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Tag: Education Ministry

  • PUFA applauds Education Ministry for move to ease Charter Requirements

    PUFA applauds Education Ministry for move to ease Charter Requirements

    The Private University Founders Association (PUFA) has commended the Ministry of Education and its sector minister, Haruna Iddrisu, for taking steps to address long-standing concerns raised by private tertiary institutions regarding Ghana’s current regulatory framework.

    In a statement signed by Executive Secretary of PUFA, Martin k. Gyambrah expressed appreciation to the Minister for acknowledging the challenges private universities face under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), and for initiating processes to amend the law.

    According to PUFA, a Cabinet Memorandum is being finalised to make the chartering process optional for private universities.

    “This policy shift directly addresses the long-standing challenges associated with the current chartering framework, which Private Universities have often found restrictive and cumbersome.

    Making charter acquisition optional will provide institutions with greater flexibility to innovate and enhance their contributions to national development,” the statement read.

    The Association also welcomed the Minister’s recognition of the crucial role private universities play in widening access to higher education.

    It highlighted the Ministry’s renewed emphasis on Access, Relevance, and Quality (ARQ), complemented by oversight from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), as a balanced framework that supports growth while maintaining academic standards.

    PUFA further acknowledged the backing of Parliament’s Select Committee on Education, led by Hon. Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, whose advocacy aligns with the push for optional chartering.

    The Association referenced Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe’s observation that government saves about GH₵50,000 per student enrolled in a private institution—an indication of the significant relief private universities provide to the state.

    Reaffirming its commitment, PUFA stated it remains ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Education, GTEC, Parliament, and other stakeholders to strengthen Ghana’s tertiary education landscape and advance reforms that enhance the sector’s performance.

    Read the full statement below:

    Press Release-PUFA Commends Ministry of Education for Addressing Concerns of Private Universities-sigDownload
  • Govt has not banned English in basic schools – Education Ministry

    Govt has not banned English in basic schools – Education Ministry

    English has not been scrapped as a language of instruction in Ghanaian basic schools, the Ministry of Education has clarified. This was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, on Thursday, October 30.

    The clarification comes at a time when the Ministry has directed the compulsory teaching of Ghanaian languages in basic schools, specifically for pupils from Kindergarten to Primary Three.

    However, Dr. Clement Apaak explained that the new policy is to ensure that children are not only fluent in the English language but also in their home languages. He emphasized that the initiative is also intended to strengthen learning outcomes across all subjects.

    “Teaching in a language the child does not understand or speak well creates major barriers to literacy acquisition. So, we are committing to revisit the policy, based on global evidence, to ensure that we are teaching effectively from KG to Basic Year Three to improve learning outcomes.

    “This includes looking at how we can draw upon the success of Ghanaian programmes such as Complementary Basic Education to involve communities and extend early grade teaching beyond our 12 official languages,” he added.

    According to the statement, “As evidence has shown, the practice in countries such as China, Finland, Japan and Malaysia indicates that proficiency in a home language or playground language is key to learning other languages effectively.

    “It also helps in developing in young learners, national identity and appreciation of cultural values,” the statement said, adding that the Ministry of Education was keen to ensure that no learner was left behind in receiving the quality education they deserve. “It is their right. We respect their right. At the end, we are nurturing individuals into responsible national adults and global citizens.”

    In 2023, Ghanaian historian, Nana Osei-Bonsu Sarfo-Kantanka, called on managers of educational institutions across the country to desist from punishing students who speak local languages while in school.

    He said students should be encouraged to speak local languages to better understand the culture and heritage of the country.

    The historian attributed his point to the fact that some foreign countries prioritize their local languages, thereby requiring that a person, upon arrival in the country, speak and understand the language.

    Speaking to KMJ on Prime Morning, he said, “If you go to school, it is written ‘Speak English.’ If you spoke the local dialect, you would be spanked. All these things must be removed.”

    “If you go to India, you have to learn Hindi to be able to study at the university. Why can’t we learn from them?” he quizzed.

    Despite the fact that English is an international language that cannot be abolished, Nana Osei-Bonsu opined that it could be blended with local languages to activate the country’s heritage.

    He also believes that Ghanaian languages are likely to fade out as generations pass if parents do not insist on speaking local dialects with their children.

    Nana Osei-Bonsu encouraged people to make efforts to speak their local languages at all levels to maintain the cultural heritage of the country and its relevance.

    “Even if just twenty people are speaking the language, it should be encouraged at all levels. If we’re able to do that, gradually ours will take over the so-called international language. In our houses, parents should be serious and speak our local languages with their children,” he entreated.

    The country celebrates Ghana Month throughout March every year to commemorate her independence. The historian believes that people’s enthusiasm for the celebration is depleting as the years go by.

    He attributes the dwindling interest partly to the trend of designers incorporating foreign products into their designs. The historian also indicated that opinion leaders can be blamed for the low interest among the public, as they have failed to insist on the inclusion of local languages in the school curriculum.

    As to whether the late Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah would have maintained the country’s heritage if he were alive, Nana Osei-Bonsu said, “Who knows that he would have kept doing what he was doing because politicians are dictated to.”

    However, Ghanaians are encouraged to project their culture globally by wearing locally made designs, eating Ghanaian food, and speaking local languages, among others, throughout March.

    Earlier this year, Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Frank Yeboah, urged Ghanaians to protect and preserve their indigenous languages. According to him, the country’s indigenous languages play a crucial role in national identity and cultural heritage.

    He made this statement during the commemoration of International Mother Language Day in February.

    Addressing Parliament, he urged all citizens to recognize the value of their native tongues and take proactive steps to safeguard them. Mr. Yeboah highlighted the importance of community-driven efforts in language preservation, stressing that initiatives such as storytelling, oral history documentation, and intergenerational language transmission programmes must be actively promoted.

    He encouraged schools, traditional authorities, and cultural institutions to collaborate to ensure that local languages remain relevant in contemporary Ghanaian society.

    “Mr Speaker, we cannot afford to lose our indigenous languages, for in them lies the heart and soul of our identity as Ghanaians,” he stated. “Let us act now to protect and promote them, ensuring that future generations inherit not just the words, but the history, values, and wisdom they carry.”

    He further called on policymakers to incorporate indigenous language education into the national curriculum and promote its usage in both public and private sectors.

    The MP also emphasized the need for media platforms to dedicate more airtime to local languages, ensuring that they remain widely spoken and appreciated.

    He concluded by urging all Ghanaians to take pride in their linguistic heritage, noting that preserving mother languages is not merely about communication but about protecting a rich legacy of knowledge and identity.

  • Alleged GHC15k bribe for Aburi Girls SHS admission under investigation – Education Ministry

    Alleged GHC15k bribe for Aburi Girls SHS admission under investigation – Education Ministry

    The Ministry of Education has intervened to investigate allegations that authorities at Aburi Girls’ Senior High School collect over GHC15,000 to admit students.

    Taking to social media, one Gertrude Adzo Borklo claimed that the Computerized School Placement System, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), is being manipulated by certain school authorities. However, in a statement issued on Thursday, September 25, and Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, the Ministry described the claims as false and said they are based on a “conspiratorial narrative”.


    Additionally, the Ministry has noted that all efforts to reach out to the claimant have been futile, noting that Gertrude Adzo Borklo’s accounts appear to have been inactive for some time. Nonetheless, the Education Ministry is working with National Security, the Cyber Security Authority, and other agencies to track down and contact the individual.

    Other anonymous accounts, according to the Ministry, continue to circulate misleading claims about the school placement system. The statement emphasized that the placement process is entirely free of charge; therefore, it called on victims to complain to the Ministry through its numbers 054 154 8223 (Calls) and 024 490 8957 (WhatsApp).


    “At no point is payment required to access this service. We call on members of the public to provide any information or evidence of persons, whether Ministry officials or third parties, who demand money for placements. The Ministry assures swift and decisive action against any individual found culpable,” the statement read.


    The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s school placement system. There have been recent speculations that the Education Ministry solely depends on a rigid score system to place students in Senior High Schools. But the Ministry has described the claims as misleading and inaccurate.


    In August, the Deputy Education Minister, Dr Clement Apaak, emphasized that multiple factors influence how students are assigned to specific Senior High Schools (SHSs).


    According to an official statement signed and issued by the Deputy Education Minister on Saturday August 30, the Ministry noted that the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) used in designating SHS graduates to various schools considers the aggregate and raw scores of students, the availability of vacancies in schools, and the popularity of specific programmes.


    The statement added that the Ministry does not demand or accept rewards from parents or guardians to guarantee that students are placed in schools of their choice, as speculated.


    “The Ministry confirms that this information is not only false but also maliciously misleading. The placement is based on a combination of factors, including aggregate and raw scores, availability of vacancies in the various schools and programmes of study. Limited vacancies and high competition can affect placement. The Ministry unequivocally states that no form of payment or inducement is required or solicited from parents, guardians, or their representatives for the purpose of securing placement.


    “All interactions with the Ministry and Ghana Education Service (GES) officials are expected to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and transparency. The public is advised to be cautious and report any cases of extortion or bribery attempts related to student placements. Stakeholders are encouraged to report miscreants to the nearest police station,” parts of the statement read.


    The Ministry’s clarification is a rebuttal to recent claims that the Ministry solely depends on a rigid score system to place students in Senior High Schools. Meanwhile, the Ministry has described the claims as misleading and inaccurate.


    Parents and prospective Senior High School students have lodged complaints over misplaced placements to difficulties in accessing schools of choice.

    Others have also raised concerns about being assigned to schools far from their preferred locations despite meeting the required grades. On September 19, the Deputy Education Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, called for calm following reports of technical glitches in the placement process.


    During a visit to the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall in Accra on Friday, September 19, the minister stated that the issue is being resolved and assured parents and students that all Senior High School placements would be finalized soon.


    He explained that the current challenge was anticipated and that measures have been put in place to address it promptly. “It’s a process. It has not ended. Be patient and be reassured that we anticipated a number of challenges, and that is why we decided to set a reporting date that gives you enough time and gives us enough time to address all the issues.


    “So be assured that by the time our wards are expected to report, which is around this same time next month, October 18, many of these issues, if not all, will be resolved,” he added.


    On Wednesday, September 17, the Ghana Education Service (GES) opened the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) portal to allow prospective Senior High School (SHS) students to access their designated schools.


    As per a circular dated Wednesday, September 17, signed by the acting Deputy Director-General for Quality and Access at the GES, Dr Munawaru Isshaque and addressed to all regional directors, freshers will report to their designated schools from October 18.


    The statement warned school authorities against enrolling students against the placement list generated by the CSSPS Secretariat, stressing the need for transparency and impartiality during the registration process.


    “Admission of students should strictly follow the placement list generated by the CSSPS Secretariat. No school is permitted to admit students outside the official placement without prior written approval from GES,” parts of the circular read.


    483,800 have been placed into various Senior High Schools across the country out of the 590,000 candidates. On Monday, September 1, the school placement portal was opened for new entrant students to verify their school choices, biodata, and other relevant information ahead of the final placement.


    The deadline for the fact-checking exercise was brought to a close on Monday, September 8. Of this figure,248,038 are females (51.4%), and 234,783 are males (48.6%).

    However, 107,509 candidates (18.2%) could not be matched with their initial school choices due to high demand for certain Category A schools.

  • Education Ministry enforces new PTA rules across all schools

    Education Ministry enforces new PTA rules across all schools

    A new framework aimed at strengthening collaboration between schools and families has been rolled out nationwide by the Education Ministry.

    This information was made known after the National Curriculum Review Committee paid a visit to the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu to submit final policy guidelines on the operationalisation of PTAs.

    According to the Minister admonished parents and teachers to adhere to the laid down guidelines. “PTAs are back. Now there is an established norm with guidelines to facilitate and support their work. Socialisation is a shared responsibility, particularly for young learners. While the child spends time at home, significant hours are spent in school, making both parents and teachers equally responsible for shaping the child. Ghana’s concept of socialisation must be shared,” he said.

    In July, a directive from President John Dramani Mahama has necessitated the reinstatement of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in pre-tertiary schools across the country. This was disclosed by the Head of Public Relations at Ghana Education Service (GES), Daniel Fenyi, on Thursday, July 17.


    The move, he explained, will ensure effective collaboration between parents and teachers for quality education for students. “All heads of public senior high schools, technical, and STEM schools are to operationalise the reinstatement with immediate effect.

    This move is aimed at strengthening the collaboration and involvement of parents, communities and teachers in the delivery of quality education to Ghanaian learners,” parts of the statement added.

    Under the Akufo-Addo-led administration, public second-cycle institutions observed a limited influence of PTAs in school management, particularly regarding financial assistance to augment the government’s efforts under the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.


    In 2019, the GES ordered the suspension of PTA levies after reports emerged that some school heads were abusing the collection of dues and levies, undermining the administration’s objective of eliminating cost as a barrier to secondary education in Ghana.

    Consequently, teachers were exempted from the Parent-Teacher Association, and the organization was rebranded as the Parent Association (PA).


