The ceremony, held on Thursday, December 20, 2024, in Accra, highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and national development.

In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, President Akufo-Addo described the event as a “transformative milestone in the history of our nation’s tertiary education landscape.” He commended the vision and dedication of the recipient institutions, emphasizing that their recognition reflects adherence to the highest educational standards.

“The grant of a Presidential Charter represents the highest recognition that a tertiary institution in Ghana can achieve. It is the result of a rigorous process, as each university college must meet stringent criteria established by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), including excellence in governance, quality assurance, academic delivery, research, and community engagement,” President Akufo-Addo noted.

Institutions Receiving Presidential Charters

The institutions awarded Presidential Charters include:

• National Defence College
• KAAF University College
• Heritage Christian University College
• Ensign Global College
• University College of Gold Coast
• Knutsford University College
• Thrivus Institute for Biomedical Sciences and Technology
• Nobel International Business School
• Entrance University College of Health Sciences
• Accra Metropolitan University College
• African University College of Communications
• Garden City University College
• Family Health University College
• Academic City University College

Significance of the Presidential Charters

These charters grant the institutions autonomy to confer their own degrees, diplomas, and certificates without affiliating with established universities.

This achievement reflects Ghana’s dedication to expanding and enhancing its tertiary education framework, fostering innovation, and promoting academic growth.

The recognition is expected to elevate Ghana’s reputation as a hub for higher education on the continent and internationally.

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This was at a ceremony at the Jubilee House, Thursday.

President Akufo-Addo said the presentation of the charters means the two universities “are going to transition into autonomous Universities, with the capacity, now, to award their own degrees and diplomas.”

It also underscores the government’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and nation-building.

The institutions include; the National Defence College, KAAF University College, Heritage Christian University College, Ensign Global College, University College of Gold Coast, Knutsford University College and Thrivus Institute for Biomedical Sciences and Technology.

The rest are; Nobel International Business School, Entrance University College of Health Sciences, Accra Metropolitan University College, African University College of Communications, Garden City University College, Family Health University College and Academic City University College.

The President described the event as a “transformative milestone in the history of our nation’s tertiary education landscape.”

He lauded the vision and perseverance of the institutions, stating that the recognition reflects their dedication to meeting the highest standards in education.

“The grant of a Presidential Charter represents the highest recognition that a tertiary institution in Ghana can achieve.

It is the result of a rigorous process, as each university college must meet stringent criteria established by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, GTEC, comprising excellence in governance, quality assurance, academic delivery, research, and community engagement,” the President wrote on Facebook.

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In an interview with JoyNews, Dr Nkansah confirmed that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) had already been in contact with the Ministry of Education regarding the results.

However, he noted that while WAEC often sets targets for itself, unforeseen circumstances sometimes prevent them from meeting those deadlines.

“We are sure the results will be released possibly before the year ends,” he stated.

On the same issue, the Director of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, explained that a significant debt of GH₵118 million is still owed by the government, and no payments have been made to date.

He added that, this outstanding debt is largely to blame for the delay in the release of the results.

Mr Kapi said, “We intended by now to be processing the results, because, as we mentioned earlier, the marking of the scripts for both the theory and practical aspects is complete.”

He further clarified that the only remaining component is the objective section, which requires the use of specialized machines.

“We thought that by the 19th of this month, all things being equal, we could release the results before the office closes for the Christmas break,” he explained.

WAEC faced similar challenges before the organization of the exams until the government paid a part of its debt.

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The largest pre-tertiary grouping of teachers said a dedicated funding source would not only address the challenges bedevilling the free senior high school (Free SHS) policy but would also cure the dwindling quality at the junior high and basic school levels.

“This call is in the national interest for the establishment of the fund which should be a matter of priority for the new government because the consequences of inadequate funding for pre-tertiary education could be dire if there is no such dedicated funding to solve the problems and provide quality education to Ghanaian children”.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic, the General Secretary, Thomas Tanko Musah, said GNAT was ready to play a key role in a national conversation to identify and codify how pre-tertiary education should be adequately funded to improve the quality and make public schools, which remain the first and only choice for majority of Ghanaians, a competitive alternative to private schools.

To set the ball rolling, GNAT suggested the nation could consider a one percentage increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT), the efficient collection of property rate and setting part aside to fund pre-tertiary education; a dedicated percentage of oil revenue and a look towards development partners and corporate organisations.

Mr Musah said parent-teacher associations should be revived to ensure that they contributed to funding that level of education, while incentives could be provided to stimulate the involvement of old students’ associations, alumni groups and missions, among others, to contribute their quota.

“Where we are now, it looks like the attention is now on the senior high school at the detriment and disadvantage of the kindergarten, primary and junior high schools, which is not the way to go,” the General Secretary of GNAT said.

“When teachers go to school, the things that must help them for teaching and learning to take place are not there. So, you see teaching taking place, but learning is not. Learning is said to have taken place when there is a change in behaviour,” Mr Musah explained.

The GNAT General Secretary further explained that education was for the public good and the only weapon that could be used to break the poverty cycle; therefore, the urgent need for a dedicated funding to ensure that children at the pre-tertiary level had access to quality education.

“All the great men came from poor backgrounds and if you ask them, they will tell you, but for education, and looking at it carefully, once one person is able to break through, successive generations will follow in that path,” he said.

According to the GNAT leadership, the way funding of pre-tertiary was proceeding was making the private sector alternatives the preferred option, saying if the trend persisted “education then will go to the highest bidder. If you can pay, you get the quality. If you cannot pay, you don’t get it”.

Mr Musah cited some of the ramifications of inadequate pre-tertiary education funding to include government’s indebtedness to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) that had impeded marking of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates.

The list also included the capitation grant, which was supposed to be used for the running of the basic schools. However, it was not only paltry but it had always been in arrears for at least two years, giving room for inflation to erode its value.

“Inflation has wiped out everything. So technically speaking, at the kindergarten (KG), primary and junior high school (JHS) levels, we are in crisis, seriously speaking. It is only at the senior high school (SHS) level that has seen some kind of sustained investment because of the free SHS,” he said.

Again, Mr Musah said only GH¢1.20 was allocated to the school feeding programme and wondered where anybody could source food for a child with that amount.

He also asked why SHSs were fed under the FSHS policy, while students at the JHS level were not.

That meant that pupils in KG and primary were being fed, JHS had been skipped to the benefit of SHS students, describing the policy as improper.

Mr Musah said another evidence of the inadequate funding of pre-tertiary education was that about 95 per cent of the budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Education went into wages and salaries, leaving the remaining five per cent for goods and services. Besides, the releases were irregular.

“Sometimes when they give you one today, it would take another two to three months before you are given another,” he said, and sometimes it is only after unions had threatened with harsh industrial actions that “they will come and give you something small to pacify you”.

Danger

At the current stage of the country’s development, Mr Musah said the association thought there was the need to make the way clearer on sustainable funding for pre-tertiary education.

Mr Musah said if care was not taken, pupils would get to Class Three and would not be able to read and write and that the tendency of them leaving school was high.

Another danger, he said, was people would not send their children to the public schools but the private ones, although the public school teachers were paid to remain in the classrooms.

“It also means that if you cannot pay and go to the public school, the child would have to leave along the line and go into child labour.

Mr Musah expressed the belief that if dedicated funding sources were identified for pre-tertiary education, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) could then be used to cater for the tertiary level.

He said the dedicated funding was also needed for the country to deliver itself from the World Bank prediction in 2018 about the human capital index report that 56 per cent of its human capital would go waste.

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The blaze, which broke out on Tuesday, gutted the structure housing the school’s library, science laboratory, and examination centre. The building also contained election ballot papers from the recently concluded 2024 general elections.

JoyNews’ Jacqueline Ansomah Yeboah visited the school, where students were seen waiting to take their exams in temporary spaces, often exposed to the scorching sun. Many are uncertain when regular lessons will resume.

