya Muslim sect in Tamale on Monday, March 31.

“I want to announce as Ghana’s Minister of Education that every child and every Ghanaian is entitled to the full benefit of all the rights enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, and therefore no school has the right to deny any Ghanaian child the right to practise their faith.

“All schools must recognise and respect the right of every Ghanaian child to profess and practise their religion,” he urged.

The minister’s call follows concerns raised by the Ghana Muslim Students Association of Ghana on Saturday, March 29.

ALSO READ:

• Wesley Girls SHS sued over alleged discrimination against Muslim students

• Ahafo GMSA concerned over Muslim students neglecting Islamic values

Ghana, aiming for a fifth World Cup appearance, will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday evening.

Following their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Iddrisu called on the national team to bounce back with a victory.

“We need nothing but a win against Chad. It is disappointing that the Black Stars couldn’t qualify for the 2025 AFCON. The team has failed to win in their last six matches,” Iddrisu said.

“That is not the Black Stars of Ghana. There is something fundamentally wrong.”

He further urged Sports Minister Kofi Adams to take a firm stance in handling the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and to minimize external interference in the team’s affairs.

“Minister, when it comes to interference with Association Football, there will be limitations, but you have to be firm. You have to be very firm in your dealings with it,” he added.

Ghana currently shares the top spot in their World Cup qualifying group with Comoros, both level on nine points.

After facing Chad, the Black Stars will take on Madagascar in Morocco on Monday, March 24.

He says uncapping GETFund will enhance the administration of Ghana’s education sector as it will boost infrastructure expansion.

The Finance Minister presented the 2025 budget in parliament on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, March 12, Mr. Iddrisu described the current efforts as “a good beginning and a good start,” highlighting key financial strategies aimed at ensuring sustainable educational development.

According to the minister, the government has identified three major steps to improve funding in the education sector.

The first step involves uncapping the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), allowing for an increase in financial resources allocated to educational infrastructure and programmes.

Secondly, the government plans to absorb the Daakye bond bills as part of the national public debt, a move aimed at relieving the education sector of financial pressures and ensuring a more stable allocation of resources.

He said the third and perhaps most significant initiative is dedicating GETFund solely to financing the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

“Three, to dedicate GETFund to the financing of the Free Senior High School,” he said.

This move, he explained, is expected to enhance the implementation and sustainability of the flagship education programme.

While acknowledging that these measures may not entirely address all financial challenges facing the education sector, Mr. Iddrisu maintained that they are necessary steps towards long-term improvements.

“Now, that may not be enough, but at least a good beginning,” he remarked.

READ ALSO:

• 2025 Budget: GOLDBOD is an initiative to loot funds – Amin Adam
• 2025 Budget: Ato Forson behaved like a woman in labour – Haruna Iddrisu

ALSO READ:

• 2025 Budget proves economy wasn’t in a ‘sick state’ – Gideon Boako

• 2025 Budget: Gov’t has demonstrated good intentions – GUTA

• 2025 Budget Presentation: You’ve made me proud – John Jinapor to Ato Forson

He said it is only when this is done that the government would be able to invest in massive infrastructure development in the education sector to erase the deficits, especially in the second cycle schools.

He was speaking at the 72nd-anniversary grand durbar of the Keta Senior High Technical School, in Keta.

“The economy President John Mahama is inheriting is a sinkhole economy in distress that needs to be reset and put on track for him to deliver massive infrastructure support to our educational institution”, he said.

He underscored the urgent need to make available enough infrastructure to ease the deficits due to the huge numbers of students admitted to second-cycle schools as a result of the implementation of the Free Senior High School.

Mr Iddrisu indicated that the government aims to implement a robust information communication and technology program from the kindergarten to the tertiary level.

This he said is targeted at producing technologically inclined human resources to achieve total economic development.

“The President, your President, will introduce digital literacy beginning from kindergarten and send it to tertiary level and make an investment in innovation and technological hub not only in institutions of technical and secondary education but also in institutions of higher learning”, he said.