    According to the GES, the decision to rename PTA as PA aimed to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for parents and guardians. This change, however, limited teachers’ roles in school management, as the PA lacked the level of engagement and decision-making authority that PTAs traditionally held.


    The decision to scrap PTAs faced criticism from various education stakeholders, with many citing reduced teacher involvement and a weakened support system for students. Although the GES clarified that teachers had not been excluded from Parent Associations, many argued that the shift rendered the association ineffective.

    In May, the Ministry of Education granted school heads at Senior High Schools (SHS) across the country the mandate to conduct searches on students. This was revealed by the Deputy Minister for Education, Clement Apaak on Saturday, May 24.

    Speaking to Citi News, Clement Apaak, noted that the action is a part of the government’s series of strategies to eradicate indiscipline in schools, specifically SHSs.

    The new development was ruled out under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP)government.

    The instruction comes after the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) threatened to take matters in their hands should the GES fail to introduce drastic measures against notorious SHS students.

    NAGRAT, however, issued a May 31 deadline ultimatum emphasizing its decision to introduce tough disciplinary measures to protect teachers.

    In response, the Ministry of Education has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to implement a lasting solution in response to the rising cases of indiscipline in Senior High Schools (SHS).

    The Deputy Minister has also indicated that Parent Teachers Association (PTA) meetings will be reinstated to ensure teachers and parents collaborate as well as share concerns.

    He added that “The minister has directed the director general of education to work with the current Education Service council to provide immediate additional interventions towards addressing this canker which clearly doesn’t order well for teaching and learning even as we look forward to implementing recommendations as captured in the here yet to be published report of the national education forum”.

    However, the Deputy Minister explained that the decision to include corporal punishment would be made once the discussions with the stakeholders of education are finalized.

    “So we would not make an immediate pronouncement as to whether oral punishment should be one of the interventions until we see what is going to come out of the interaction between the director general and the council,” he added.

    Violence in SHSs has become a trend in the country. Between January and February this year, Ghana recorded five violent clashes in SHSs.

    These incidents have witnessed students possessing weapons, destroying properties and others engaging in brutal confrontations.

    Stakeholders on the other hand, have bemoaned the growing indiscipline and insecurity on school campuses, prompting calls for an immediate intervention.

    Recently, authorities at Sokode Senior High Technical School temporarily shut down the premises over a violent misunderstanding between students.

    Kinbu Secondary Technical and Accra Technical Centre School earlier this year were involved in a heated altercation.

    Away from Accra, Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI) and Kumasi Anglican Senior High School clashed after returning from an inter-school competition.

    One student sustained severe injuries as a result of the event; school properties and private cars belonging to teachers were also damaged.

    Salaga Senior High School in the Savannah Region, observed the most violent clashes.

    The confrontation left a student with multiple stab wounds with the police retrieving locally-produced pistol and ammunition from the scene.

    Students of Islamic Senior High School (ISSEC)also faced off with local youth, causing injuries and damages to multiple vehicles.

  • SHS placement is based on multiple factors, not just aggregate and raw scores – Education Ministry

    SHS placement is based on multiple factors, not just aggregate and raw scores – Education Ministry

    Deputy Education Minister, Dr Clement Apaak, has emphasized that multiple factors influence how students are assigned to specific Senior High Schools (SHSs).

    According to an official statement signed and issued by the Deputy Education Minister on Saturday August 30, the Ministry noted that the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) used in designating SHS graduates to various schools considers the aggregate and raw scores of students, the availability of vacancies in schools, and the popularity of specific programmes.


    The statement added that the Ministry does not demand or accept rewards from parents or guardians to guarantee that students are placed in schools of their choice as speculated.

    “The Ministry confirms that this information is not only false but also maliciously misleading. The placement is based on a combination of factors, including aggregate and raw scores, availability of vacancies in the various schools and programmes of study. Limited vacancies and high competition can affect placement. The Ministry unequivocally states that no form of payment or inducement is required or solicited from parents, guardians, or their representatives for the purpose of securing placement.


    “All interactions with the Ministry and Ghana Education Service (GES) officials are expected to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and transparency. The public is advised to be cautious and report any cases of extortion or bribery attempts related to student placements. Stakeholders are encouraged to report miscreants to the nearest police station,” parts of the statement read.

    The Ministry’s clarification is a rebuttal to recent claims that the Ministry solely depends on a rigid score system to place students in Senior High Schools. Meanwhile, the Ministry has described the claims as misleading and inaccurate.


    The 2025 school placement exercise will officially commence on September 17, as announced by the Ghana Education Service (GES).

    At a media briefing on Wednesday, August 27, GES Director-General, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, indicated that before final placement is completed, prospective Senior High School (SHS) students will be allowed to double-check and correct their information via www.csses.gov.gh to avoid errors.


    He explained that the exercise will run from September 1 to September 8.
    “In order to reduce the errors associated with school placement, candidates will have the opportunity to review the entries they have made; gender, school code, programme code, online on www.csses.gov.gh.

    “This will be supported by an explainer video to guide parents. This exercise is expected on the 1st September and ends on 8th September. The Actual placement exercise will commence on the 17th of September. Students are expected to report to campus and begin their studies between 18th to 20th October,” he stated.


    After placement, students are expected to report to their schools and start classes between October 18 and October 20 to begin the 2025/2026 academic year.SHS 3 students will reopen on October 11, 2025, and remain in school until February 27, 2026, covering 18 weeks.


    They will return on March 13, 2026, for a 14-week session ending June 21, 2026, ahead of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) scheduled for April 20 to June 20, 2026.

    SHS 1 and 2 students will start their first session on October 18, 2025, and break on February 27, 2026, after 17 weeks. They will resume on May 4, 2026, for a 16-week session ending August 21, 2026, marking the close of the academic year.

    The Transitional Calendar refers to a temporary academic schedule designed to bridge the gap between the old double-track system and the new single-track system. On that calendar, first-year students will also report on October 18, 2025, and stay until January 30, 2026, before proceeding on a short break.


    Their second term will then begin on March 16 and run until June 12, 2026, with additional breaks, including some four weeks of off-site learning to help manage overcrowding in school facilities.

    Second-year students in transitional schools will reopen on January 5, 2026, and vacate on May 18, 2026, with five weeks of online learning.
    They will then resume from the vacation later in September for the final stretch of the academic year.

    Final-year students in transitional schools will begin on October 27, 2025, for a 14-week session before the Christmas break and resume in February for an 18-week preparation period before they sit for their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    GES also highlighted some significant breaks in the new timetable. The Christmas break will begin on December 20, 2025, and end on January 4, 2026. Vacation for SHS 3 students is slated for February 27 to March 1, 2026, while SHS 1 and 2 students will break from August 21 to August 23, 2026.


    GES has also proposed September 11, 2026, as the start date for the 2026/2027 academic year.In an unrelated development, sixty (60) private schools have been included under the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. Junior High School (JHS) graduates will be admitted into these private schools, which fall under Category E in the school selection process.

    These schools will be accepting applications starting from the 2025/2026 academic year. The new development aligns with the government’s efforts to ease congestion in public SHSs as well as promote quality education across the country.


    In a press release issued on Sunday, July 20, by the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) and signed by its National Executive Director, Oberto Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, the council described the initiative as a historic and progressive move.


    “This progressive move marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s educational transformation journey. It underscores the Government’s commitment to inclusive, collaborative education delivery and reaffirms the important role of private schools in advancing national development goals,” part of the release read.


    The council further called on other private schools that are yet to be listed to remain patient, prepared, and compliant with regulatory standards. In May, Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Clement Apaak announced that the inclusion forms part of a broader plan to scale up capacity and gradually end the double-track system.


    “As part of our campaign promise, we have been working diligently to bring on board private senior high schools in the delivery of the Free SHS programme. Meetings have been held, engagements have been done, and we are very certain that with the diligence we expect from our side…” he noted.


    The double-track system was introduced in 2018 by the erstwhile government to accommodate the surge in student enrollment due to the Free SHS policy, addressing overcrowding in public schools.

    Under this system, students were divided into two groups: Green Track and Gold Track, attending school in shifts, with one track in session while the other was on break.


    The anticipated extension of the Free SHS policy, according to the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, is a fulfillment of the government’s manifesto promise, adding that it is a step to ensure eligible students gain admission without delays.


    “We believe strongly that in fulfilling this manifesto campaign promise, this is going to serve as an artery in helping us bring an end to the double-track system,” the deputy minister said.


    According to him, the Education Ministry has received encouraging feedback from private schools, many of which have expressed readiness to meet the standards and requirements of the Free SHS framework.“… and the eagerness of the private schools to participate, the private schools will deliver in their participation,” he assured.

    He added that this collaboration would not only help expand capacity but also ensure a more equitable distribution of educational opportunities across the country.

  • GES, Education Ministry under fire over ghost names and illegal allowances

    GES, Education Ministry under fire over ghost names and illegal allowances

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education have come under scrutiny following revelations in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report about unearned salaries and responsibility allowances.

    According to the report, some head teachers validated the names of deceased staff and collected their salaries, a practice that has raised concerns in Parliament.

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

    Ranking Member of the Committee and MP for Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem, Samuel Atta Mills, expressed outrage over the recurring nature of the malpractice. “Awurade nyankopon,” he exclaimed. “My God… GES, this is a problem ooo… Who is keeping an eye on this, to stop these infractions?”

    Mr Atta Mills, who has served three terms on PAC, said he was alarmed that the Ministry and GES had year after year failed to curb the irregularities, and called for sanctions against supervisors who allowed the lapses.

    The issue came to light when Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, led a team from the Ministry before the PAC on Friday, August 22. He admitted that dishonesty and collusion among staff of the Ministry and GES had contributed to the persistence of such irregularities, and assured the Committee that steps would be taken to expose those involved.

    The Auditor-General’s report also cited weak oversight and poor internal controls as enabling factors behind the infractions.

    Meanwhile, responsibility allowances paid by the GES cover certain staff categories, including deputy directors, assistant directors, principal superintendents, school heads, heads of departments, and senior non-teaching officers such as principal accountants and internal auditors.

    To address the broader payroll concerns, government has launched a nationwide audit to remove ghost names. Earlier this year, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department announced the termination of salaries for tens of thousands of inactive or separated government workers and pledged to recover wrongful payments made through wrongful validation.

    In a similar event, Over 2,000 ghost names have been deleted from the National Service Authority (NSA)payroll scheme as part of its cleanup exercise.The cleanup exercise, according to the Authority, will save Ghana over GH¢1 million.

    While addressing the media, the NSA’s Director-General, Felix Gyamfi, indicated that the Controller and Accountant General’s Department will verify the details of legitimate service personnel.

    “If you’re already on another payroll — whether as a police officer, immigration officer, or army officer — and you’re doing national service just to meet the requirement, do not submit your allowance form this month. “We are now working closely with the NIB and other security agencies, and anyone who attempts to defraud the system will be arrested,” Gyamfi warned.

    The Fourth Estate, released a report into the payroll records from 2017 to 2023 and the 2024 National Service Year.The finding revealed serious irregularities within the NSA, uncovering how a 72-year-old Kenyan, Kwame Donkor, was wrongly listed as a beneficiary.

    Mr Donkor was enlisted in the payroll with a photo and not an official ID card, which is unusual. However, the photo belonged to Emmanuel Mutio, a Human Resource Manager at a private IT company in Kenya. A 72-year-old Kenyan had his name appear on the payroll 226 times as a registered beneficiary.

    The Fourth Estate initially uncovered the issue in November 2024, but the NSA obtained a court order preventing them from publishing the findings.

    After the court later lifted the injunction, the report was finally released.

    In response, President John Dramani Mahama ordered a probe into the matter.

    The NIB, upon the President’s directive, interrogated the former Deputy Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah and Kwaku Ohene Djan, who is also a former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority. The payroll fraud reportedly cost Ghana GHȼ50 million monthly.

    The government uncovered a major payroll discrepancy within the National Service Authority (NSA), identifying 81,885 suspected ghost names that may have led to substantial financial losses.

    This revelation follows a detailed audit of active National Service personnel, exposing a vast gap between the actual number of personnel and the figures previously reported for allowance payments.

    Official data now confirms that only 98,145 personnel are currently in service, compared to the 180,030 names submitted for payment in 2024.

    “This figure is 81,885 less than the 180,030 names presented by the previous management of the Authority for allowance payment in 2024,” a government statement confirmed.

    The discrepancy, which points to potential fraud or payroll inflation, was brought to light after an investigative report by The Fourth Estate, prompting swift action from the presidency.

    In response, President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) to launch an immediate probe into the operations of the NSA. The investigation aims to determine the extent of the irregularities and hold those responsible accountable.

    Additionally, the President has emphasized the urgent need for stricter payroll verification processes to prevent a recurrence of such financial mismanagement in the future.

  • Surging violent incidents compel Education Ministry to review security measures in SHSs

    Surging violent incidents compel Education Ministry to review security measures in SHSs

    A comprehensive review of security arrangements in schools nationwide has been ordered by the Ministry of Education. The call is a response to recurring violent incidents specifically in the Senior High Schools (SHSs) that have claimed the lives of students.