For parents, the situation is especially hard and heartbreaking. One mother, visibly worried, said her child attends the affected school. “When we arrived at the scene, it was very heartbreaking,” she said. “My child is in Form 3, and this disruption is very troubling.”

She expressed deep concern about the children being left idle at home due to the closure of the school. “I am deeply concerned about the children staying at home doing nothing,” she said. “This disruption has also slowed down my work, as all my children are now at home, and as a result, I can’t go to work. “one parent said.

Ablekuma North Education Director Perry Ofori told Joy News the affected building served multiple educational levels, with a primary school on the ground floor and two Junior High Schools on the upper levels. “The fire appears to have started in the library, and the building has been extensively damaged,” Ofori said.

According to him, efforts are underway to relocate over 1,200 students, while police continue their investigation into the cause of the fire.

The emotional toll on students has been significant. The school plans to provide counselling services to help them cope with the trauma. One teacher shared, “It was heartbreaking to see the students arriving, only to find their school in ruins. It will take time, but we’re committed to supporting them.”

Despite the challenges, there is a sense of hope within the school community. “We will rebuild, and together, we’ll help these students get back on track,” said another teacher.

As investigations continue, the Kwashieman Cluster of Schools is focused on recovery. The local community has rallied together to restore the facilities and support the students’ education during this difficult time.

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“You cannot repeat a student right now under the Free SHS policy because the government is providing a scholarship for that student, and it cannot be granted twice” he said.

He further explained that if a student enters Form 1, the government has already funded their education for that year.

“If that student repeats Form 1, it means the government is paying fees twice for that student, which creates a financial burden on the government,” he said in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Thursday.

Due to this, he said, the option of repeating a student is no longer available.

“There’s no pressure for students to learn since there are schools in Ghana where students simply don’t attend class, and whether they fail or not, they are automatically promoted,” Mr. Carbonu noted.

He referred to this practice as “wholesale promotion” because of the funding constraints that prevent students from being held back.

“Some head teachers have tried to request that certain students be repeated, but they’ve been unsuccessful. The question is: Where would you get the funding to pay for that student?.It is not government policy, so students are automatically promoted, with no repetition or withdrawal” he noted.

In his view, the Free SHS policy functions like a scholarship for each student.

“When a student is repeated, it means the government is paying for their education again, which goes against the government’s financial interests. This is a serious issue, and it’s something that should be addressed. Some head teachers have complained to me many times, but they feel powerless to do anything about it” he said.

Going forward, Mr. Carbonu called for a dialogue on the matter and urged government to reconsider its stance.

“When there’s a proper conversation, the government should admit that students who need to be repeated should be allowed to do so,” he concluded.

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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has disclosed that financial constraints are delaying the process.

In an interview with Adom News, the Head of Public Relations at WAEC, John Kapi, exclusively revealed that the examination body has not yet received the arrears owed by the government for conducting the exams.

Mr Kapi explained that the government owes WAEC approximately GH₵118 million and the situation is further complicated by the need for GH₵25 million to repair malfunctioning scanners essential for processing objective test results.

With less than two weeks left in 2024, Mr. Kapi stated that, due to these financial challenges, there is no specific date for the release of the results.

According to him, the office is breaking for Christmas on December 20, 2024 when the funds are released, they will have to call the staff for them to come back to the office.

He emphasized that without the necessary funds, the exams body is unable to complete the processes required to release the WASSCE results.

He noted that the current situation is concerning, as the office has never faced such frustration, leading to a delay in the release of results.

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Known as the Ghana Education Service Management Information System (GESMIS), the portal seeks to comprehensively collect, manage, use and store data of both teaching and non-teaching staff of the service.

The Director-General of GES, Dr Eric Nkansah, who told the  Daily Graphic in an exclusive interview yesterday, said the portal would also cover information on learners from kindergarten to senior high schools, also known as the pre-tertiary level.

Features

The portal currently has data of all pre-tertiary institutions, learners, staff of the service, classroom infrastructure and furniture, learning progress and teacher performance.

Other features of the portal include salary support ticketing systems to streamline the resolution of salary-related issues for staff, and also has a letter QR code to ensure authenticity by allowing users to verify official GES letters with a simple QR code scan.

The portal also has a portion that populates information on students, enabling them and their parents to easily access academic results and progress reports online.

Unique personal identification numbers have been assigned to each staff of the GES to enable them to access the portal, where every information about the service and staff is stored and provided.

“This management information system will capture all the information on our employees, right from the date you are employed to the date you exit. So, it is important that we have accurate, up-to-date data at all times for scientific decision-making,” Dr Nkansah said.

Developed locally, he said the portal would be used for recruitment, transfers and, promotions, among others.

“In there, you will know the dates that you retire, how many years you have left for retirement, your rules, all the ranks that you have crossed and how many years to your next promotion, when you are due for it, everything about yourself is there,” he added.

The GES Director-General explained that with the portal, the service would no longer deploy any third-party platform for such exercises as it used to do, adding that it would save the service the huge amount of money used for the payment of such services.

Dr Nkansah said the GES had deployed the portal as a pilot to conduct promotions this year “and it was seamless,” adding that if the service were to use the third-party for its promotions, “each text message that we sent, we were going to pay GH¢10 per person that we were going to be promoted.”

“Now, imagine that we are talking about 60,000 employees. If each one of them was to pay GH¢10, or we were to pay on their behalf, that’s over GH¢600,000. But we did this for them for free, it didn’t come at any extra cost; all we did was just to transmit the information through their profiles and in one second, everybody got theirs around the entire country,” the GES Director-General said.

Dr Nkansah further explained that once a person became a member of staff, “every other thing that you want to do, you go back to this platform. If you want a transfer, go there”.

He said until the deployment of the portal, anyone that wanted a transfer had to go for an assurance letter, a process he said warranted travelling from long distances from every corner of the country to a destination where they wanted to be transferred to obtain that letter.

“This has been made seamless. You can just sit at Nandom, go online on the phone to put in the application, because every member of staff has a unique login detail. The moment you log in, you have your own profile, just like you have a profile with Facebook or with LinkedIn,” Dr Nkansah added.

Real time

“So, for me, as I sit here, I have the analytics of all the employees across the country, I have the analytics of all employees within the region, I have analytics of district, even school level and I can do all the way to the granular level, which is the school level,” the DG explained.

Describing the platform as exciting, Dr Nkansah said, “Now it makes it possible for us to do a transfer and that data will reflect in the system immediately. Until now, management unit changes have been a problem”.

The GES DG pointed out that hitherto with transfers from one region to another it took a long time for the person’s details to be ported to their current management units.

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Speaking on the Citi News, John Kapi, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, revealed that the delay stems from outstanding financial obligations to technicians responsible for maintaining essential equipment used in processing the results.

“The results are not ready. We issued a statement earlier highlighting some of the challenges we are currently facing. Unfortunately, these challenges persist because we have not been able to secure the necessary funds to address them,” Mr. Kapi stated.

A critical issue, he explained, is the malfunctioning of specialised scanners required for grading objective questions. These scanners are vital to the assessment process but are currently out of service due to unpaid debts.

“We needed to repair our scanners because we owe the technicians GH₵25 million, and they have withdrawn their services until we make some financial commitments. Private schools pay their fees, but the government pays for candidates in public schools, and so until the monies are paid, we are unable to release the results,” Mr. Kapi elaborated.

The technicians have suspended their services, insisting on the settlement of the GH₵25 million debt before proceeding with repairs.

This financial strain has compounded WAEC’s ability to complete the grading process and release the results.

The situation has drawn the attention of the Minority in Parliament, who have called for the Finance and Education Ministers to be summoned to address the government’s indebtedness to WAEC.

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He said that despite his relatively short tenure in office, the MCE has made a lasting impact that will be remembered for years to come.

He highlighted Felix Owusu-Gyimah’s commitment to improving educational facilities and resources, especially furniture which has been instrumental in enhancing the learning environment for students.