He acknowledged the challenges of the Keta Senior High Technical School, promising to give “urgent priority” attention to the fence wall project at the girl’s dormitory and sanitary facilities for both boys and girls.

He directed the Ghana Education Service to consider a request by the KETASCO old Students for their alma matter to be upgraded to category A school.

Mr Idrissu appreciated the massive support and contribution of the Volta Region to the National Democratic Congress’ victory, adding that the region would reap its labour.

“Be assured that President John Mahama will honour and reward the people of the Volta Region for standing strong and firm to give him that extraordinary mandate as President of the Republic of Ghana.

Marked decrease of the male hormone testosterone leads to several physiological challenges, including erectile dysfunction. This condition, characterized by inability to maintain an erection, can be managed with lifestyle changes or pharmaceutical products to enhance hormonal balance.

“And that will mean, President Mahama will upscale investment in general infrastructure that is desired“, he added.

The Headmaster of KETASCO, Innocent Kwame August, made a special appeal for support to set up a modern ICT Lab after listing the lack of infrastructure and academic logistics as the main challenges of the school.

He outlined insufficient sanitary facilities for boys and girls, the absence of a fence wall around the girls’ dormitory, the absence of dining and assembly halls, inadequate academic logistics and lack of official vehicles as some challenges the school is grappling with.

The Dean of the University of Cape Coast Business School, Professor John Gatsi, stressed the need to invest in producing technologically inclined human resources to help Ghana benefit from the fourth industrial revolution.

He implored the government to invest in enhancing technological education among others to bridge the country’s generational gap.

“Education and training are the best tools to bridge the generational gap occasioned by changes in technology, value systems, politics, and life expectancy.

“Allowing the younger generation to participate in governance at various levels, including the ministerial, cabinet, Council of State, parliament, economic planning, technology, and policy committees, helps to bridge the gap because they prefer involvement over decision-making without them at the table”, he said.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, assured of an effective collaboration with all stakeholders towards the development of the region.

ALSO READ:

• Stephen Amoah rejects Mahama’s ‘criminal mishandling’ claim on economy

• Ghana is now a crime scene; how could you be so reckless? – Mahama…

The Tamale South MP was speaking at a public forum on education in Accra.

“We have an infrastructure deficit of about 5,000 schools still under trees,” he bemoaned.

Acknowledging the impact of the phenomenon on academic activities, he emphasized the commitment of the Mahama-led administration to addressing the infrastructural gap.

“There will be massive investment in educational infrastructure, with the first phase being unveiled in the 2025 budget statement. We will work to close the gaps,” he assured.

The issue of schools under trees has been a longstanding challenge, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Teaching and learning take place in open spaces under trees or in dilapidated structures due to a lack of proper school infrastructure.

These makeshift classrooms result from limited access to formal school buildings, a shortage of educational facilities, and an underfunded education system in some regions.

ALSO READ:

• Uncap GETFund to fully fund Free SHS, eradicate schools under trees – NUGS

• Audio: My constituency has no ‘schools under trees’ – MP brags

The test will be conducted for students in Class 2, Class 4, Class 6, and JSS 2 to help them adapt to the examination environment before taking the BECE.

Speaking at a public forum on Monday, February 17, the Minister explained that the NST aims to psychologically prepare pupils for national assessments and improve their readiness for future examinations.

“I am happy to announce that a National Standardised Test will be introduced in Ghana for P2, P4, P6, and JSS2. The intention is simple—we don’t want students to experience an examination setting for the first time only at BECE. This test will familiarize them with the examination environment and better equip them for national assessments,” he stated.

The NST is expected to enhance learning outcomes by identifying students’ strengths and weaknesses early in their education.

READ ALSO:

• NPA introduces new price floor for petroleum products
• There has been no increase in cocoa prices – Agric Minister clarifies