    The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, who was addressing the media on Thursday, August 7, 2025 fumed about the chaos in SHSs describing them as “deeply troubling and unacceptable.”

    “We must work more closely with our security agencies and law enforcement to ensure our schools remain safe spaces for learning. Even our concept of a ‘watchman’ in educational institutions needs to be revisited.

    “Do we just pick anyone and label them school security? With no training in policing or even basic security practices?.We need to review this so we can foster a safer school environment for both students and teachers,” he added.

    His comments follow the death of a 15-year-old student of Kinbu Senior High School (SHS), which occurred on July 31. Addib Alhassan was fatally stabbed during an altercation allegedly sparked by a heated argument.

    The exact cause of the confrontation remains unclear. After sustaining injuries, Alhassan was initially rushed to the Adabraka Polyclinic and later transferred to the Ridge Hospital due to the severity of his injuries. He was later pronounced dead.

    In reaction to the unfortunate incident, the Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, strongly condemned the murder, describing it as both tragic and senseless.

    She expressed deep shock and sorrow over the stabbing in a statement she released on Friday, July 31, 2025. “I strongly condemn this act of violence, and I will collaborate with the Ghana Police Service and other relevant authorities to ensure that thorough investigations are swiftly done and that justice is served,” she said.

    The Member of Parliament stressed that schools must remain a safe haven for studies and personal development. She encouraged a joint effort from education and security authorities to ensure stronger safety measures are in place across all institutions.

    “This tragedy must be a wake-up call for all stakeholders in the education and security sectors to prevent such incidents from recurring,” she stated. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings offered her condolences to the bereaved family and the Kinbu SHS community, including students and staff.

    She made a commitment to partner with the Ghana Education Service (GES), school leadership, and security agencies to strengthen safety and mental health support structures in schools across her constituency.

    Earlier this year, Kinbu Secondary Technical and Accra Technical Centre School were involved in a heated altercation, adding to the number of melees recorded this year.

    Violence in SHSs has become a trend in the country. Seven months into the year, Ghana has recorded over five violent clashes in SHSs. These incidents have witnessed students possessing weapons, destroying property, and others engaging in brutal confrontations.

    Stakeholders have bemoaned the growing indiscipline and insecurity on school campuses, prompting calls for an immediate intervention. Recently, authorities at Sokode Senior High Technical School temporarily shut down the premises over a violent misunderstanding between students.

    Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI) and Kumasi Anglican Senior High School clashed after returning from an inter-school competition. One student sustained severe injuries as a result of the event; school properties and private cars belonging to teachers were also damaged.

    Salaga Senior High School in the Savannah Region observed the most violent clashes. The confrontation left a student with multiple stab wounds, with the police retrieving locally-produced pistol and ammunition from the scene. Students of Islamic Senior High School (ISSEC) also faced off with local youth, causing injuries and damages to multiple vehicles.

    Months ago, a 16-year-old form two student of Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) was arrested by the Tafo Pankrono Divisional Police Command for illegally possessing a locally manufactured firearm.

    The police arrested the suspect following a routine dormitory search by school authorities on Wednesday, May 14. According to the accused, the weapon belonged to his stepfather, Mr. Daniel Owusu Baafi, who has been apprehended.

    This was disclosed by the Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, Head of Public Affairs for the Ashanti Regional Police Command, on Sunday, May 18. Following their arrest, both individuals were granted bail and are to report to the police on Monday, May 19, as investigations continue.

    A fisticuff between two final-year students of Wa T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School (Wa Amass) has left one hospitalised and in critical condition, according to reports. It is reported that Iddrisu Ibrahim, also known as Lincoln—an agricultural science student—and his colleague Hafis, who is also known as Baayaawa—a general arts student—engaged in an argument over a video that was recorded.

    It is said that Lincoln filmed Hafis without his consent—an action that left the latter displeased. He requested Lincoln to delete the said video, but Lincoln reportedly refused. When matters escalated, Hafis pulled out a knife and stabbed his colleague in the stomach and ribs.

    Amid the many violent clashes, the Ministry of Education has granted school heads at Senior High Schools (SHS) across the country the mandate to conduct searches on students.

    Deputy Minister for Education Clement Apaak in May noted that the action is a part of the government’s series of strategies to eradicate indiscipline in schools, specifically SHSs.

    The Deputy Minister has also indicated that Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings will be reinstated to ensure teachers and parents collaborate and share concerns. This was realised last month.

    A directive from President John Dramani Mahama has necessitated the reinstatement of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in primary and secondary schools across the country. This was disclosed by Daniel Fenyi, the Head of Public Relations at the Ghana Education Service (GES), on Thursday, July 17.

    The move, he explained, will ensure effective collaboration between parents and teachers for quality education for students.

    “All heads of public senior high schools, technical, and STEM schools are to operationalise the reinstatement with immediate effect. This move is aimed at strengthening the collaboration and involvement of parents, communities, and teachers in the delivery of quality education to Ghanaian learners,” parts of the statement added.

  • BECE, WASSCE result charges must be scrapped – CUTS tells Education Ministry

    BECE, WASSCE result charges must be scrapped – CUTS tells Education Ministry

    A leading public policy and consumer advocacy think tank, CUTS International, Accra, has opposed the system where Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) candidates pay to access their results.

    Per a statement released in Accra on Monday, July 7, the West Africa Regional Director of CUTS, Mr. Appiah Kusi Adomako, described the practice as unfair and costly.

    He has therefore called on the Education Ministry to shoulder the cost of providing candidates with access to their results.

    “In many parts of the world, exam bodies do not charge students to access their results. In our local universities, student can access their results free of charge, as is the case in every jurisdiction. This is a basic right that should not come at a cost to students or their families,” Mr. Adomako said.

    Initially, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) printed and distributed physical results slips to schools; however, it adapted to the digital platform to make the process seamless.

    Candidates now pay between GHS 15 and GHS 25 to view their results.

    But according to the West Africa Regional Director of CUTS, the Ministry must learn from other African countries that do not charge for results.

    “Going digital was supposed to make things easier and more affordable. But instead, candidates are now forced to pay out of pocket for a service that should be free. In countries like South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, and Zambia, students access their results online without paying any fee. Why should Ghana be different?.

    “WAEC is not the only body that runs examinations. Students who sit for ACCA, SAT, TOEFL, GRE, IELTS, and even our own national service postings access their results or placements online for free. The same should apply here,” Mr. Adomako stressed.

    Mr. Appiah Kusi Adomako also criticised the requirement for students to pay to access their Senior High School placement results through the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), describing it as an added financial burden.

    According to him, “Accessing exam results or computerised placement into SHS should not be a luxury or a source of revenue. It should be a basic service as it pertains in other jurisdictions.

    Meanwhile, the 2025 WASSCE is scheduled to take place from August 4 to September 19.

  • CHASS opposes reopening of schools on Jan. 3

    CHASS opposes reopening of schools on Jan. 3

    The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has strongly advised against the reopening of schools on January 3, 2025, following the Christmas break.

    This decision was made at an emergency meeting held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

    In a statement issued to members, CHASS outlined its concerns, citing the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Ministry of Education’s inability to address pressing financial issues affecting schools.

    These include the payment of arrears for perishables and recurrent fees, as well as funds owed to schools due to the transportation of food supplies from regional distribution centers.

    According to CHASS, multiple letters dated August 12, November 13, and December 20, 2024, were sent to the Minister of Education and the Director General of the GES, urging the government to resolve these issues.

    The lack of a timely response has left schools ill-prepared to resume operations, prompting CHASS to call for a postponement of the reopening date.

    Parents and guardians will be informed of the decision through regional CHASS branches and school Parents’ Associations (PAs). The leadership of CHASS has also forwarded another reminder to the Minister of Education, stressing the urgency of the matter.

    CHASS has appealed to all its members to adhere to this directive, warning that any deviation will be considered a breach of trust in its leadership. The council reassured stakeholders that further updates will be provided once the issues are resolved.

  • Govt releases GHC50m to SHSs to settle part of arrears, cater for feeding

    Govt releases GHC50m to SHSs to settle part of arrears, cater for feeding

    An amount of GHC50 million has been released by the Finance Ministry to Senior High Schools nationwide to cater for feeding of students and settling a part of arrears owed by the government, according to the Ministry of Education.

    This comes after the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) wrote to the Minister of Education Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum to release funds owed to schools in respect of recurrent fees and carting of food items and all arrears for Day schools for the second semester of the 2023/2024 academic year.

    Public Relations Officer of the Education Ministry, Kwasi Kwarteng, confirmed the amount released but failed to disclose the outstanding amount to ensure more supply of food for the students.

    “Just at the end of this week, an amount of GHC50 million was issued to schools to be able to settle some of these outstanding arrears or give them the capacity to buy perishable food items. I will have to verify and confirm. I am unable to put a figure to it,” he said in an interview on Accra-based TV3.

    According to CHASS, some key food items have not been supplied to schools since the inception of the 2024/2025 academic year.

    This has made the feeding of students very difficult for School Managements and is creating some disciplinary problems and uneasy calm on school campuses. 

    Presently, the government runs a feeding system where 70 percent of foodstuffs are supplied by the National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO), while the 30 percent are purchased by school heads upon release of funds by the government.

    When government fails to provide cash timely, head teachers are forced to get suppliers elsewhere and offset the debt when funds are released by the government. Presently, government provides 18 food items including maize, beans, peanuts, millet, soya beans to over 700 SHSs, technical, vocational and community development schools.

    The government spent in excess of GHC2.7 billion to pay food suppliers under the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy between 2017 and 2022.

  • Bags of rice distributed to SHSs by Lamens were not expired – Education Ministry

    Bags of rice distributed to SHSs by Lamens were not expired – Education Ministry

    The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry of Education, Kwasi Kwarteng, has refuted claims that 22,000 bags of rice distributed to senior high schools nationwide were expired, asserting that the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) declared the rice wholesome for consumption.

    This clarification follows allegations made by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that the Free Senior High School Secretariat had distributed 22,000 bags of 50kg rice that had expired, been repackaged, and then supplied to schools. He further claimed that the FDA fined Lamens, the company responsible for the repackaging, GH₵100,000.

    At a press briefing on Monday, November 18, the Minority in Parliament, led by Mr. Ablakwa, demanded the arrest of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and directors of Lamens for their alleged actions.

    In an interview with Joy News, Mr. Kwarteng addressed these claims, stating that the rice had not expired. He clarified that the FDA’s fine was not due to the distribution of unwholesome food but rather because Lamens repackaged the rice without obtaining prior approval.

    “For the record, Lamens was fined for not getting authorisation for the repackaging of the food. It has nothing to do with the declaration of the wholesomeness of the food,” Mr. Kwarteng said.

    He explained that the rice had a “best before” date of December 2023, and while Lamens sought an extension of this date from the FDA, they proceeded with repackaging before receiving approval.

    “The FDA did not fine Lamens for unwholesome food. The best-before date was apparently extended, but what they were fined for was the fact that they didn’t get approval for the repackaging,” he added.

    Mr. Kwarteng dismissed Mr. Ablakwa’s allegations as baseless and questioned the logic of the claims. “Who would fine an agency just GH₵100,000 for supplying 22,000 bags of unwholesome food? Who, even in the Ministry of Education, would approve the distribution of 22,000 bags of unwholesome rice to schools across Ghana? Would the Minister of Education sit there and say that 22,000 bags of rice should be distributed to schools, knowing they were unwholesome, and we would all just sit there and clap over it?” he quizzed.

    He accused the MP of pursuing an agenda to create “needless alarm.”

    Meanwhile, the Auditor General’s report revealed that Lamens Ventures had previously supplied unwholesome food items, including 65 bags of rice and five cartons of milk, to some senior high schools in 2021.

    The report highlighted that these items, which were expired or unsafe for consumption at the time of an audit in September 2021, were delivered to Prestea Hunni Valley Senior High and Technical School and Asankragwa Senior High School.

    “In contravention of Section 52 of the PFM Act, 2016 (Act 921), we noted that supplies of 65 bags of rice in March 2021 to Prestea Hunni Valley Senior High and Technical School, and five cartons of Carnation milk to Asankragwa Senior High School by Lamens Ventures were found to be unwholesome at our time of audit in September though the expiry date on the product was October 2021,” the report stated.

    The Auditor General raised concerns about the health risks posed to students if the expired items had been consumed and advised the schools to report the matter to the National Buffer Stock Company for proper resolution.

  • Alleged Expired Rice: Education Ministry insists rice distributed to SHSs FDA approved

    Alleged Expired Rice: Education Ministry insists rice distributed to SHSs FDA approved

    Ministry of Education has responded to allegations by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa regarding the distribution of 22,000 bags of allegedly expired and repackaged rice to Senior High Schools across the country.

    The Ministry has dismissed these claims, asserting that the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) certified the rice as safe for consumption.

    Ablakwa accused Lamens Investments Africa Limited and the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) of conspiring to distribute rice that had reportedly expired in December 2023. He further alleged that the rice was repackaged in locally made sacks with misleading labels such as “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana rice” and lacked proper expiry dates.