The GES Director made the commendation when the MCE handed over 1450 modern dual desks, office tables and chairs, cardboard, wardrobes, and modern tables and chairs for Kindergarten pupils to reduce the furniture challenges facing schools in the Nkwanta South Municipality.

Already, the Assembly has presented over 3,000 desks from other funds and the District Assembly Common Fund Responsive Grant to address the furniture deficit.

According to him, under the leadership of Owusu-Gyimah, several initiatives have been launched to address the challenges faced by schools in Nkwanta South including the provision of classroom facilities, and furniture, such efforts are crucial in fostering a culture of learning and academic excellence.

He noted that these initiatives improve the quality of education and inspire students to strive for success.

“You have shown that even in a brief period, one can make a lasting difference.”

The GES Director calls on other institutional workers for a collaborative approach as it will foster a sense of ownership and accountability among stakeholders, ensuring that educational initiatives are tailored to meet the specific needs of students.

MCE Felix Owusu-Gyimah in his address to hand over the furniture to GES for onward distribution stressed the importance of providing a conducive learning environment for students.

He stated that although his turner of office will soon come to an end providing physical infrastructure for schools will not only improve but also motivate students to learn better for their future.

The MCE urged school authorities to take care of the facilities and ensure they are used effectively to benefit students and teachers.

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In a press release issued on Tuesday, December 17, CETAG accuses the government of failing to implement the staff migration and pay compensation for all-year-round work, as directed by the National Labour Commission (NLC) last year in an arbitral award.

The situation is likely to disrupt academic activities if CETAG embarks on another strike, as they have set Friday, December 20, as the deadline for the government to fulfil its obligations.

According to the President of CETAG, Maxwell Bunu, the government has remained unresponsive after their previous strike.

“It’s been four months since the strike was called off on August 20, 2024, and all the employer has done is continuously deceive our members with letters, verbal assurances, and supposed incessant correction of errors in the audited staff data for migration onto the University Pay Structure, while the Vice President’s office remains completely silent on the issue,” he stated.

He also pointed out that the payment of the all-year-round compensation has been made to only four colleges out of the country’s 46 colleges of education.

Mr. Bunu argued that the government’s actions appear to be intentionally denying them what they are owed.

“The All-Year-Round Compensation (AYRC), which according to the MoA was to be paid by August 31, 2024, is yet to be fully paid. As of today, December 16, 2024, only four colleges out of the 46 have been paid in full. We consider this repeated failure by the employer to be a deliberate attempt to eventually deny us what is rightfully due to us,” he added.

Mr Bunu further emphasised that CETAG will not remain passive in the face of continued government neglect.

“From the developments outlined, it is clear that the employer is deliberately denying us our legitimate Compulsory Arbitration Awards without justifiable reason. Therefore, we wish to make it known to the press and the general public that the Association (CETAG) will not continue to tolerate the persistent violation of its members’ economic rights by the employer,” he said.

He stressed that CETAG would consider taking further action after Friday if the government fails to respond to their appeal.

“By this release, we are reminding the employer that if, by December 20, 2024, we do not see the full implementation of the NLC’s Compulsory Arbitration Awards and the associated payments reflected in our members’ accounts, we shall take necessary action. No amount of talks or interventions from any quarters will persuade us to rescind our decision,” he concluded.

Speaking to Emefa Apawu on Joy FM’s midday news shortly after releasing the statement, Mr Bunu affirmed that nothing would stop them from taking action that would compel authorities to address their concerns.

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This according to CETAG was part of an order issued by the National Labour Commission (NLC) on May 2, 2023.

Despite the numerous strikes embarked on to press home their demands, CETAG has said the government continues to met out deceptive treatment to members.

Recounting their longest strike between June 14 and August 19, 2024, which was called off following a pledge by the government to do the needful, nothing has been heard despite an October 30, 2024 deadline.

In a statement, CETAG warned that if the December 20, 2024, deadline elapses, no amount of talks or interventions from any quarters shall get them to rescind their decision.

“The All-Year-Round Compensation (AYRC) which according to the MoA, was to be paid by August 31, 2024, it is worthy to note that, as at today, 16th December, 2024, only 4 Colleges out of the 46 have been paid fully. We consider this promised and failed attitude of the employer to be a deliberate attempt to eventually deny us what is due us,” the statement read in parts.

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Read the full statement below:

The project comes as a relief for pupils who have long faced challenges due to inadequate facilities.

A report filed by Adom News’ Obrempongba Owusu last year disclosed that pupils of Kechiebi-Asuogya were forced to use their lesson hours to construct makeshift classrooms, often compromising their education.

The lack of proper facilities not only hindered their learning experience but also posed a safety risk.

The new classroom, funded by the Assembly Common Fund, is expected to provide a conducive environment for learning, allowing pupils to focus on their studies without the distraction of inadequate infrastructure.

During the commissioning, the MCE Felix Owusu-Gyimah emphasized the importance of education for community development.

According to him, every child deserves a safe and comfortable place to learn, and the new classroom block is a step towards achieving that goal.

The MCE noted that the new classrooms will be equipped with essential materials including desks which will enhance the overall learning experience for both pupils and teachers.

He encouraged parents and community members to take an active role in supporting the school, ensuring that the facilities are well-maintained and utilized to their fullest potential.

The headmaster, Benjamin Alhassan, on behalf of the community, expressed gratitude for the new classroom, recognizing the positive impact it will have on pupils’ academic performance.

He also commended Adom News for the comprehensive report that has yielded positive results, noting it is a dream come true as pupils will now have a proper place to learn.

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With no school in the town, pupils are forced to walk three kilometres daily to the nearest school, a situation that adversely impacts their academic performance and development.

The chief of the town, Nana Asante Sasu Kumanini III, has expressed concern over the situation and is appealing for support to establish a basic school in the community.

Speaking to Adom News, he expressed gratitude to AJ Foundation for constructing a mechanized borehole to address the community’s water challenges.

He also urged the government and private investors to assist in building a school, starting from crèche to basic three, to alleviate the burden on the children.

During the borehole handover ceremony, the Country Director of AJ Foundation, Patience Afari, noted that access to quality water was a pressing need in the community.

She emphasized the importance of proper maintenance of the borehole to ensure its sustainability and pledged the foundation’s commitment to supporting the community in other critical areas.

Nana Asante Sasu Kumanini III called on all stakeholders to prioritize education infrastructure to secure a brighter future for the children of Asantekrom.

Source: Akwasi Dwamena

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The facility was officially handed over by Lawyer Andrew Amoako Asiamah, Member of Parliament for Fomena Constituency and Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Speaking to Adom News, the Headmistress of Asare Bediako SHS, Beatrice Kyei, expressed relief over the new dormitory.

She recounted the struggles the school previously faced, with female students housed in private rented accommodation.

Payment for the facility often posed challenges, leading to instances where the landlord locked the premises over unpaid rent.

She acknowledged the pivotal role of Adom News in resolving the issue through a news feature that prompted an individual to clear the debt.

While celebrating the new dormitory as a major relief, the Headmistress highlighted other urgent needs of the school, including an assembly hall, an ultra-modern library, a teachers’ bungalow, a fence wall, and a proper urinal facility.

She called on the public and stakeholders to assist in addressing these needs.

Lawyer Andrew Amoako Asiamah noted the dire state of the school’s facilities, which made it hard to believe it was a senior high school.

He explained that providing on-campus accommodation for the girls became a priority, prompting him to engage the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GetFund).

The successful collaboration led to the construction of the dormitory, significantly easing the school’s accommodation challenges.

Source: Isaac Normanyo

Speaking during an awards ceremony for students who dramatized scenes from their literature books, Reverend Sister Abiwu explained to Adom News that, the school’s management has identified a pool of talented students with potential in acting.

To nurture these talents, the school plans to provide support in areas such as scriptwriting and performance.

She emphasized that OLA Girls’ SHS is dedicated to fostering holistic development, ensuring students excel not only academically but also in extracurricular activities that prepare them for diverse opportunities in life.

Source: Sammy Asare

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In an interview with Voice of America (VOA), Mahama emphasized that these assertions, primarily propagated by New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials during the election campaign, were unfounded political propaganda.

“Free SHS has come to stay, and it is not going anywhere,” Mahama stated. “Nobody is going to scrap Free SHS. What was said was political talk and gimmickry. We are going to maintain it, What we are going to do is get dedicated funding for it.”

The Free SHS Policy

Introduced in 2017 under the Akufo-Addo administration, the Free SHS programme provides free tuition, boarding, and meals for students in public senior high schools. It has enabled hundreds of thousands of Ghanaian youth, especially from underprivileged backgrounds, to access secondary education.

However, the policy has faced challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and delayed release of funds, which have affected its quality and implementation.

Mahama’s stance is to preserve the core benefits of the programme while addressing these challenges. His vision includes securing a reliable funding mechanism to alleviate financial constraints and improve the quality of education under the scheme.

Mahama’s Resounding Victory

John Mahama’s commitment to Free SHS was a key part of his campaign message, resonating with many Ghanaians concerned about education access and equity. His victory in the December 7 elections was decisive.

The Electoral Commission declared him the winner with 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of the valid votes cast. He defeated his closest rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP, who garnered 4,657,304 votes (41.61%).

This victory marks a return to the presidency for Mahama, who previously served as Ghana’s leader from 2012 to 2017. His campaign focused on themes of economic restoration, addressing corruption, and improving social programmes like education and healthcare.

The Free SHS policy was a contentious issue during the elections, with the NPP warning that Mahama would dismantle it if elected. Mahama’s firm rebuttal seeks to reassure Ghanaians, especially parents and students who have benefited from the programme.

The President-elect has pledged to work with education stakeholders to review and refine the policy, ensuring sustainable and efficient implementation.

NAGRAT has raised concerns about its potential negative impact on the education sector.

Addressing a section of the media ahead of the parliamentary sitting, NAGRAT President Angel Carbonu stressed that the bill, in its current form, could lead to unforeseen consequences for the future of education in the country.

NAGRAT emphasized that a thorough review and proper consultation were needed before any further action was taken on the bill.

The association warned that rushing the legislation could undermine the quality of education and jeopardize the long-term sustainability of the Free SHS policy, which has been a major initiative of the current government.

Mr. Carbonu pointed out that the policy, while well-intentioned, requires a more comprehensive framework to ensure its success without compromising educational standards.

In addition to their concerns about the Free SHS Bill, NAGRAT also highlighted the government’s failure to pay the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which has led to significant delays in the release of the 2024 WASSCE results.

Mr. Carbonu lamented how this oversight has affected students, their families, and the education system as a whole, calling it a sign of deeper issues within the sector.

NAGRAT also addressed the proposal by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to introduce free first-year tertiary education, expressing skepticism about its feasibility and long-term sustainability.

While NAGRAT acknowledged the importance of increasing access to higher education, he raised questions about the proposal’s practicality.

He urged the NDC to provide more concrete details on how the policy would be funded and its potential impact on the broader education system.

The Association cautioned that any new policy must be backed by a clear, sustainable plan that prioritizes both quality and accessibility.

NAGRAT stressed that the future of education in Ghana must be carefully planned to avoid repeating the mistakes of past initiatives and ensure the best outcomes for students and the nation.

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EduWatch expressed concerns about the government’s plan to present the Bill to Parliament on December 16, arguing that the process lacks sufficient stakeholder engagement.

In a statement released on December 13, the organization stressed the need for inclusivity and transparency in shaping policies that impact Ghana’s education system.

EduWatch urged the Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, to lead discussions with education experts, civil society organizations, and parent-teacher associations to ensure the Bill reflects diverse perspectives and secures national support.

“We call on Parliament to defer deliberations on the Bill until consultations are held. In the spirit of inclusive policy governance, we urge the Minister of Education to convene stakeholder consultative meetings and engage education Civil Society Organisations, Development Partners, parents, and teachers, on the Bill,” the statement read.

The Free Senior High School Bill, 2024, drafted by the Ministry of Education, aims to provide legal backing for free and compulsory Senior High School education in Ghana.

EduWatch emphasized that stakeholder engagement is critical to addressing potential policy gaps and ensuring the initiative’s success.

Read the statement below:

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“ASANKA, which stands for “All Subjects and New Knowledge Access,” aims to provide students with educational materials such as lessons, videos and interactive exercises without the need for internet connectivity.

The platform currently covers core subjects such as Mathematics, English and Science for basic education levels from Class One to JHS Three, with plans to extend its reach to the senior high school level.

It is designed to work in both rural and urban settings and is aligned with the national curriculum to ensure students receive the right content for their grade level.

Some of the features on the platform include offline access, curriculum-aligned content, multi-language support, tracking and monitoring, a user-friendly interface and energy efficiency.

It is free for individual users, with minimal subscription fees for schools and also designed for both private use at home and in schools.

Rationale

During the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of TECHAiDE, Kafui Prebbie, described the platform as a “digital port,” filled with educational content based on the Ghana Education Service (GES) curriculum.

He said many students in the country faced challenges accessing online learning platforms due to the high cost of the Internet and poor connectivity, hence the need for such a platform.

Mr Perbbie explained that the platform had been designed to provide access to about 30 per cent of Ghanaians who did not have internet access.

He said TECHAiDE aimed to expand ASANKA’s reach not just across the country but to other African nations, saying, “Already, the platform is being introduced in places such as Gambia, Sierra Leone and Liberia.”

Mr Perbbie said, “The goal is to provide quality educational tools to reduce learning gaps and empower students to achieve their goals”.

He added, “In March next year, we will release new features of the ASANKA platform such as pre-tests, STEM tools, and self-study exercises to help students prepare for exams and learn more effectively and independently.”

Mr Prebbie encouraged schools, parents, and organisations to adopt the platform to improve educational outcomes, adding, “Education is a right, not a privilege, and tools such as ASANKA are essential to make that right a reality.”

Commendation

The Executive Director of the Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS), Nana Gyamfi Adwabour, lauded TECHAiDE for aligning educational content with national curricula to ensure relevance and standardisation.

He said, “We are committed to developing a comprehensive EdTech policy that goes beyond the broad framework of Information Communication Technology (ICT).

This policy will focus on targeted assessments, tool research and measurable outcomes.”

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He warned of severe repercussions caused by the delay.

The unpaid arrears have resulted in the suspension of the release of the 2024 WASSCE results.

In a press statement, WAEC appealed to the government for prompt payment to facilitate repairs on broken equipment critical for scanning objective cards, a step necessary for processing and releasing the results.

Speaking to Accra based Citi News, Dr. Apaak criticized the government’s inaction, describing it as unacceptable.

“The results of our wards who wrote WASSCE earlier this year are being withheld because the government has failed to honour its financial obligations to WAEC. This situation is condemnable,” he stated.

Dr. Apaak called on the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led administration to urgently pay the outstanding debt, highlighting the adverse implications for students’ futures and the academic calendar of tertiary institutions.

“Failing to resolve this issue promptly jeopardizes the academic progression of students and disrupts the schedules of our tertiary institutions,” he cautioned.

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The teacher, Ishmael Famous, is said to have been stabbed in the left eye after he asked the loitering student (name withheld) to enter the classroom.

The teacher is said to have lost his eye upon the assault.

GNAT has, therefore, called on the Police to prosecute the said student, insisting also that the affected teacher deserves a Workmen’s Compensation for losing his eye while performing his lawful duty.

SHS student stabs teacher in the eye at Offinso

“The law demands that if somebody is working in his line of duty, and something happens to him, the law provides that he should be compensated,” the General Secretary of GNAT, Thomas Musah, told the Daily Graphic.

“The law gives you what we call the Workmen’s Compensation,” he added.