    On November 14, 2024, the Ministry of Education addressed the controversy, confirming that the matter is under investigation. According to Ministry spokesperson Kwasi Kwarteng, NAFCO had contracted Lamens Ventures to procure and distribute the rice.

    While the rice was initially imported and marked with a December 2023 expiry date, Lamens Ventures sought FDA guidance to assess whether the product was still fit for consumption.

    Following retesting, including a review in India, the FDA extended the “Best Before” date to April 30, 2024, confirming the rice remained safe to eat.

    Despite this assurance, Ablakwa has doubled down on his position, rejecting the FDA’s findings and maintaining that the rice was unfit for distribution. The Ministry has reiterated its commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring the safety of food provided to schools.

    Read initial findings: Supply of Expired Rice to Students under the Free SHS Programme.

    1. The National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) engaged Lamens Ventures to procure rice for distribution to students under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program.

    2. A total of 11,000 metric tons of rice was imported, with an initial expiry date of December 2023.

    3. By the last quarter of 2023, NAFCO still had a portion of this stock yet to be supplied to schools.

    4. On the advice of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Lamens Ventures followed the necessary protocols to have the rice re-tested in India, its country of origin.

    5. ⁠The re-testing was to ascertain the possibility of extending the rice’s shelf life by an additional year, to December 2024.

    5. Following further evaluations and verifications, the FDA granted a temporary extension of the rice’s “Best Before” date to April 30 2024, after confirming the product’s continued wholesomeness.

    6. ⁠It is important to note that February 2024 was the last time Lamens distributed these rice to schools through NAFCO and at the time the rice was deemed wholesome by the FDA

    7. ⁠To address concerns from schools regarding the rice’s perceived expiry date, Lamens Ventures submitted a formal request to the FDA, dated February 9, 2024, seeking approval to re-bag the remaining stock to reflect the updated shelf life.

    8. The rice was certified by the FDA as wholesome for consumption, with its new expiry date extended to April 2024.

  • We will get to the bottom of this – Education Ministry on supply of expired food to SHSs

    We will get to the bottom of this – Education Ministry on supply of expired food to SHSs

    The Ministry of Education has assured the public of its commitment to investigating and addressing allegations of expired food being distributed to Senior High Schools (SHSs) nationwide.

    Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Thursday, November 14, the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Kwesi Kwarteng, emphasized that the Ministry will not tolerate any unscrupulous activities that compromise the safety and well-being of students.

    “At no point will the Ministry of Education countenance some of these unscrupulous activities, no matter who is involved,” Mr. Kwarteng stated.

    He added, “We are very much convinced that at the end of the investigations, we will be able to get to the bottom… and get to know the individuals or the personalities behind these unscrupulous activities that have happened.”

    The Ministry’s response follows allegations made by the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The MP alleged that 22,000 bags of expired and repackaged rice were distributed to various SHSs through the Free Senior High School Secretariat earlier this year.

    According to Mr. Ablakwa, the expired rice, imported from India under the brand Moshosho Rice, was repackaged into sacks labeled “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana Rice” but omitted any expiry dates. He claimed the act was deliberate and involved collusion between the National Food Buffer Stock Company and a private entity, Lamens Investments Africa Limited.

    “The National Food Buffer Stock Company clearly conspired with a company known as Lamens Investments Africa Limited. They used the Buffer Stock storage facility in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region, to repackage expired rice,” Mr. Ablakwa alleged.

    In response, Mr. Kwarteng acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and noted that the Ministry has commenced investigations while also calling on state institutions, particularly the Ghana Police Service, to aid in uncovering the truth.

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

    He further clarified that while the Ministry does not engage in food distribution directly, it is working closely with the National Food Buffer Stock Company and the Ghana Commodity Exchange to address the concerns.

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

    Mr. Kwarteng described the feedback from Mr. Ablakwa as valuable and assured the public that the Ministry remains dedicated to improving service delivery in the education sector.

    “We are glad that the Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is bringing this to our notice, and we are working on it,” he added.

    He reassured parents and guardians that the Ministry would prioritize the safety and welfare of students throughout the investigation.

    “We will pursue this matter and ensure that the safety and well-being of our students remain paramount,” Mr. Kwarteng concluded.

  • Education Ministry can’t probe expired food case, it is complicit – Ablakwa

    Education Ministry can’t probe expired food case, it is complicit – Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has accused the Ministry of Education of complicity in the scandal involving over 22,000 bags of expired and contaminated rice being re-packaged and distributed to Senior High Schools (SHSs) across Ghana.

    In a post on Facebook, Ablakwa expressed surprise at the Ministry’s claim of investigating the matter, arguing that they were already aware of the illegal activity months before, citing intercepted documents showing that the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) had informed a Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, during their investigations.

    Ablakwa, who has been at the forefront of exposing the scandal, alleged that Lamens Investments Africa and the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) were responsible for the re-packaging of expired rice, which was then distributed to schools including Bolga Girls’ SHS and Presbyterian Boys SHS. He further accused the Education Ministry of failing to protect students, calling for an independent, unbiased investigation into the matter.

    The MP revealed that a tip-off from a concerned Ghanaian led to the discovery of the unauthorized re-packaging at NAFCO’s Ashanti Region facility, which was carried out without FDA approval. He criticized the involvement of political figures, highlighting that NAFCO’s CEO, Alhaji Hanan Abdul-Wahab, is also an NPP parliamentary candidate, further raising concerns about the potential interference in the investigation.

    Ablakwa urged the arrest of those involved in the illegal operation and demanded sanctions against the Ministry of Education for its failure to act, stating that politicians and business partners behind the scheme should be held accountable for jeopardizing the health of SHS students.

  • 553,155 BECE candidates qualified for 2024 school placement – Education Ministry

    553,155 BECE candidates qualified for 2024 school placement – Education Ministry

    The Ministry of Education has confirmed that 553,155 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates qualified for placement in the 2024 academic year.

    According to the Ministry, this number comes from a total of 563,339 results received from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), indicating that 98.19% of candidates are eligible for placement into Senior High Schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions.

    Of the qualified candidates, 447,698 (80.93%) were automatically placed in one of the schools they selected. An additional 104,918 candidates, while qualified, could not be placed within their selected schools due to limitations. Among this group, 73,390 candidates (13.27% of the total) were offered placements in schools similar to their preferences and have the option to accept or decline the placement.

    For candidates who declined this placement or were not matched with any school, the Self-Placement platform is available. This platform allows students to select from schools with available spaces and offers flexibility for candidates to make changes to their school selection until they enrol.

    To access their placement status, students are instructed to visit www.cssps.gov.gh or www.cssps.org and enter their ten-digit index number, followed by “24” to denote their year of completion (e.g., 123456789024).

  • Access to 2024/25 SHS and TVET placement results made free – Education Ministry

    Access to 2024/25 SHS and TVET placement results made free – Education Ministry

    The Ministry of Education has announced a significant change for the upcoming 2024/2025 academic year, revealing that access to the Senior High School (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) placement results will be free of charge.

    This move aims to ease the process for prospective first-year students, parents, and the general public by removing the requirement to purchase pin codes for checking placements.

    To access their placement results, candidates are encouraged to follow these simple steps:

    1. Visit the official CSSPS websites: https://www.cssps.gov.gh or https://www.cssps.org.
    2. Enter your ten-digit index number, followed by “24” to represent the year of completion. For example, if the index number is 1234567890, you would enter it as 123456789024.
    3. Click “Submit” and wait for the placement result to be displayed.

    In a statement, the Ministry urged all eligible candidates to take full advantage of this new policy, emphasizing its commitment to making quality education more accessible for all Ghanaian students.

  • Stolen Free SHS vehicle yet to be retrieved by Education Ministry

    Stolen Free SHS vehicle yet to be retrieved by Education Ministry

    The Ministry of Education (MoE) has been unable to recover a Toyota Hilux vehicle that was stolen at gunpoint from Kingsley Agyemang, the Central Regional Coordinator of the Free Senior High School Secretariat, in 2018.

    MoE officials have reported that the incident occurred as Agyemang was driving home to Kumasi from a funeral.

    During a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the transport manager at MoE, Emmanuel Agyare, provided details on the incident. He noted that the vehicle was designated for official duties and that the theft was reported to the police.

    “The vehicle was used by the Central Regional Coordinator of the Free SHS. The incident happened at Kumasi Kwadaso, and it’s all in the police report,” Agyare said.

    “Apparently, he had returned from a funeral, that’s what the report says. Per the report we have, the driver wasn’t harmed, and he reported the incident. The police investigated the matter,” he added.

    The Public Accounts Committee has mandated that Agyemang cover the difference between the insured value and the current value of the vehicle, after the Ministry seeks compensation from the insurance company.

    “We are going to recommend that you continue to pursue the state insurance company. Let them pay; definitely, they will not pay the current value of the vehicle, they pay the insured value minus 10 percent.

    “After you have received that money, the difference between that and the current cost of the vehicle should be bonded by Mr. Kingsley Agyemang,” the Committee stated.

  • CETAG withdraws from meeting with Education Ministry amid prolonged strike

    CETAG withdraws from meeting with Education Ministry amid prolonged strike

    On Friday, July 26, the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) withdrew from a scheduled meeting with the Education Ministry meant to discuss the next steps regarding their ongoing strike.

    CETAG cited the absence of a signed agreement from the Finance Ministry as the reason for their pullout. CETAG’s National Communications Officer, Fedilis Kamaayi, explained to JoyNews that they were expecting a signed agreement involving the Ministry and key stakeholders to facilitate the discussion, but such a document was not provided.

    The strike, which began on June 14, stems from CETAG’s demands for better working conditions, including the implementation of arbitral awards from the National Labour Commission. In an effort to compel teachers to return to work, the government has frozen their salaries based on a directive from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

    Despite this financial pressure, the teachers remain steadfast in their strike, expressing willingness to forgo additional months of salary if necessary to achieve their demands. While acknowledging the negative impact on students, Kamaayi emphasized that the strike is their only means to secure their rightful benefits.

    A CETAG communication team member conveyed to Joy FM’s Emefa Apawu that the resolution of the strike depends entirely on the employers meeting their demands. They indicated that if their accounts were credited promptly, they would immediately call off the strike.

  • National food suppliers to protest at Education Ministry over unpaid arrears

    National food suppliers to protest at Education Ministry over unpaid arrears

    The National Food Suppliers Association has announced plans to picket the Ministry of Education over unpaid debts totaling seven months.

    The association claims that the government has not settled its arrears for seven months, affecting their operations. They accuse the government of intentionally hindering the National Food Buffer Stock Company’s activities, which impacts the suppliers negatively.

    In an interview with Citi News, Kwaku Amedume, spokesperson for the National Food Suppliers Association, demanded full payment of the overdue amounts or warned of their impending protest.

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

    “Buffer Stock deducting 3% and 2% and a whole lot. By Monday we will be calling a press conference. We have written a few letters but nothing is working.

    “We want the government to pay our money in full. We are planning on serious picketing because it looks like they are bent on taking our monies,” he stated.

  • Provide a detailed plan of how tablets will be distributed to SHSs – Minority to Education Ministry

    Provide a detailed plan of how tablets will be distributed to SHSs – Minority to Education Ministry

    The Minority in Parliament (MP) has called on the Ministry of Education to provide a detailed plan for the distribution of tablets to senior high schools under the Ghana Smart Schools Project (GSSP).

    This request aims to ensure thorough monitoring of the distribution process to prevent any schools or students from being excluded.

    Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, Deputy Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, disclosed this during a field visit to K A Technologies Ltd’s factory and offices in Accra.

    The company manufactures the Students’ Mate Tablets distributed by the government as part of the One Student – One Tablet initiative to promote digitalized teaching and learning.

    The parliamentary delegation, led by Chairman Kwabena Amankwah Asiamah, toured the company’s facilities and received briefings on its operations from management.

    The company’s General Manager, Lawrence Hornuvo, reiterated their commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to the government.

    “We pride ourselves in delivering robust, quality products and services in a timely manner and so far, this has not been compromised,” he told the committee.

    Chairman Asiamah praised the company’s efforts and urged them to ensure every student has access to a tablet.

    “Actually, coming here has demystified our thoughts on how these Tablets were going to get to the students; we have the full understanding of what is on the tablet, its usage and the distribution pattern, quantities to be distributed’.

    “We have also learnt that government is not paying for everything before they produce, they are ahead of government and we will like to encourage government to quicken up payments to them to fast-track the process of making sure all students in the country have their tablets,” he added.

    Dr. Clement Abas Apaak expressed satisfaction with the visit’s outcome, emphasizing the importance of inclusive distribution in the project.

    “So far what we have seen is reassuring. We got a detailed briefing about the tablets, its functionality, the capacity, and we’ve been taken to the unit where the tablets are being assembled. What is also exciting is that this is also a local company which also means that the jobs to be created are going to benefit Ghanaians and the monies being paid as well as the tablets are all going to benefit Ghanaians.

    “We have been told that the distribution will be done in phases, we want a full rollout and that is what we are looking for,” he added.

    The Members of Parliament were accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Education, the TVET Commission, and the Free SHS Secretariat.

    The Ghana Smart Schools Project, launched by President Akufo-Addo, aims to transform existing schools into smart schools by providing technology-assisted devices to teachers and students to enhance teaching, learning, and research.

    “We pride ourselves in delivering robust, quality products and services in a timely manner and so far, this has not been compromised,” he told the committee.

    “Actually, coming here has demystified our thoughts on how these Tablets were going to get to the students; we have the full understanding of what is on the tablet, its usage and the distribution pattern, quantities to be distributed’, he said.

    “We have also learnt that government is not paying for everything before they produce, they are ahead of government and we will like to encourage government to quicken up payments to them to fast-track the process of making sure all students in the country have their tablets,” he added.

  • Education Ministry contests low ranking of Ghana’s secondary education

    Education Ministry contests low ranking of Ghana’s secondary education

    The Ministry of Education has responded to reports that Ghana ranks 137th out of 167 countries in secondary education, calling them inaccurate and misleading.

    The statement comes after the release of the latest Legatum Prosperity Index by UNESCO, which focuses on various aspects of well-being but does not directly measure secondary education.

    According to the MoE, the Index evaluates countries based on a wide-ranging framework that includes factors like economic quality, governance, social capital, investment environment, enterprise conditions, infrastructure, market access, living conditions, health, and education.

    However, secondary education is not specifically assessed within this framework.

    “Therefore, the assertion that Ghana’s secondary education was ranked 137th out of 167 countries within this framework is inaccurate and misleading. The most recent report, from 2023, positions Ghana at 98th out of 176 countries, showcasing a significant improvement from its 2013 ranking of 101,” it added.

    The Ministry of Education emphasized that despite the misleading report, Ghana’s overall prosperity has been steadily improving, reflecting positive advancements in various sectors, including education.

  • We’re against attempts by the Education Ministry to change uniforms – Institutional Suppliers

    We’re against attempts by the Education Ministry to change uniforms – Institutional Suppliers

    The National Association of Institutional Suppliers has pledged to oppose the Education Ministry‘s proposed changes to public schools and the introduction of new school uniforms.

    In a statement released on May 2, 2024, the association underscored its determination to push back against any government action that jeopardizes the job security of its members.

    Expressing serious concerns, the association pointed out the government’s recent decision to centralize suppliers for both basic and senior high schools, a move they argue is detrimental to their businesses.

    The association stated that many of its members have suffered financial setbacks and closures due to these policies.

    The statement, signed by National Secretary Amoah Talhir, emphasized that while the Free SHS program aimed to ease financial burdens on parents, it should not come at the expense of small and medium-sized enterprises, as they allege is happening under the Ministry of Education’s directives.

    “The fact remains that the Free SHS programme was meant to reduce the burden of parents but not to collapse small and medium scale businesses to add to the critical unemployment situation as being perpetuated by the Ministry of Education now. It is worth knowing that our membership of over 200 is spread across all the regions of the country.  

    “Our husbands, wives, workers, children, and other dependents are voters and also Ghanaians who have the right to live. Any attempt this time to introduce any policy that will go further to render our members jobless will be fiercely resisted.

    “We urge the powers that be to bring the Minister to order to refrain from the dubious contracts that benefit only him and his cronies. 

    “He must remember that very soon, the masks of all such companies will be unveiled, and the relationships between the Minister and them will be uncovered too,” the statement read.


  • Public basic schools to be repainted blue and white

    Public basic schools to be repainted blue and white

    Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has unveiled a government initiative to repaint all public basic schools.

    The current brown and yellow colours will be replaced with blue and white as part of a rebranding strategy to improve the schools’ aesthetics.

    This move is part of a broader effort to revitalize basic education in Ghana and make it more attractive.

    “We are switching to blue and white. We are painting all the schools to give them an attractive outlook. This is the transformation Ghana deserves and it is coming,” the minister disclosed during a forum titled “The free SHS story” in Accra on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

    He also announced plans to replace the current brown and yellow uniforms worn by students in public basic schools.

    “We are changing the uniforms of public basic schools in the country. The yellow and brown that you see now, you will see no more. Reformation is coming to a community near you, and you will see it.”

    The Education Minister elaborated that this initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to demonstrate that its priorities extend beyond secondary education alone.

  • NPP is not buying votes with free tablets – Education Ministry tells Mahama

    NPP is not buying votes with free tablets – Education Ministry tells Mahama


    The Ministry of Education’s Public Relations Officer, Kwasi Kwarteng, has dismissed former President John Dramani Mahama’s allegations that the government is using free tablets for students as a means to buy votes.

    “you bring a new curriculum, the children have no textbooks in basic schools for the last four years and you think that giving pre-tertiary students tablets is more important. Of course, everybody knows the political expediency.”

    “The pre-tertiary students are going to register in May because some of them are going to be 18 and above. Some are 18 already and they are going to be the ones voting. So this is a gift to entice them to vote for the current government. It’s a bribe for them to vote for this government but I mean the students do not exist in isolation. They live in households and families,” Mr Mahama added.

    Speaking to journalists in Accra, Mr Kwarteng emphasized the importance of keeping politics out of education.

    He expressed concerns over the politicization of various national issues, including education, healthcare, taxation, and economic stability.

    Mr Kwarteng highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to modernize Ghana’s education system in response to the fourth industrial revolution.

    But Kwasi Kwarteng told journalists in Accrra on Thursday that “I think that yes, politics largely has an impact on socioeconomic transformation and everything but I mean sometimes let’s be fair, let’s stand up to the occasion, let the whole world know that it is not everything that we have to play politics with it, particularly education.

    “We have allowed ourselves and destroyed every gain that we chalked as a country with the politicisation and extreme politicisation of issues.

    “Today every topic that we raise, if we talk about National Health Insurance, it is politicised, if you talk about taxation, it is politicised, If you talk about the strength of our cedi, it is politicised,” he lamented.

    He further stated “For some time now, the Ministry of Education has been repositioning Ghana’s education to meet what is happening in this fourth industrial revolution. And it is even more reason why even though the government has promised free SHS education, we have also gone beyond that to introduce STEM which is something that this government never promised.

    “But with the fourth industrial revolution, it has become very relevant and we cannot just sweep that under the carpet. The digitisation concept is the conversation now, it is the order for the day. All over the world, countries that have been able to use education as the focal point to be able to turn their socio-economic fortunes have been through education.

    He emphasized the significance of providing relevant education, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), to prepare students for the demands of the modern world.

    “But not just any other ordinary education but one that is very relevant within the fourth industrial revolution. That is the reason why we have been talking about STEM and digitisation. In 2021, no elections were impending but the Ministry of Education as part of the effort to reposition Ghana’s education to meet what is happening in this 21st century, deployed 3500 laptops to teachers, at that time, there was no election in view or campaign.

    Furthermore, Mr Kwarteng pointed out that initiatives like providing laptops to teachers and introducing smart schools are part of a broader strategy to enhance Ghana’s education system.

    He stressed that these efforts are not driven by political motives but by a genuine commitment to improve education standards and equip students with the necessary skills for the future.

    In conclusion, Mr Kwarteng reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to advancing Ghana’s education sector, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the long-term benefits rather than short-term political gains.

    “But it is the continuation of that process. The effort to position Ghana’s education that is why we are also introducing things like smart schools. That is not even limited to those within the senior high schools. It has even gone beyond that to the basic schools” he stated.

  • Smart Schools project to be extended to basic schools

    Smart Schools project to be extended to basic schools

    Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Education, Kwasi Kwarteng, has revealed the government’s intention to expand the Smart School initiative to include basic schools.

    He emphasized that the Smart Schools project is not limited to Senior High Schools (SHS) and that the Ministry intends to introduce a new initiative focusing on STEM classrooms.

    During an interview on Pulse on Thursday, April 4, Mr. Kwarteng refuted claims made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama, suggesting that the government launched the Smart School project to garner votes in the upcoming general elections.

    Mr. Kwarteng pointed to a newly-built kindergarten in Kwabenya by the government, highlighting that the school is equipped with smart facilities despite the fact that the students are not of voting age.

    He encouraged the public to consider the long-term benefits of government policies rather than rushing to judgment based on political affiliations.

    “We need to have a strong and clear balance and try to distinguish the politics of the day from very sensitive national issues,” he said.

    Mr Kwarteng stated that the NDC must understand the changing trends in education in the global dynamics.

    “We are not training students just to read and write alone. We are not training students to memorize and chew and pour. We are training students who are assertive, who are critical thinkers, who are problem-solvers and who at the end of the day, the kind of education that they will have will have an impact on the socioeconomic transformation.”

    The Ministry of Education’s PRO stressed that the effectiveness of a government initiative does not automatically result in votes for the ruling party.

    He cited the digitalization of the port as an example, highlighting that although the initiative has been successful, it does not imply that all port workers will vote for the NPP.

    Likewise, he mentioned the extensive use of the Ghana Card, stating that its widespread adoption does not ensure that all Ghanaians will vote for the NPP.

    “So, we need to elevate the conversation. We need to benchmark the conversation in a way that is very holistic and not necessarily play politics with everything

  • Akufo-Addo officially launches “1 student, 1 tablet” initiative by Education Ministry

    Akufo-Addo officially launches “1 student, 1 tablet” initiative by Education Ministry

    President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo has launched a “1 student, 1 tablet” initiative by Education Ministry to enhance secondary level education in Ghana.

    Speaking at the launch held at the Accra International Conference Centre, the president intimatedsaid he mentioned in his State Of The Nation’s Address that government has begun to roll out the innitiative in Senior High Schools.

    He noted that its a tool intended to break the gap between disadvantaged and priviledged students.

    “Today I have the singular honour of launching officially, yet another intervention to add further impetus to what I have already described as transformative policy that is broken miss and liberated mines, Free Senior High School programme,” the president expressed.

    Considering education as the centre of poverty eradication, the president mentioned that it is the reason he launched the Free Senior High School policy in 2017

    In a move to revolutionize education in Ghana, the Akufo-Addo-led government has introduced the One-Student One-Tablet (1S1T) program in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) schools nationwide in February 2023.

    The Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, unveiled plans to provide free tablets to over 1.4 million students in government Senior High Schools, with distribution scheduled to begin in April. This initiative forms a crucial part of the Free Senior High School program, aimed at enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in public second-cycle schools.

    Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emphasized the government’s dedication to digital transformation in education during the New Year School at the University of Ghana, Legon. He highlighted the distribution of free electronic tablets preloaded with essential textbooks and past questions to all Senior High School students nationwide. This initiative marks a shift towards utilizing technology to facilitate learning and equip youth for success in the digital era.

  • Education Minister urges Ghanaians to retain NPP in power over Ghana’s massive transformation

    Education Minister urges Ghanaians to retain NPP in power over Ghana’s massive transformation

    Ghana’s Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has underscored the significance of retaining the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in power. 

    He argues that the most effective way to acknowledge the substantial transformation witnessed in Ghana over the past seven years is to continue supporting the NPP, attributing the progress to the party’s initiatives.

    He emphasized that any decision deviating from the retention of the ruling party by Ghanaians would disrupt the ongoing transformation agenda, which has been demonstrating positive outcomes across all sectors of the economy.

    Speaking at a ceremony to distribute Christmas gifts to over 500 widows in Jachie, Dr Adutwum emphasized that there is no legal restriction preventing Ghanaians from granting their mandate to a party that has demonstrated performance, enabling it to continue leading even after eight years in office.

    “One good term deserves another, and I believe you are all witnesses to the massive infrastructural development that this government has undertaken here in Bosomtwe,” he told the widows.

    Over the past seven years, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Education Minister and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, has consistently expressed kindness towards selected widows in the constituency. On New Year’s Day, he continued this heartwarming tradition by presenting Christmas gifts to these deserving individuals.

    Each recipient, representing various electoral areas within the constituency, was given a piece of cloth and a token, ensuring they could partake in the festive season with some joy and comfort.

    Dr Adutwum argued that the level of impact that the free senior high school policy had had on every Ghanaian home was unprecedented.

    To him, no government could manage and sustain the policy better than the NPP and stressed the need to maintain the party to protect its legacy under the leadership of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

    The NPP, according to him, remained the best option to drive Ghana’s development agenda to the desired destination anchored on digitalisation.

    He told his constituents to continue to keep faith with the NPP to benefit from more development projects and the completion of ongoing ones across the constituency.

    He assured them of the completion of the main road from Kumasi to Kuntanase which is currently at Abidjan Nkwanta to boost the local economy.

    The Minister encouraged the women to take keen interest in the education of their children and grandchildren, reminding them of how their education could turn around the fortunes of their families.

  • “We have made monumental progress in core subjects” – Education Ministry defends 2023 WASSCE results

    “We have made monumental progress in core subjects” – Education Ministry defends 2023 WASSCE results

    The Ministry of Education has criticized former President John Dramani Mahama for his recent comments regarding the 2023 WASSCE results.

    The NDC Presidential candidate had raised concerns about the authenticity of the results, alleging that some invigilators are lax, allowing teachers to assist students in answering questions.