Anger

The GNAT General Secretary, who expressed anger over attempts by some people in the area to drop the case, warned that the failure of duty bearers to take swift action on the matter would compel teachers to withdraw their services when students return from the Christmas break.

He said the teacher had lost his left eye completely and that for the rest of his life, he would be using one eye.

He asked: “Who is going to take care of his medical bills and all those things, who will do that?”

Mr Musah indicated that the situation was the reason GNAT was imploring the police and the GES to take action on the matter, stressing further that anything short of that would compel the teachers’ body to decide a drastic next line of action when schools re-open.

Mr Musah explained that on November 18, 2024, he received a report that the teacher had been stabbed in the left eye after the teacher had asked the student to enter the classroom.

Following the damage caused to the eye, the GNAT General Secretary said the career of the teacher was in danger because “Looking at the profession, you need your eyes to work with”.

“So, depending on the part of your body that is affected, if your leg is cut off, there is an amount to be paid. If your hand is cut off, there is an amount.

“And if it is your eye, if that particular part of your body that is affected is what you are depending upon as a professional, there is an amount of money to be paid to you”.

Mr Musah charged all to endeavour to support teachers to discharge their duties effectively.

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The altercation reportedly began when the teacher disciplined the student for loitering during class hours.

In an act of retaliation, the student attacked the teacher, stabbing him in the eye.

The teacher was immediately rushed to the hospital where he is receiving treatment.

The incident has sparked outrage among teacher Associations, who are demanding swift legal action against the student.

They called for safety for teachers and bemoaned indiscipline following the government’s policy to avoid corporal punishment including canning in schools.

The air was filled with pride, joy, and hopeful anticipation as family members waved their wards off, many holding back tears as they shared last-minute words of encouragement.

These exceptional children are set to compete in the prestigious 2024 UCMAS International Competition, scheduled for December 14, where they will pit their skills against some of the sharpest young minds from around the world. Representing Ghana, they carry not just the hopes of their families but also the aspirations of a nation eager to shine on the global stage.

For months, these young geniuses have undergone intense preparation under the guidance of UCMAS Ghana, a programme known for its transformative impact on mental arithmetic education. The competition will test their speed, accuracy, and creativity across various categories, offering them a platform to showcase the fruits of their hard work.

Last year in Malaysia, Ghana’s delegation walked away with four coveted trophies, an achievement that fueled even greater ambition this year. The current team is determined to surpass that milestone and make history, each child inspired by past champions like Kwabena Asamoah Amoah, whose 2012 triumph earned him global recognition and a university scholarship.

But this journey is not solely about competition. Once the contest concludes, the team will embark on a well-deserved retreat to Dubai, where they will immerse themselves in unforgettable experiences.

From December 19 to 21, the children will explore the city’s iconic landmarks, celebrating their hard work and bonding as a team.

A Legacy of Excellence
For 16 years, UCMAS Ghana, under the stewardship of Maurya Education Limited, has been a beacon of innovation in education, nurturing young talent to reach their fullest potential. The programme has become a staple in schools across the country, producing champions who excel academically and inspire their peers.

As the 28 competitors take off with dreams as vast as the skies, the entire nation stands behind them, eager to celebrate their achievements and cheer them on. These children are not just competing; they are writing a story of discipline, innovation, and national pride.

Stay tuned as Joy Prime brings you exclusive coverage of their remarkable journey and their pursuit of glory on the global stage.

The students see the accomplishment as a significant milestone that highlighted her unwavering commitment to education, leadership, and public service.

It also serves as a testament to the University’s prominent position as a leading centre of academic excellence in Ghana and West Africa, as recognised by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Given her outstanding track record as Ghana’s first female Vice Chancellor, the students perceived her political ascension as a momentous event in Ghanaian politics, positioning her as a trailblazer for women in positions of authority and those aspiring to lead.

Expressing these sentiments to the Ghana News Agency, Ms Mavis Williams Esuon, a student, expressed joy and optimism about Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s new role.

While acknowledging her resilience, she admitted: “Although I did not vote for her, I take pride in Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s affiliation with UCC, as we are recognised as the premier institution in Ghana.”

Ms Emmanuela Kwofie, another student, emphasised the significance of Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s appointment as Ghana’s first female Vice President and head of the economic management team, underscoring its importance for women’s empowerment.

“I am confident that Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s integrity, dedication, and vision for a prosperous Ghana will be evident in the years to come,” she remarked.

Mr Solomon Okine, a Bachelor of Science student majoring in biological science, praised Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s integrity and public service ethos, deeming her the ideal candidate for steering Ghana in the right direction.

He believes that her new position would contribute to the national agenda of fostering inclusivity, diversity and the empowerment of women in leadership roles.

Likewise, a Senior Lecturer, who preferred to remain anonymous, commended Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s achievement for not only inspiring women but also encouraging men to support women in reaching the pinnacle of their potential.

The Lecturer applauded President John Dramani Mahama, the President-elect, for his resolute decision to retain Prof Opoku-Agyemang as the party’s running mate for the 2024 elections, expressing full confidence in her ability to serve effectively as Vice President.

Within the Department of English, where she taught for several years, some Lecturers, and staff members reminisced about her rigorous teaching methods, recalling how students were hesitant to enrol in her courses because she exacted standards.

One staff member, who was once a student of Prof Opoku-Agyemang, fondly remembered her emphasis on academic excellence with statements like, “If you have the potential to attain an ‘A’ grade, then that should be your goal. Settling for a ‘B+’ should not suffice.”

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The victim, a third year Geography student was on her way to repair her laptop when the incident occurred.

She was struck while standing at the shoulder of the road by a ‘trotro’ which had failed brakes and veered off its lane.

The unfortunate news was confirmed through an announcement on the university’s official page.

The KNUST community, deeply affected by the loss, has expressed their condolences to Afia’s bereaved family.

This heartbreaking incident has left the student body in shock, with many calling for stricter measures to curb reckless driving in the area.

Over 10 students have lost their lives since the beginning of the year with about three from car accidents in various locations.

In a statement, WAEC explained that, the results will only be released once all post-examination challenges are resolved.

The Council revealed that although the marking of essay and practical components was completed on November 29, 2024, the scanning of objective test cards has been stalled due to the breakdown of scanners.

“The Council is awaiting the release of additional funds out of the outstanding balance of GHC118,000,000.00 from the Ministry of Education to enable the scanning process and other post-examination processes to continue smoothly,” the statement read.

Amidst the delay, WAEC has urged students, parents, and other stakeholders to disregard unofficial dates circulating on social media.

The Council also appealed to its examination officials and suppliers, who are yet to be paid, to exercise patience.

“Payment for their services will be made as soon as the needed funds are released from the Ministry of Education,” WAEC assured.

Below is the full statement

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Built-in 2007 with support from philanthropist Anouk and Friends, the classrooms have since been exposed to extreme weather, frequently disrupting lessons due to intense heat or rainfall.

This dire situation has severely impacted academic activities, with teachers often forced to end lessons prematurely to protect students.

These frequent disruptions have made it nearly impossible to maintain a steady academic
calendar, leaving students unprepared for crucial examinations like the Basic Education
Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E.).

Some students have voiced their frustrations with Graphic Online’s Simon Unyan over the poor learning conditions, questioning the authorities’ commitment to equitable education.

Fuseini Abdul Malik, a student, asked, “Do we not deserve better education like other children in Ghana?”

Sandow Ajara, another student, shared her fears about her academic future, saying, “If this situation continues, how can I focus on my studies when teaching and learning are constantly disrupted?”

Teachers have also expressed alarm over the broader impact of the situation. Idrisu Musah, one of the school’s teachers, highlighted declining enrollment as a critical issue.

“Our numbers were encouraging before, but since the structure was damaged, many parents have withdrawn their children, citing the lack of a proper learning environment.

The structural defect has disrupted our academic calendar. As we speak, we are nearing vacation, but we haven’t covered the syllabus, and the students are expected to write exams soon,” he explained.