    In response, the Ministry of Education accused Mahama of making disparaging comments as a calculated attempt to undermine the significant progress achieved by the ministry in improving learning outcomes in the country.

    In a press statement sighted by JoyNews, the MoE stated that “we have made monumental progress in core subjects from an average 40.93 percent score (A1 –C6) in 2015 to a highly improved average of 69.73 percent score (A1 – C6) in 2023.”

    Furthermore, the Ministry of Education highlighted that Ghana achieved the highest-ever number of 8A1s in 2020 and repeated the feat in 2023, with the country contributing 411 out of the 465 8A1s recorded across West Africa.

    The ministry described the former President’s assertion as a false misrepresentation of the facts which only seeks to malign “the integrity of the vast majority of our hard-working teachers and students.”

    The Ministry of Education urged all well-meaning Ghanaians to condemn the former President’s statement and expressed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of education in the country.

    “The Ministry reiterates our commitment that the quality of education and examinations at all levels, including the WASSCE will not be compromised,” the statement added.

  • First year SHS students should be allowed to report in Jan. 2024 – Parliament tells Education Ministry

    First year SHS students should be allowed to report in Jan. 2024 – Parliament tells Education Ministry

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban S. K. Bagbin has urged the Ministry of Education to reconsider its decision to allow Senior High School (SHS) first-year students to report on Monday, December 4, 2023.

    He proposes that the reopening date be moved to the first week of January to allow for adequate preparation on the part of both parents and teachers.

    The Speaker has invited Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, to appear before the House on Monday, December 4 to brief the House on the reopening date and other matters.

    The action comes after Ranking Member on Education and Member of Parliament (MP) for Akatsi North Peter Kwasi Nortsu-Kotoe made a statement regarding the apparent rush to permit the students to return to school on Monday.

    The minority-party MPs voiced their concerns about the difficulties parents would face in preparing their kids for school on Monday between Thursday and Sunday.

    According to the MPs, it is inexplicable that students had to rush to report on Monday and that school placement was only announced two days ago.

    According to the MPs, constituents have called for support and even for changes to be made to their placement.

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the MP for North Tongu, made it clear that he had received calls from teachers who were tired and requesting time off.

  • Fresh SHS students must report on Dec. 4 – Education Ministry insists

    Fresh SHS students must report on Dec. 4 – Education Ministry insists

    The reopening date for new Senior High School students is still December 4, 2023, according to the Ministry of Education.

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) published the 2023–2024 academic calendar, which includes the date for both single-track and double-track students.

    The brief time students have to get ready before arriving to school has raised concerns.

    However, the academic calendar was made public some weeks ago, according to Kwasi Kwarteng, a spokesman for the Ministry of Education, to enable parents make plans in advance.

    “Resumption date for students within the SHS space remains Monday, December 4, 2023. The expectation is that students report on the first day. But let me also hasten to add that, the first-year students who are unable to report on the first day will not automatically lose their slots. Students can report the following day or even the following week, as we have always witnessed. If you look at the academic calendar, it had already been within the public space for some time now and the expectation was that parents, guardians, and even students prepared ahead of time,” he added.

    On Friday, Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, encouraged the Ministry of Education to reevaluate the schedule and move it to the first week of January 2024.

    Following concerns expressed by the Minority caucus over the short period for students to make preparations in reporting to school, the Speaker of Parliament said: “The house calls on and urges the Minister of Education to reconsider the directive by the Ministry of Education to students and authorities, including teaching and non-teaching staff, to resume academic work on Monday, December 4, 2023.”

    “The house proposes for the consideration of the Ministry of Education the first week of January 2023 for the resumption of academic work in these schools. The Minister of Education is directed thereafter to report to brief the house on Monday, December 4.”

  • Association of Institutional Suppliers joins list of unions demanding payment for supplies from govt

    Association of Institutional Suppliers joins list of unions demanding payment for supplies from govt

    The National Association of Institutional Suppliers has called on the government to address its outstanding debts for supplies made to schools in the past three years.

    The association, which consists of 250 members involved in providing uniforms, stationery, and foodstuffs to Senior High Schools (SHSs), has given the government a two-week ultimatum to settle the debts.

    Should the payment not be made within the given timeframe, the association members plan to stage a protest at the Ministry of Education.

    Chairperson of the Association, Stephen Oware, expressed that they have been supplying schools since 2021 but have yet to receive full payment for their services. The payments have been made in batches, with only five out of the 19 batches seeing partial payment for some members of the association.

    “Payment for supplies we made to the schools for the past three years are always delayed. Some supplies made in 2021 school year are still in arrears, and about 60 per cent of 2022 school year supplies are outstanding,” he said, adding that: “The Ministry has failed to fulfil its promise of paying us our monies at our meeting about three months ago.”

    According to Mr. Oware, the unresolved debt situation has caused significant distress for members of the association, resulting in embarrassment from their bankers and creditors. Some members have been forced to part with valuable properties used as collateral for loans, while others have experienced insolvency and extreme hardship, leading to unfortunate cases of members losing their lives.

    The dire consequences stemming from the unpaid debts have placed immense strain on the affected individuals, exacerbating their financial difficulties and contributing to personal misery.

    “This development is seriously threatening the survival of our businesses. Our spouses, workers and dependants risk losing their livelihood if this situation is not urgently addressed,” he added. 

    Mr Oware also called for increment in the price of their supplies to schools to meet the present economic situation and its attendant price hikes in the production cost. 

    He said since 2016, the price cost of their supplies paid by Government had remained the same without any increment to cushion them in the current economic situation. 

    “All the factors affecting our production have not been favourable and, therefore, the cost of production has been abnormally high. Despite all these, the prices fixed for the supplied of products have virtually been the same, with the price fixed since 2016 still maintained.” 

    “We have since 2019 written series of letters to the Ministry of Education and Ghana education Service requesting upward adjustment, but to our dismay, there hasn’t been any positive response,” he stated. 

  • Govt to replace textbooks with laptops in SHSs by end of the year

    Govt to replace textbooks with laptops in SHSs by end of the year

    The Ministry of Education, under the direction of the government, has unveiled a plan to introduce laptops as a replacement for traditional textbooks in Senior High Schools nationwide.

    This initiative, announced by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during the 60th Anniversary celebration of Hohoe Evangelical Presbyterian Senior High School, aims to enhance teaching and learning by equipping students with digital resources.

    According to Dr. Bawumia, the laptops will come preloaded with textbooks and other relevant educational materials, ensuring that students have access to a comprehensive range of resources during their lessons.

    The implementation of this program is scheduled to take place before the end of 2023.

    “If this country must move forward in the right direction, we must invest in education which is the only platform for preparing nation builders for tomorrow.

    “The Minister for Education has also assured me that this year, we’ll start the replacement textbooks with laptops that have textbooks embedded in Senior high Schools,” he said on Saturday.

    This new initiative comes after the government launched the One-teacher One-laptop project on Friday, September 3, 2021.

    The programme was meant to give Senior High School teachers modern materials to facilitate teaching and learning and as of December 11, 2021, Ghana Education Service reported that 80% of laptops meant for teachers had been distributed.

  • Mamle Andrews appointed new Chief Director of Education Ministry

    Mamle Andrews appointed new Chief Director of Education Ministry

    The Ministry of Education has appointed Mrs Mamle Andrews as its new Chief Director.

    The ministry made the announcement on Wednesday, April 19, 2023.

    Mrs Mamle Andrews is the new Chief Director of the Ministry of Education.

    According to the Education Ministry, it is “confident that her leadership and expertise will help to strengthen the education sector and improve the quality of education in Ghana.”

    They believe so due to her “wealth of experience having worked in various institutions in the country such as the Ministry of Information and some others.”

    The ministry therefore welcomed Mrs Mamle Andrews to her new role and wished her all the best in her endeavours.


    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Don’t wait to get everything on your prospectus before going to school – Education Minister to SHS freshers

    Don’t wait to get everything on your prospectus before going to school – Education Minister to SHS freshers

    Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has admonished both parents and students who just gained admission to senior high schools not to wait till they satisfy all requirements on the prospectus before commencing class.

    Rather, he admonished parents who may be struggling to make ends meet to send their wards to school and later fulfill the requirements on the prospectus.

    According to him, parents should not worry so much about meeting all the requirements on the prospectus before enrolling their children.

    “Parents of Ghana, if your child has not reported to school yet because you are waiting to get all the items on the prospectus, I want you to know that my head teachers want to see you in school immediately.

    “So even if you don’t have all your items, go to school the head teachers can’t wait to see you and welcome you in their schools,” he said on Tuesday.

    Dr Adutwum who was addressing the press on Tuesday also encouraged students to manage and the little that they were given by their parents, adding that “if you are determined, one day you will tell your story.”

  • School Placement for Sale: No GNAT staff was involved

    School Placement for Sale: No GNAT staff was involved

    In order to put the “School Placement for Sale” scandal to rest, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) is urging the Education Ministry and GES to release the findings of its probe.

    This follows the disclosure by the Public Relations Officer of the Education Ministry, Kwasi Kwarteng, that janitors and security personnel who were captured as middlemen in the investigative documentary by The Fourth Estate, are not employees of the Education Ministry, but that of the GNAT Hostel.

    He made this revelation while contributing to discussions on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, February 20.

    But reacting to the claim, the General Secretary of GNAT, Thomas Musah, said the allegation by Mr Kwarteng that a staff of the Association was identified as one of the brains behind the unfortunate happening, is inaccurate.

    GNAT insists that no staff of the Association was involved in the scandal.

    “No GNAT staff was involved. Let Kwasi Kwarteng come and tell us, let him come and tell us,” he stressed in an audio aired on Joy FM’s Midday news on Wednesday.

    According to him, the Education Ministry must reprimand Kwasi Kwarteng for peddling falsehood.

    “We demand that the Minister together with the DG must reprimand him, he must be rebuked. It is becoming the hallmark of Kwasi Kwarteng,” he said.

    “And this one, we want to tell the Ghana Education Service that should they keep quiet on this particular one, we as an organisation will give them a response,” he added.

    Itwould be recalled that in January, a Fourth Estate‘s investigative piece uncovered some rot in the placement into senior high schools.

    The investigation discovered that instead of the resolution centre serving as a spot to correct certain anomalies, it was turned into a marketplace where officials linked to the placement executed their trade through a network of intermediaries, mostly security guards and cleaners.

    Even though only two individuals – the Education Minister and the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) – were the ones given access and passwords to approve protocol placement into Category A senior high schools, it has not stopped people from defrauding parents

  • Over 1m pieces of furniture distributed to pre-tertiary schools – Education Ministry

    Over 1m pieces of furniture distributed to pre-tertiary schools – Education Ministry

    There has been an increase in enrolment across the country since the Free Senior High School concept was introduced in 2017.

    The increased enrolment also led to increased demand for furniture, accommodation and other resources to facilitate effective teaching and learning.

    It is based on this that the President Akufo-Addo-led government has since 2017 donated thousands of furniture and other resources to schools to promote effective teaching and learning at the pre-tertiary education sector.

    The Press Secretary at the Education Ministry, Mr Felix A. Baidoo, who disclosed this said the government has since 2017 distributed a total of 1,155,240 pieces of furniture to Senior High and Basic Schools across the country.

    Government has distributed over 1m pieces of furniture to pre-tertiary schools so far - Education Ministry

    He stated that out of the number 925,793 were distributed to SHS while the remaining 229,447 went to Basic Schools in the country.

    Demand-driven supply

    Again, he stated that the demand-driven furniture distribution, is aimed at creating enabling and conducive environment in the classrooms.

    Government has distributed over 1m pieces of furniture to pre-tertiary schools so far - Education Ministry

    Mr Baidoo disclosed this after accompanying a team of media personnel to Benje Furniture Company Ltd at Weija in the Weija Gbawe Municipality in Accra on Friday where 5,000 dual desks were being dispatched to the Kpandai District in the North East region.

    The trip to Benje Furniture Company Ltd was geared towards providing evidence that the government’s readiness to distribute furniture to schools is real and not a rhetoric.

    Government has distributed over 1m pieces of furniture to pre-tertiary schools so far - Education Ministry

    Ongoing distribution

    According to the Press Secretary, the loading of the 5,000 pieces of furniture to Kpandai District was part of 40,000 pieces of furniture being distributed to schools which have requested additional furniture across the country.

    He explained that although the government desired to distribute the right quantity of furniture to schools,  that depends on the demands of schools at a particular point in time.

    This, he said is to ensure that the furniture went to the right institutions or schools which need them most to avoid sending the furniture to schools which did not need them while others which needed them have not been supplied yet.

    Mr Baidoo indicated the government’s preparedness towards supplying the needed resources to all schools across the country towards enhancing the development of education.

    Government has distributed over 1m pieces of furniture to pre-tertiary schools so far - Education Ministry

    Exercise restraint

    He appealed to all schools yet to be supplied with furniture and other resources to exercise restraint as the right processes are being followed to ensure that all resources reached those who need them.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Benje Furniture Company Ltd, praised the Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, for procuring the furniture from the local market since such a move would help boost the operations of local companies.

    He explained that the procurement of the furniture locally would also help empower local industries to do more towards strengthening their operations.

    The CEO pledged to ensure that all the furniture would be delivered within three weeks so that the beneficiaries would be able to use it for its intended purpose.

    Government has distributed over 1m pieces of furniture to pre-tertiary schools so far - Education Ministry

    Records

    Records available at the Education Ministry indicate that a total of 65,779 pieces of furniture were supplied to Basic Schools in the country in 2018, 54,000 was supplied by District Assembly Common Fund in 2020, 69,459 in 2021 while the distribution of 40,000 to Basic Schools for this year is currently underway.

    The SHSs also received 65,779 furniture in 2018, 54,000 in 2020, 69,459 in 2021 while the distribution of 40,209 for this year is ongoing.

    The distribution of furniture to the schools usually comes in the form of dual desks, teacher’s chairs and tables, library tables and chairs, common room tables and chairs, KG chairs, cupboards, notice board, dining hall tables, dining hall benches, computer lab chairs and bunk beds among others.

  • Kwasi Kwarteng alleges kingpin in ‘School Placement for Sale’ worked at Education Ministry

    Kwasi Kwarteng alleges kingpin in ‘School Placement for Sale’ worked at Education Ministry

    Claims that the ringleader in Fourth Estate’s investigative story “School Placement for Sale” is a staff member have been refuted by the Education Ministry.

    The Rachel character in the documentary that exposed widespread fraud in the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSPSS) served as a go-between for the purported “powerful men” at the Education Ministry.

    The Education Ministry’s spokeswoman, Kwasi Kwarteng, stated that it is inaccurate that she is a staff member but that she had worked at the Ministry’s canteen.

    “The understanding that I have from Manasseh’s video is that she was a former worker with the Ministry where she used to work with the Ministry’s canteen, she was not even working for the Ministry per se, but a private individual working in the Ministry’s canteen,” he said.

    However, Mr. Kwarteng stated anyone could have posed as a staff member in his organization to extort money from parents while speaking on JoyNews on Saturday about the eight people who were jailed for serving as middlemen for the Ministry.

    “The Ministry of Education had rented a private facility at the GNAT hostel which operated as a resolution centre where we were serving the general public.

    “It was possible that everybody could get in, establish the case, advance the reasons why there has to be changes for his or her ward. Within this process its possible there could be a compromise.

    “Somebody can also take your money and make a very strong case without even any officer taking money, but of course the exploitation continues,” he added.

    The spokesperson expressed his joy in the fact that the faces of these individuals were clear and believes the culprits will be able to expose the bad nuts at the Ministry.

    Mr Kwarteng did not deny that there may be staff of the Ministry involved in the fraudulent act, but vehemently rejected the allegation that the heads of Education Ministry and Director General of the GES were involved.

    The Minister of Education and Ghana Education Service are the only individuals with the passwords that give them access to place students in Grade A schools.

    As such, after the investigation, many queried how the intermediaries were able to add names to the list of these schools.

    Mr Kwarteng however, explained that 90% of placement was done through the automatic placement.

    The remainder, he said, is then divided equally by the school and the Education Service, adding that heads of various school can accept students to their institution then send a message to the Service for approval.

  • We take responsibility for food shortage in SHSs – Education Ministry PRO

    We take responsibility for food shortage in SHSs – Education Ministry PRO

    The spokesperson of the Ministry of Education says his outfit takes full responsibility for the widespread reports of malnourishment of students and food shortage in some senior high schools in the country.

    Admitting the challenges in an interview on the Super Morning Show on Monday, Kwasi Kwarteng said the Ministry is aware of the feeding crisis which has plagued some high schools.

    According to him, the challenge is real; adding that he is aware of how some heads of second-cycled institutions struggle to provide decent meals to boarding students.

    He, however, assured that the Ministry is working around the clock to address the challenge which has become a huge disincentive to effective teaching and learning.

    “I appreciate the concerns that have been raised. I am not here to reject or deny them.

    “My first comment is that no matter the situation, that is why we are there as leadership. And the beauty of leadership is to take responsibility no mater how the issues are and then make some inputs with regards to whatever concerns have been raised”, Kwasi Kwarteng said.

    He continued, “The Dr Adwutwum-led administration ultimately takes responsibility for everything.

    “The assurance we’re going to give parents is that, even though officially we’ve not had these complaints when it comes to the food shortages, where there are indeed, some level of challenges with regards to supplies, be it transportation issues, be it logistical issues, quickly when we get the name of the school, we’ll go in intervene and resolve it”.

    Having assured guardians about government’s willingness to resolve the crisis, he however lamented the creation of false stories on food shortages in senior high schools.

    He said while the challenges exist, they must not be falsely presented to court disaffection for the government.

    Food shortage in senior high schools has been on the front burner following widespread reports about how some students find it difficult to come by three square meals a day.

    As a result, some of these underfed students are compelled to call their guardians to bring them food from home, due to the scanty and poor quality food they receive in school.

    This challenge has become predominant in recent times, forcing some parents to plead with government to allow them start feeding their wards in school.

    Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has dispelled rumours about the victimisation of heads of senior high schools who bring these issues to the fore.

    Touching on the issue, Mr. Kwarteng said government is receptive to feedback on the feeding crisis and would not attack anybody who genuinely highlights the setbacks.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Indiscipline in SHSs: Education Ministry to appoint Dean of Disciplinary Affairs

    Indiscipline in SHSs: Education Ministry to appoint Dean of Disciplinary Affairs

    According to sources, the Ministry of Education is working on instituting a Dean of Disciplinary Affairs in the various senior high schools across the country.

    Public Relations Officer of the Education Ministry, Kwesi Kwarteng, who made this known, noted that presence of such an office will help quell indiscipline happening in secondary schools.

    Speaking to the media, Mr Kwarteng indicated that the Dean will collaborate with the Guidance and Counselling unit in each school.

    The creation of a Dean of Disciplinary Affairs comes at a time when the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Chiana SHS are addressing a case of indiscipline.

    Eight students of the school in November last year, rained insults on President Akufo-Addo in a viral video over the economic hardships that had bedeviled the country.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/akufo-addo-intervenes-in-dismissal-of-8-chiana-shs-students-education-ministry/

    Following investigations, the students were dismissed. Shortly after the announcement, President Akufo-Addo intervened, instructing the GES to take into consideration other alternative disciplinary action.

    Currently, the GES and the Chiana SHS are exploring other alternative sanctions. Meanwhile, the said students have been directed to report to school.

    They are to see the Head Mistress of the school for further directives.

  • Education Ministry to penalize Universities charging above 15% fee increment

    The Ministry of Education has announced that it will sanction universities that charge more than the authorised 15% fee increment for public universities and tertiary institutions.

    Speaking to the media, the Public Relations Officer for the Ministry, Kwasi Kwarteng, warned institutions that are culpable to desist from such actions.

    He added that “I am saying that whenever we have an official complaint as a ministry that any university has charged more than what Parliament approves, of course you don’t need Kwesi Kwarteng to confirm this because the law is clear. The legal framework and provision upon which the Appropriation and subsequent approval of fees is done if you go beyond, that’s completely illegality.

    “The necessary action ought to be taken and of course, we will take the necessary action within the framework of the law. The Universities are expected to comply so far as GTEC and the Ministry are concerned, it is the 15 percent increment fees of last year that the Universities are supposed to charge. And so far we are aware that is what they are charging, but there are institutions that might flout the GTEC directives”.

    The ministry’s comment comes after speculation that the management of some universities are flouting a law passed by parliament.

    Parliament recently endorsed a maximum 15% increase in fee over the preceding academic year in university fees under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 (Act 1080).

    In connection with the passage, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) in a statement dated December 16, 2022 said “Please be advised therefore that Fees and Charges applicable in all Public Tertiary Education Institutions for the 2022/2023 Academic Year may be adjusted by up to maximum of 15% of the last approved rates”.

    However, the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has alleged that certain public universities are imposing over 15 percent increase on students for the 2022–2023 academic year on students.

    Speaking to the media on Wednesday, December 28, the NUGS President Dennis Appiah Larbi-Ampofo said students were dissatisfied with these increases and called on the government to intervene.

    He contended that increasing tuition at the moment isn’t the best the government can do considering the country’s current economic hardship.

    “The University of Ghana has increased its academic user fees for some departments by over 40%. To make matters worse, they have increased residential facility user fee to about 70% and in some situations 100%.

    “UCC is also deeply involved, with some increments crossing 25%. As we speak, UCC Faculty of Social Science has increased its fees at a rate of 27%. University of Mines and Technology is also doing the same with an increment as high as 40%,” he added.

    On the other hand, the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) of the NDC also petitioned the managed universities to review their decision to increase tuition.

    In a press release dated December 22, president of TEIN KNUST, Selma Yoda said “In this case, students of various public universities risk a denial of their basic right to education as a result of the 15% approved increase by parliament”.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Colleges of Education unable to feed trainees as prices of food items shoot up – PRINCOF 

    The continuous increase in prices of food items across the country has had a grave impact on livelihoods.

    Bemoaning the harsh economic difficulties, the Conference of Principals of the Colleges (PRINCOF) has asserted that they are unable to feed teacher trainees across the country.

    In a letter addressed to the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, requested to allow students to feed themselves starting from November 7, 2022. 

    In a press statement signed by the Executive Secretary of PRINCOF, Dr Harriet Naki Amui, said, “Principals of Colleges of Education have been trying really very hard to feed trainee teachers in recent times as a result of current market trends.”

    “Prices of food items have shot up astronomically, and food suppliers have refused to supply any food items to colleges because of the indebtedness to these suppliers.”

    In Ghana, there are about 40 colleges of education and each student is being provided with three square meals a day at a cost of GHS6.50 by the government.

    The fund provided by the government, according to Dr Naki Amui, is insufficient to provide these students with three meals a day.

    She mentioned that her outfit, on numerous occasions, asked the government to increase feeding grants to the schools, but the request has not yet been approved.

     In response, the Ministry of Education has indicated that it is working assiduously to resolve all outstanding financial obligations.

    In a Facebook post, the Public Relations Officer of the Education Ministry, Kwesi Kwarteng, mentioned that the ministry has already begun discussions with the Finance Ministry to release funds to help fend for trainee teachers.

     “MoE is aware of the urgency of the situation and is working with the Ministry of Finance to swiftly resolve all outstanding obligations/commitments to the Colleges of Education. The public is further assured of our commitment to address disruptions within the food supply chain ahead of the November 7th ultimatum,” he said. 

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Dr Nkansah pledges to work with all stakeholders at GES

    The acting Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr. Eric Nkansah, has assured the government of his readiness to work very hard to uplift the image of the Service and improve education in the country.

    He also pledged to work diligently with all the stakeholders including the teacher unions, agencies and other professional bodies in the education space.

    According to him, having taught at various levels of education and also with experience as a Director at the Education Ministry, he Is familiar with issues relating to education development, thus in a better position to help improve the sector.

    Dr. Nkansah gave the assurance on Monday when he introduced himself to the Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum as he assumed office after his appointment by the President last week.

    New GES Boss pledges to work with all stakeholders

    He reiterated his passion for the development of education in the country by bringing his expertise to bear and also liaising with other stakeholders especially, adding that the inputs and suggestions of the various stakeholders are welcomed.

    The acting Director-General stated for instance, that he will be meeting various stakeholders in the sector to share ideas and also listen to them towards the development of the sector.

    Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum on his part commended Dr. Nkansah on his appointment and pledged to support him in the realisation of the objectives of the government to improve the education sector.

    He urged the acting D-G to get down to the teaching and non-teaching staff of schools to know about their challenges for redress.

    The Education Minister advised him to endeavour to make employees of the Service happy so that they could open up and work very hard towards the development of the nation’s education.

    “Go and meet teachers and listen to them. Make your employees happy, if they are happy, they would work very hard to get the best outcomes for you,” he said.

    He urged the HR Directorate to work very hard to get the best for teachers.

    “As a matter of fact, teachers in the country deserve the best and let’s work hard to make them happy,” he said.

    Source: MyJoyOnline

  • Schools have adequate food supplies – Government dismisses ‘one fish-10 students’ video

    The Ministry of Education, MoE, has refuted claims that schools in parts of the country are suffering from food shortages.

    An October 11, 2022 press release signed by Kwasi Kwarteng, the Ministry’s spokesperson said there had been adequate food supplies to schools including the St. Paul SHS and Minor Seminary in the Volta Region.

    GhanaWeb had carried a report of a viral video shared by blogger Kobby Kyei, in which a group of 10 students of St Paul’s are seen purportedly sharing one fish during dining.

    The video, having gone viral, particularly on Twitter, triggered condemnation of the feeding situation in schools.

    In the said video, a student with a spoon is seen carefully dividing the fish in what looks like palm nut soup into several pieces to share with other students seated around the table who had been served rice.

    But the MoE statement titled: ‘MINISTRY OF EDUCATION REFUTES ALLEGATIONS OF FOOD SHORTAGE IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS,’ read in part: “The Ministry of Education has noted with surprise news publications and media discussions which purport an imminent closure of some Senior High Schools due to shortage of food. Specific references were made to some schools in the Volta Region.