Despite repeated appeals to the district assembly, no tangible solutions have yet to materialize.

Abdulai Fuseini, the Assemblyman for the Jantong Dashie Electoral Area, shared his frustrations.

“The Assembly one time sent an engineer to inspect the building and concluded that it was unfit for use, recommending a new structure. Yet, nothing has been done since then,” he said.

Frustrated by the lack of progress, the Chief of the Jantong Dashie Traditional Area, Jantongwura Abdullah Mahama, expressed disappointment despite his significant contributions to the rebuilding efforts.

“One time, they brought sea sand here to mold blocks for the construction, but when the workers arrived, there was no cement. I donated 50 bags of my cement to mold the blocks, but now the blocks are sitting idle, and no one seems to care,” he lamented.

The chief has warned that: “If they [District Assembly] don’t come to construct the school, I will retrieve the blocks. Five years without action is unacceptable. Our children’s education is at stake,” he stated.

The situation at Jantong Dashie D/A Junior High School underscores the urgent need for
investment in rural education infrastructure.

Without immediate action, the futures of many of these young learners remain uncertain.

Students, parents, teachers, and traditional leaders are calling on authorities to prioritize this crisis and restore the school to a functional state.

Verdict: False

Explanation

According to the Ministry of Finance, the total beneficiaries of the Free SHS policy from 2017 to 2024 are 3,135,754.

This figure is 2,564,246 lower than the 5.7 million President Akufo-Addo and  NPP forerunner Kennedy Agyapong mentioned.

Source: Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition

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Currently, the school relies on a single, dilapidated laptop owned by the teacher in charge, which has proven insufficient for the student population.

Despite the inclusion of ICT in Ghana’s educational curriculum, the school has yet to benefit from modern ICT facilities since the subject’s introduction.

Management of the school revealed that students take turns using the outdated laboratory, which falls far below standard requirements. Presently, the lab is equipped with only one desktop computer, leaving students without the essential foundation in ICT studies.

In a bid to address these challenges, the school recently held a fundraising event to gather resources and draw attention to its plight.

The event, spearheaded by the Queen Mother of Agomeda, Nana Dr Korlekwor Korli-Yohi III, brought together stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents, school administrators, and community members. It also marked the launch of the school’s 60th-anniversary celebrations and served as a rallying call for alumni to support their alma mater.

Under the theme “Educating the Child in a Conducive School Environment: The Role of Stakeholders,” the Queen Mother urged all concerned organisations, community groups, and policymakers to assist the school in creating a better learning environment.

“Quality education for a child is a collective responsibility amongst various stakeholders,” she said, calling for greater involvement from the business community and government to support the school’s initiatives.

Nana Dr Korlekwor Korli-Yohi emphasised the importance of equipping learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for future success and pledged the continued support of traditional leadership in fostering a united community and responsible parenting.

The school’s headteacher, Rev Jonathan Tetteh Kugblenu, highlighted the difficulty of teaching ICT to the school’s 350 students without the appropriate tools.

“As the world rapidly becomes more digital, it is imperative that our students have access to the tools and resources that will help them excel in the 21st century.

“A well-equipped ICT lab will not only foster digital literacy but will also provide our students with the skills they need to navigate the increasingly technology-driven world,” he said.

Rev Kugblenu also stressed the need for a dedicated library, saying “A dedicated library will serve as a hub for research, reading, and independent learning—empowering our students to explore new ideas and expand their knowledge.”

Additionally, he raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the school’s classrooms, which urgently require rehabilitation.

He called on non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to help refurbish the ICT lab and equip the school with the necessary resources.

It charged second cycle school heads, especially, to adhere to the directive.

“As the nation prepares to vote in the upcoming general election, we hereby direct schools to close on Thursday, December 5, 2024 to allow staff and eligible students to exercise their right to vote on December 7.

Regional

“Regional Directors are instructed to ensure that heads of second cycle schools strictly adhere to this directive, allowing staff and eligible students to travel to their respective constituencies to cast their votes,” a circular signed by a Deputy Director-General of the GES, Dr Kwabena Bempah Tandoh, said.

It was addressed to all regional directors of education and copied to the Chairman, GES Council, Accra, the Director-General, GES-HQ, Accra, among others.

The 2024 general election will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The election will be the ninth since the country returned to constitutional rule in 1992.

In all, 12 candidates will be contesting for the presidential slot. Apart from the two frontrunners — the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress, who are contesting all the 275 parliamentary seats, some independent candidates and others from the smaller parties are also in the race.

Contestants

Those contesting the elections are John Dramani Mahama(NDC), Mahamudu Bawumia (NPP), Daniel Augustus Lartey (GCPP), Christian Kwabena Andrews (Ghana Union Movement), Kofi Akpaloo (Liberal Party Ghana),  Mohammed Frimpong (National Democratic Party) and Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Kumankuma (Convention People’s Party).

The rest are Hassan Ayariga (All People’s Congress), Kofi Koranteng (Independent), George Twum-Barima-Adu (Independent), Nana Kwame Bediako (Independent) and Alan John Kwadwo Kyeremateng (Independent).

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The process was initiated after the parties signed the rules of engagement.

The government team was led by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the management of Ghana Education Service, (GES) while TEWU was represented by union executives.

Before the signing of the rules of engagement, the Director of Grievance and Negotiation at FWSC, Prof Charles Adabo Oppong commended TEWU for calling off its strike and returning to the negotiation table.

He expressed hope that the negotiations would be peaceful for a successful outcome.

The Director-General of GES, Dr Eric Nkansah commended the executives of TEWU for their support and the patience exhibited towards the negotiation process.

He also thanked the FWSC for their efforts in getting mandates for negotiations, even in an election year.

The General Secretary of TEWU, King James Azortibah called for expeditious negotiations stating that the union was prepared to negotiate in good faith and also get a good deal for members.

The National Chairman of TEWU, Salamatu M. Braimah spoke about the frustration the members were going through and said any further delays may aggravate their plights.

Strike action suspended

Earlier, the National Labour Commission(NLC)  had to direct TEWU after summoning the union and the government team on November 20, 2024, directed the union to call off its indefinite nationwide strike action which began on Monday, November 18.

TEWU embarked on the strike action citing the government’s failure to address longstanding concerns regarding their conditions of service.

TEWU-TUC expressed frustration over delays in concluding, signing, and implementing revised conditions of service for workers under the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ghana Library Authority, the Museums and Monuments Board, as well as Public Technical and Traditional Universities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, a major campaign promise of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) before the 2016 election, is once again at the center of political discourse.

With less than 10 days to the 2024 elections, both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP have pledged to retain the policy. However, the NDC suggests that some modifications should be made to the policy’s implementation.

A recent pre-election survey by the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) reveals that the NPP’s campaign messages focus heavily on education, accounting for 88% of observer reports, compared to 77% for the NDC.

Kwasi Kwarteng Warns Against Modifying the Free SHS Policy

Kwasi Kwarteng, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, warned against reviewing the Free SHS policy to exclude parents who can afford to pay fees. Speaking on JoyNews XSpaces, he emphasized the need to build systems and data to track the real income of parents before any modifications are made.

“Until we build systems and data to be able to know or track the real income and earnings of parents, I am not sure it will be appropriate to use the model that you are suggesting,” he said. “If we are not very careful, we may reduce the whole education system into educational apartheid, where the rich can pay for the highly subscribed schools, and the poor may not be able to afford those schools.”

Mr. Kwarteng further shared his observations from meetings with parents and stakeholders. He pointed out that many individuals who claim they are willing to pay for their children’s education are often middle-income earners. These parents, despite having relatively higher incomes, are often willing to go the extra mile to secure admissions for their children in top-tier schools.

This situation, he argued, could leave many children without access to quality education in these highly subscribed schools, as their parents may not be able to afford the fees.