    It continued: “The Ministry wishes to place on record that our checks reveal adequate supplies of food items have been made to the schools in question. The Ministry however takes cognizance of recent disruptions within the food supply chain but assures parents and guardians that they have been addressed. Consequently, all Senior High Schools in the Country have received an adequate supply of food items.

    “The Ministry wishes to assure the public of its commitment and willingness in providing quality and timely supply of food to all Senior High Schools. We entreat the Public to disregard such reports,” it concluded.

    In May this year, some Senior High Schools reported food shortages while threatening to close down if nothing was done about the situation.

    The Regional Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) in the Northern, Eastern, Central and Volta regions were worst affected by the crisis and demanded that either student are made to feed themselves, or the schools shut down.

    However, the government intervened and had supplies delivered to the various schools to avert their closure.

    The headmistress of Avatime Senior High School, Rebecca Mawusi Veny, wrote to the Volta Regional Director of Education to request permission for the students to begin feeding themselves as the school was running out of stock.

    Similarly, the headmaster of Alavanyo Senior High Technical, Rev Samuel Pius Elewokor, wrote to the Volta Regional Free SHS Secretariat for urgent supply as they have resorted to feeding their students twice daily.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Connivance in printing textbooks offshore: Education Ministry warns of sanctions

    The Ministry of Education will act appropriately if any local printer raises concerns of a publisher trying to circumvent what had been agreed on in the printing of government textbooks locally.

    However, it has ruled out the formation of a government task force to police the printing of the textbooks, as requested by the Ghana Printers and Paper Converters Association (GPPCA).

    Speaking with the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, the sector Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, said: “I don’t see the ministry setting up such a task force.”

    He was reacting to a front-page story of the Wednesday, April 20, 2022 edition of the Daily Graphic, in which the GPPCA had appealed for the formation of a task force.

    According to the association, it had evidence that some foreign printers were already in the country, contacting publishers and printers with juicy packages to take up the printing of the books in their countries.

    But the minister asked: “We have given out the job to local printers who are members of the association; why are they asking us to regulate the association?”

    Nevertheless, he indicated that the ministry was taking the concerns raised seriously and would act if any printer raised issues of a defaulting publisher.

    Monitoring

    Dr Adutwum said he would not worry himself about monitoring and asked the GPPCA to do the monitoring itself.

    “You have an association and you have petitioned the government to make sure we give the job to you. Now we have given the job to you and you are asking me to come and regulate your association,” he said.

    He asked the association to apply its own sanctions and not to request for a task force.

    Quantities

    The minister said if the association felt that its members had not been given the entire printing job, it had the right to find out.

    He was of the belief that the ministry had done the needful by ensuring that every publisher submitted a memorandum of understanding with a local printer, which all the publishers did.

    “If those printers who have been selected have questions, they can come to us. I don’t want to be dragged into the printers association. The bottom line is that the printers have been selected locally from among the association,” he said.

    Dr Adutwum said all the printers submitted by the publishers were Ghanaians, “and our understanding that the printing will be done locally and no one has negotiated anything to the contrary”.

    Public Procurement Authority

    He said the contract signed with the publishers was public information with the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) that could be accessed by anybody.

    He said the names of the publishers contracted were public knowledge and the volumes each publisher was to outsource to its selected local printer were equally public information.

    He encouraged the printers to contact the PPA to keep themselves abreast of the contract and the quantities, and that if they had any queries after that, they were free to contact the ministry.

    Taking concerns seriously

    “We are yet to receive any concerns raised by the printers who have been selected to print the textbooks. If they bring such concerns to us, we will deal with them,” Dr Adutwum said.

    He acknowledged the fact that because of the sheer volumes some of the subjects would require, publishers could contract more than one printer.

    Response

    Responding, the President of the GPPCA, Mr James Appiah-Berko, thanked the minister, saying the association would contact the PPA for the detailed contract documents.

    He hinted that the association might seek a meeting with the minister in the event that it ran into any challenges.

    He said even though the idea of a task force or a monitoring team had been discounted by the minister, the association would still form a monitoring team to visit the printing houses and, where necessary, offer technical support and any help that would be required.

    He said the last time the printing was done locally, a similar team was formed and it was of great benefit to the printing houses.

    Mr Appiah-Berko explained that the team would be an internal mechanism to ensure that the right quality of inputs were used, so that “we do not compromise our own standards”.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • No public university student will pay utility bills next academic year

    Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Education, says no student in the public universities will pay utility bills from next academic year.

    This is intended to lessen the financial burden on students and increase access to tertiary education in the country.

    Dr Opoku Prempeh, who announced this at the third edition of the Nation Building Updates in Accra on Tuesday, said the Akufo-Addo led government was the first to introduce a tertiary education policy to streamline interventions rolled out in the sector.

    He said if the ruling government was re elected , a tertiary students would only need his or her Ghana Card to secure a student’s loan. There will be no need for a guarantor.

    The event was held on the theme, “Investing in Education, Investing in the Future,” which allows the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to provide detailed accounts of their stewardship.

    The Minister stated that the Akufo-Addo led government since 2017 had initiated 719 infrastructure projects at the basic education sector and completed 252 of them.

    They included two- unit classroom blocks for the Kindergarten, three-unit, six-unit, 12-unit and 18-unit classroom blocks for primary and junior high schools.

    At the secondary education level, he said, government had initiated 1,011 infrastructure projects and completed 492 of them.

    They included classroom blocks, dormitories, libraries, water systems and toilet facilities.

    The new single and double storey dormitories constructed in some secondary schools had created additional 20,340 beds.

    In the process, he said, 84,600 seats were created for students to study in a conducive environment, while 14,832 toilet and water facilities had been provided.

    Dr Opoku Prempeh stated that, $800 million had been invested in education infrastructural development at the secondary education sector.

    The investment went into new physical infrastructure, upgrading of facilities, new equipment, retooling and capacity building of teachers in competency-based curricula.

    Dr Opoku Prempeh, also the member of Parliament for Manhyia South, refuted claims by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that, the ruling NPP government had neglected the e-blocks and Community Senior High Schools.

    He stated that the precious NDC government completed seven out of 23 Community SHS under World Bank support.

    However, the NPP administration under President Akufo-Addo had completed 14 more of such projects.

    Additionally, the NDC government completed 22 out of the 50 e-blocks it started, but the ruling NPP administration had completed nine of them, while the rest were at various stages of completion.

    Also, the ruling government provided a head teacher’s bungalow, accommodation for two assistant headmasters and teachers’ flats to compliment the Community SHS, which were absent in the ones provided by the previous government.

    On technical/vocational education, the Minister stated that, 37 of the 47 technical institutes in the country were being refurbished, while 34 National Vocational Training Institutes (NVTI) were being upgraded and retooled.

    The national headquarters of the NVTI was being refurbished while 10 regional offices of NVTI were being constructed.

    More also, government was building district vocational education training centres across the country to train the youth in jewelry, bakery, beads making, basketry, among others.

    Dr Opoku Prempeh announced that the Akufo-Addo’s government would construct the first-ever Creative Arts secondary schools as model SHSs to enable students interested in honing their music, dance and oratory skills to do so.

    Source: GNA

  • Education Minister urges School Reopening Committee to collaborate with key stakeholders

    Education Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has urged a committee set up to deliberate and advice on modalities for the re-opening of schools in the pre-tertiary subsector to engage actively with key stakeholders.

    He told the School Reopening Committee that in its deliberations, it must ensure that all stakeholders are brought on board in drawing up its recommendations for transmission to the President and thanked them for accepting this important national assignment.

    The committee is chaired by Prof Dominic Fobih, a former Minister of Education and currently the chairman of the GETFund Board of Trustees and comprises representatives from the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, UNICEF, Private school sector and Parents.

    The committee has one month period to report back to the Minister on its recommendations, on September 21, 2020.

    Schools were shut down in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Dr Prempeh on Thursday, August 20, 2020, inaugurated the 10-member committee in Accra for the approval of the President.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Government clears all legacy arrears Education Minister

    Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Minister of Education, on Wednesday said the government has cleared all legacy arrears left by the previous administration to ensure that there was continuity of service delivery in the educational system.

    He said the debts, which were huge on key supplies for educational service delivery, had an outstanding bill of approximately GH¢9 million on Capitation Grant, GH¢4 million on Feeding Grant for Special Schools, GH¢14 million on exercise books to basic schools, and GH¢4 million on the supply of school uniforms among others.

    Dr Prempeh, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Manhyia constituency, said this while delivering a comprehensive statement to Parliament on education reforms and teacher education since the New Patriotic Party (NPP) assumed office.

    “Moreover, there were delays in the disbursement of capitation and feeding grants for Special Schools affecting the effective operation of the schools. Within the period, Government has cleared all the arrears and ensured the timely release of capitation and feeding grants for Special Schools,” he said.

    The Minister mentioned other initiatives and reforms rolled out by the NPP government in the education sector, including training of teachers, staff promotion, the teacher licensure regime, infrastructure investments, a legal and regulatory framework, and improvements in the Technical, Vocational Education & Training (TVET) subsector.

    Source: GNA

  • Government increased supply of trained teachers to basic schools Opoku Prempeh

    Minister of Education Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has indicated that as part of government measures to improve on the quality of basic education in the country, the number of trained teachers supplied to the schools have been increased.

    The percentage of trained teachers, he added, has also been improved to 88 per cent at the Primary level.

    He further said that since the current government took office in January 2017, it has employed a total of 66,357 teaching and non-teaching staff in the pre-tertiary sector as of the end of 2019.

    Touting the achievements of the Akufo-Addo administration in the educational sector on Tuesday, August 11, Dr Opoku Prempeh said: “To improve the quality of education, we have had to increase the supply of trained teachers to our basic schools.

    “Within the period, the pupil to trained teacher ratio has improved to 1:37 at the Kindergarten level and 1:33 at the Primary level in 2019. The percentage of trained teachers has also improved to 88 percent at the Primary level,” he noted.

    He added: “Further, financial clearance has been obtained to recruit an additional 27,367 teaching and non-staff, comprising 16,500 newly qualified teachers, 6,500 graduate teachers, 3,232 replacement staff and 1,135 non-teaching staff.

    “This brings the total to a staggering 93, 724 employed by the end of this year for pre-tertiary. At the tertiary level, we have since 2017 recruited a total of 6,176 staff,” he added.

    Regarding the Free Senior High School programme, he said: “To date, over 1.2 million students have benefited from the Free SHS programme, which has expanded access to secondary education and enabled an extra 400,000 students to enroll in Senior High School.”

    “…we recognize that access alone is not adequate in guaranteeing the quality of education we desire. For this reason, government is committed to ensuring quality and relevant education that will produce confident, skilled and global citizens who are ready and able to compete with their counterparts anywhere in the world.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Education Ministry, GES close for disinfection exercise after COVID-19 infections

    The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service have closed their offices temporarily to allow for a disinfection exercise.

    This is after the Education Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who has recovered from COVID-19 infection, noted that some of his staff had also been infected with the virus.

    The Head of Communications at the Ministry, Ekow Vincent Assafuah told Citi News the disinfection meant workers had to leave work early on Friday.

    But he said he expects the staff to be at work next Monday.

    Mr. Assafuah also clarified earlier comments by Dr. Opoku Prempeh concerning the scale of infections at the Ministry.

    The minister said about 90 percent of his staff had the virus.

    But Mr. Assafuah has indicated that “he meant about 90 percent of his inner circle.”

    “The inner circle is not even up to 20 so it cannot be that about 90 percent of the staff of the Ministry of Education have contracted the coronavirus.”

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Education Ministry must negotiate with telcos to reduce data cost for basic schools Nortsu-Kotoe

    Ranking Member on the Education Committee of Parliament, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, wants the Education Ministry to negotiate with telcos for a reduction in data prices for basic schools across the country.

    This follows concerns of lack of access to teaching and learning by pupils after the closure of public institutions by government, as part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.

    Many academic institutions have migrated course modules and activities online, to allow students catch up with lessons amid the ban on social distancing.

    Even though it has become a novel way of dealing with the issue, students whose families do not have the financial muscle, cannot afford the luxury of devices and the internet connectivity to access these resources.

    In this regard, Nortsu-Kotoe called for a dialogue between government and the internet service providers to bridge the equality gap in tuition.

    “The Ministry of Education can negotiate with the telecom providers so that they can reduce the cost of data for students who are on the e-learning platform,” he said on Joy FM Midday News on April 24.

    The Member of Parliament for Akatsi North Constituency added that, students in this bracket “should be given a subsidy so that the parents can afford.”

    He also explained that government should have provided students with smartphones as part of its preparation ahead of the roll-out of its various online interventions.

    E-learning platforms receive boost from Telcos amid Covid-19

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) on April 14, announced that it has allowed “free access to over 100 educational online sites, e-learning platforms and libraries (public, private and foreign)” to enable students continue with academic activities from the comfort of their homes.

    In a press statement, the Chamber also revealed, it was supporting “over 240,000 customers consuming over 3,000 GB (3TB) per day for educational purposes.”

     

    Source: myjoyonlineÂ