“For us, the Free SHS is not only a game-changer, but it is also an affirmative policy designed precisely to give opportunities to students who would not be able to afford the fees, particularly in the highly subscribed schools,” Mr. Kwarteng added.

President Akufo-Addo Highlights Achievements of the Free SHS Programme

During a tour of the Western North Region on Tuesday, November 5, President Nana Akufo-Addo highlighted the successes of the Free SHS programme, noting that over five million students have benefited since its launch in 2017.

The President acknowledged that while there have been challenges in implementing the policy, the benefits have far outweighed the obstacles, improving Ghana’s education system and providing more students with access to higher education.

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In such cases, the party in breach may be sued in a competent court of jurisdiction.

A breach of promise to marry can be classified into two types: non-performance breach and anticipatory breach.

Non-performance breach occurs when one party fails to fulfill their promise, such as when Party A promises to marry Party B after she becomes pregnant and gives birth, but does not proceed with the marriage rites once she has the child.

Anticipatory breach happens when one party abandons the other before the promised event, such as Party A leaving Party B before she gives birth, even though a promise to marry was made.

In both situations, legal action can be taken for the breach of promise to marry.

The Adomonline.com legal tips are supplied by Trudy Gbogbo, Esq., a Ghanaian lawyer, journalist, and public relations expert. She has gained recognition for her expertise in various areas of law, including family law, corporate law, and general legal practice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The MOU is on Cooperation in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Research, Training and Skills Development.

The signing of the two formed part of the official visit to Ghana by Mr Wavel Ramkalawan, President of Seychelles.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, copied to the Ghana News Agency said Mrs Mabel Sagoe, Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport, signed the BASA and Mrs. Mamle D. Andrews, Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, signed the MoU on Education.

It said Mr Conrad Mederic, High Commissioner of Seychelles to Ethiopia signed on behalf of Seychelles.

The statement noted that this brought the total MoUs signed during Mr Ramkalawan’s visit to Ghana to four.

It said earlier on during the visit, the MoUs in the areas of Culture and Tourism Development were signed on Thursday, 21st November.

He stated that the government is dedicated to enhancing collaborations between Colleges of Education and global institutions to share knowledge and adopt best practices.

The Minister made this statement on his behalf during the launch of Accra College of Education’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

The theme for the event was: “60 Years of Teacher Education in Ghana: Reflecting on the Past, Understanding the Present, and Transforming the Future — The Role of Accra College of Education.”

The Minister assured that the government would prioritize teacher research and innovation through continued collaboration with institutions like NACA and others to improve the quality of education in the country.

“The ministry remains committed to supporting Accra College of Education in the broader vision of transforming Ghana’s education system,” he said.

Dr. Adutwum added that the government had implemented the national teacher education curriculum framework to improve teacher quality in the country.

The government had also introduced inclusive education policies to prepare teachers to address diverse learning needs.

Dr. Adutwum explained that the government had incorporated digital learning tools and ICT into teacher education to modernize teaching methods across Colleges of Education.

He noted that the Free Senior High School policy had increased access to secondary education, which in turn required a steady supply of well-trained teachers, making Colleges of Education essential to the success of the policy.

The Minister urged stakeholders to continue collaborating with Accra College of Education to help achieve the country’s educational transformation goals.

Professor Samuel Atintono, the Principal of Accra College of Education, acknowledged that the institution was facing challenges with inadequate infrastructure, particularly in terms of classrooms and residential facilities.

He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had worsened these issues, and currently, only 400 students could be housed in residential facilities.

To accommodate more students, the college had repurposed existing spaces, raising capacity to 700.

“Despite these hurdles, the institution remains committed to producing skilled, adaptable teachers to drive sustainable development in the country,” he said.

Prof. Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, said the college had shown resilience and adaptability in the changing environment, integrating digital tools, online learning, and modern pedagogy to prepare teachers to thrive in the 21st-century classroom.

He commended the College for embracing inclusivity and fostering an environment where students from all backgrounds could access quality teacher education.

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The school stated that, contrary to reports, it took delivery of various food items from the National Buffer Stock Company on November 4, 9, 13, 19, and 21, respectively.

A statement signed by the headmaster, Rev. Fr. Patrick Godfred Appiah (PhD.), said the reports were unfounded and untrue.

“These claims that students are not being fed properly due to a lack of food are both unfounded and untrue,” the statement read in part.

He acknowledged the government’s critical support under the Free SHS policy, which has been instrumental in maintaining smooth operations.

The headmaster also commended the efforts of the kitchen staff, who worked tirelessly to prepare meals for students during the recent strike by the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU).

“Their dedication ensured that students’ meals were not disrupted despite the challenges posed by the industrial action,” he lauded.

Rev. Fr. Appiah further expressed gratitude to the Central Regional Director of Education, who visited the school to motivate the matron and her team.

Read the statement below:

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According to him, the company engaged in major infractions in the following ways: re-bagging about 22,000 bags of rice without prior approval from the FDA, re-bagging at an unlicensed facility without FDA’s supervision, and altering the labelling on the bags which he describes as deceptive.

While acknowledging the FDA’s authority to extend the rice’s “Best-Before” date after verifying its safety, Alhaji Hudu Mogtari argued that the company’s subsequent actions raise serious legal and ethical concerns about its intent.

He highlighted the company’s non-compliance with the FDA’s guidelines for repackaging of food products. Specifically, Alhaji Mogtari cited general requirement 3.1.1 “No firm or individual shall undertake repackaging operation without the authorization and supervision of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)”.

Guideline 3.1.4 also states that “All repackaged food products shall be adequately labelled and the labelling information shall comply with the FDA Guidelines for Labeling of Pre-packaged Food Products. The labelling information on all repackaged food products shall have the same substantive labelling declaration as the bulk product e.g. best-before Date, Batch Number, List of ingredients, Net Weight amongst others”.

Alhaji Hudu Mogtari further quoted guideline 3.1.6 to confirm the fact that, Lamens engaged in an act of illegality. The said legislation indicated that “The repackaging facility shall be licensed in accordance with the Guidelines for Licensing of Manufacturing Facilities”.

Alhaji Mogtari indicated that Lamens Investments’ failure to adhere to these guidelines constituted acts of illegality.

In a media interaction, the former FDA boss stated, “Regardless of the initial approval given by the FDA, the company failed to adhere to other food safety standards.”

He has called for a thorough investigation into the matter and urged authorities to impose stricter sanctions if necessary.

Meanwhile, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has clarified that the GH¢100,000 fine imposed on Lamens Investments Africa Limited was for multiple regulatory violations, not the quality of the Moshosho Rice imported from India.

The FDA in a statement said investigations revealed that Lamens Investments re-bagged the rice without obtaining prior approval, a critical step required to ensure product integrity and compliance with safety standards.

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He described the initiative as a testament to the inclusivity of the Free SHS programme, ensuring that disadvantaged students are not left behind in the pursuit of education.

In a Facebook post on Friday, 22 November, Mr Ofosu Nkansah highlighted the policy as a progressive step towards creating equal opportunities for all Ghanaian children, regardless of their economic background.

He commended the government for its efforts to make quality education accessible to every student, especially those from deprived communities who might otherwise struggle to afford it.

According to Mr Ofosu Nkansah, the 30% allocation is a clear indication that the government is committed to breaking down barriers that hinder the academic progress of less privileged students.

He noted that education remains a critical pathway to personal and national development, and that providing equal access is essential for the country’s future.

He concluded by urging stakeholders, including parents and local communities, to support the policy and encourage their children to take advantage of the opportunities provided.

Mr Ofosu Nkansah expressed confidence that the inclusive approach would produce a generation of educated, skilled, and ambitious young Ghanaians who can contribute to the nation’s growth.

“From Wassa Akyempim to Achimota School. Free SHS does not discriminate. The 30% quota system for less privileged students is one of the good interventions under Free SHS.”

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The state-of-the-art edifice is part of some 80 educational projects commissioned nationwide on Thursday.

The facility will not only serve the Atiwa East constituency but also augment technical education in adjoining communities and the Eastern Region at large.

The edifice includes departments of Electrical Technology, Wood Construction Technology, Information Communication Technology, Fashion and Food Processing, and Standard Equipment, among others.

Principal of the facility, Maame Yaa Rockson, touched on the importance of TVET and further elaborated on the vision the school seeks to achieve, using TVET to produce skilled professionals in various fields.

The Eastern Regional Director of Education, Dr. Ivy Asantewaa Owusu, expressed appreciation to Abena Osei Asare for the revolutionary leadership shown in championing the project.

She charged teachers and students to make judicious use of the facility to bridge the technical education gap and have an impact on society.

Deputy Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Gabriel Palermo, touched on the importance of the cooperation between Ghana and Italy, which has birthed this state-of-the-art edifice.

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The fine follows investigations into the alleged re-bagging of approximately 22,000 bags of 50kg rice, originally imported from India but falsely labeled as “Made in Ghana.”

The rice bags lacked essential information, including manufacturing and expiration dates, in violation of Ghanaian laws.

In a statement, the FDA revealed that investigations confirmed Lamens Investments re-bagged the rice without obtaining prior approval, a critical step required to ensure product integrity and compliance with safety standards.

The statement explained that the re-bagging operations were carried out in an unlicensed facility, and the company failed to ensure FDA supervision during the process.

“The FDA imposed an administrative fine of GH¢100,000 on Lamens Investments Africa Limited for the following regulatory breaches: Re-bagging the rice without prior FDA approval, conducting re-bagging operations in an unlicensed facility, and failing to ensure FDA supervision during the re-bagging process,” the statement said.

The authority clarified that the fine is unrelated to the quality of the rice itself, which had passed rigorous laboratory analyses.

The FDA stated that tests conducted by reputable institutions in India and Ghana, including the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), confirmed the rice met safety standards. However, the importer’s handling of the product violated protocols designed to protect public health.

In a separate development, the FDA recently approved an extension of the rice’s “best before” date from December 20, 2023, to April 30, 2024, after thorough scientific evaluation. However, the authority declined a request to extend the date further to December 2024, citing insufficient stability data to justify the extension.

The FDA also addressed public concerns about its acceptance of partial payments for administrative fines.

The authority explained that this practice allows regulatory actions to proceed without delay, ensuring that companies remain accountable while adhering to their financial commitments.

Reaffirming its mission to safeguard public health, the FDA emphasized that such enforcement actions are essential to maintaining trust in the food supply chain.

“We will continue to uphold the highest standards, taking decisive actions to protect public health and safety,” the FDA said.

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According to him, the authority will not jeopardize the well-being of Ghanaians, especially children or students, under any circumstances.

This follows allegations made by the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who claimed that a total of 22,000 bags of expired and repackaged rice were distributed to various Senior High Schools across the country.

He alleged that the consignment was distributed through the Free Senior High School Secretariat in February this year.

The North Tongu legislator, who also serves as Chair of the Assurances Committee in Parliament, stated that his investigation, launched after a tip-off, revealed that the act was deliberate.

He therefore called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the directors of Lamens Investments Africa, the company accused of allegedly repackaging and distributing the expired rice.

In an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Thursday, November 21, Mr. Yaw-Bernie disclosed that the FDA had intervened in a case involving unlicensed rice repackaging.

This intervention followed a complaint from the police, after which the FDA collaborated with law enforcement to halt the unauthorized activity.

“The company involved was sanctioned for three key violations: operating a facility unlicensed for rice repackaging, conducting repackaging activities without FDA approval, and undertaking the process without supervision,” he said.

Additionally, he noted that the FDA discovered the “best before” date on the rice had expired. Initially, the product was recommended for disposal. However, after international and local laboratory tests conducted by the FDA, the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and a facility in India, it was determined that the rice met quality standards.

Consequently, the “best before” date was extended to April 2024, instead of December 2023 as initially requested by the producer.

“So FDA says that based on this, the date on the rice, as seen on that day, shows that the best before date had expired. So what do you do? The first action to take was that we recommended that the product should simply be disposed of – that was the first recommendation made.

“But again, when the producer applied for the censor, which is internationally accepted, we looked at the quality of the product. Those three laboratory tests – in India, CSIR, and FDA did a confirmatory test which tells us that the product can be used. Based on that, the best before date was extended to April and not December as requested,” he explained.

Mr. Yaw-Bernie emphasized, “The FDA, as a regulatory institution, will not for any reason jeopardize the health and safety of Ghanaians, especially children and students. The FDA will not shy away from handling unsafe products the way they should be handled.”

He assured the public that the FDA strictly enforces regulations, citing previous actions such as destroying unsafe imported rice consignments and addressing food safety issues in schools.

“Not too long ago, we dealt with an incident in one of the northern regions where a school was serving products unfit for human consumption. We acted swiftly to protect public health,” he added.

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The action of the contractor on Thursday, November 21, 2024, is due to unpaid debts from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).

The contractor had locked up the school in October but reopened after the Ga South Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Joseph Nyarni, requested a two-week ultimatum to settle the debt.

However, the pledge has not been honored after a month.

The contractor disrupted teaching and learning, asking staff and pupils, including the headmistress, to vacate the building.

Addressing the media, the Public Relations Officer of Geo’s Anointing Company Limited, Christopher Newman, said the government awarded the contract to them in 2017.

The first phase, he revealed, was completed in 2018, but they are yet to receive payment after six years.

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Speaking at the inauguration of 80 newly constructed educational facilities nationwide, Dr. Adutwum lauded the transformative initiatives implemented since the NPP took office in 2017.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing educational infrastructure and fostering academic excellence.

The Minister described the infrastructure improvements as pivotal to the NPP’s vision for national development, underscoring their role in creating equitable and effective learning environments.

“We cannot educate 21st-century students in 19th-century buildings and expect 21st-century outcomes. It simply won’t work. The smiles on the faces of children today reflect the impact of these changes.”

Dr. Adutwum also reflected on the parallels between Ghana’s current journey and South Korea’s economic and educational achievements.

“In 1960, Ghana’s per capita income was higher than South Korea’s. However, they took decisive steps by expanding secondary education in the 1960s and 1970s and investing in STEM education in the 1970s,” he explained.

“We are 50 years behind, but we have started, and the evidence will soon tell the story of Ghana’s STEM transformation.”

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The Fund completed 1,608 basic education projects, 1,298 Senior High School projects, 153 tertiary projects, 16 e-blocks, two TVET centers, and two model schools.

Isaac Asiedu-Odei, Head of Public Relations at GETFund, announced this on Tuesday at the National Education Week in Accra.

The event was held under the theme “The Education Transformation Agenda: Evidence From 2017.”

He said the government was constructing five training centers for the Commission for Technical, Vocational Education and Training.

The contracts were signed in September 2018, and work on two of the projects—Pakyi Number One and Anyinam—is nearing full completion and handover.

Two more sites, Akomadan and Assin Jakai, are at various stages of completion.

Mr. Asiedu-Odei said each of the five TVET centers is a state-of-the-art complex, comprising fully equipped classrooms, laboratories, workshops, and staffrooms.

On scholarships, he said the Fund had increased the number of local scholarships from over 300 in 2016 to 5,026 in 2023/2024.

The Head of Public Relations said GETFund had, over the past 15 years, supported scholars pursuing various programs at both local and foreign institutions.

In its lifetime, the Fund has sponsored over 16,000 scholars at both local and foreign educational institutions.

Mr. Asiedu-Odei said 2,718 vehicles were distributed to various agencies and institutions under the Ministry of Education between 2019 and 2021.

He also mentioned that a total of 677,470 furniture items had been distributed to basic and secondary schools between 2019 and 2021.

Mr. Asiedu-Odei stressed that the Fund would continue to adhere to its mandate of providing financial support to the agencies and institutions under the Ministry of Education.

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