The Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation Welcomes Desmond Israel Esq. as Senior Policy Research Fellow
The Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI) has ushered in a new era of thought leadership with the appointment of Desmond Israel Esq. as its Senior Policy Research Fellow. This strategic move underscores ILAPI’s growing influence in the fields of business regulation, cyberlaw, and digital governance, all in pursuit of a freer and more innovative society. Desmond Israel is no stranger to the intersection of law and technology. With over 20 years of experience as a legal tech strategist and cybersecurity expert, Israel brings a wealth of interdisciplinary expertise to ILAPI’s mission of fostering a prosperous and innovation-driven Africa. At ILAPI, he will spearhead the institute’s Business Regulatory and Cyberlaw Initiatives, setting the stage for transformative policy work. In his new role, Israel will: Lead policy research and analysis, offering critical insights on governance and institutional reform. Provide strategic advisory on AI governance, digital risk management, and frameworks that advance liberty. Oversee the implementation of ILAPI’s flagship projects, ensuring their impact across Africa. Mentor junior fellows and interns, nurturing the next generation of research and policy leaders. Israel’s appointment reflects ILAPI’s deep commitment to ethical innovation and digital sovereignty. Beyond his new role, Israel serves as Partner in the Cyberlaw & Technology Practice at AGNOS Legal Company, Founder & Lead Consultant at Information Security Architects Ltd (a Rapid7 Gold Partner), and Non-Executive Director (Cyber & Privacy Advisory) at Zerone AnalytiQs in British Columbia, Canada. His expertise covers data protection compliance, AI regulatory alignment, and enterprise IT governance. A recipient of the GW Law Merit Scholarship, Israel holds an LL.M. in National Security and Cybersecurity from The George Washington University Law School and is certified in CISSP, CIPM, CCT, and CC. Israel is a renowned keynote speaker at global conferences, known for bridging legal, technological, and human rights perspectives. He teaches Technology Law at GIMPA Law School and consults with the National Banking College to design board-level programs on cyber risk and AI strategy for financial institutions throughout Africa. His policy collaborations span notable organizations such as the Center for AI and Digital Policy in Washington, D.C., and the Internet Security Alliance in Virginia. ILAPI hails Israel’s appointment as a “significant step toward advancing freedom, ethical innovation, robust governance, and digital sovereignty in Africa and beyond.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Double-Track Debate: Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum’s Office Rebuts Claims of Lowered Education Quality
The office of Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Minister of Education, has strongly refuted assertions by current Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu that the double-track system negatively impacted education quality in Ghana. Responding to the remarks made by Mr. Iddrisu at a media briefing in Accra on August 21, 2025, Dr. Adutwum’s spokesperson, Yaw Opoku Mensah, described the Minister’s claims as misleading and contradicted by data. During the briefing, Mr. Iddrisu had argued that the double-track policy reduced contact hours and compromised academic standards, announcing the formation of an 11-member committee to oversee its phase-out. Opoku Mensah, however, offered a different perspective. He explained that the double-track system, introduced in 2018 alongside the Free SHS policy, was a necessary emergency intervention to accommodate an unprecedented surge in student enrollment. Prior to its introduction, senior high schools had capacity for only 277,537 students—falling short by nearly 182,000 students against the expected 472,730. “The system prevented widespread exclusion, averting about 11.5 percent of students in the Northern sector and 35 percent in the Southern sector who would otherwise have missed out due to lack of space,” he said. Contrary to claims of compromised quality, Opoku Mensah stressed that the double-track system actually expanded access to top Category A schools for students from underprivileged backgrounds and increased annual contact hours from 1,080 to 1,134, while maintaining a 180-day instructional calendar. He highlighted that academic performance improved under the policy: WAEC records show over 60 percent of graduates gained admission to tertiary institutions during the double-track period. Additionally, Ghana produced the best WAEC candidates in West Africa for four consecutive years. He further noted that the double-track system was phased out in 2021, making way for the current transitional calendar. Opoku Mensah urged government officials to ground public discourse in facts rather than politicizing education policy interventions that expanded access and improved outcomes. Background The double-track and Free SHS policies were introduced in 2018 under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, with Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as Education Minister. Dr. Adutwum later managed the policy until its phase-out. The initiative aimed to expand access to senior high school education while addressing critical infrastructure deficits. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
WAEC Calls for Surveillance Cameras in Exam Halls to Curb Malpractice
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is calling for bold new measures to protect the integrity of Ghana’s education system. Mr. John Kapi, Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, has appealed to the government to consider installing surveillance cameras in examination centres across the country, a move he believes is crucial in the ongoing fight against exam malpractice. In a recent media interview, Mr. Kapi acknowledged that WAEC has been working tirelessly to educate students and stakeholders about the dangers and consequences of cheating during exams. However, he noted that awareness campaigns alone are not enough. “Sensitisation alone is not enough. The installation of cameras in exam halls will serve as both a deterrent and a monitoring tool to curb malpractice,” he explained. Mr. Kapi warned that examination malpractice not only threatens the credibility of Ghana’s education system but also undermines the value of certificates issued by WAEC. He cautioned that failure to act decisively could have long-lasting consequences for the nation’s human resource development. He concluded by urging the government and all education stakeholders to provide WAEC with the necessary logistics and resources to enhance examination monitoring nationwide, ensuring that Ghana’s academic credentials remain respected and trusted both locally and internationally. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
No Fees Stress Programme Delivers Major Relief to Tertiary Students-Over 120,000 Reimbursed So Far
The government’s flagship ‘No Fees Stress’ programme is making waves across the nation’s tertiary institutions, bringing tangible relief to thousands of students burdened by the cost of higher education. In a recent update, the Minister in charge of Government Communications, Mr. Felix Ofosu Kwakye, shared the latest milestones of the initiative, painting a picture of significant progress and hope. As of the 7th August 2025 application deadline, the numbers tell a compelling story: a remarkable 207,087 applications poured in from students eager to benefit from the financial support. Of these, public tertiary institutions officially enrolled 178,745 students, forwarding their details for further processing. The next hurdle, validation, was met with determination. So far, 142,089 applicants have been successfully validated, clearing the way for reimbursement. Most notably, Mr. Ofosu Kwakye revealed that 120,222 students have already received reimbursement under the scheme, directly easing the financial pressures on their academic journeys. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ex-Government Spokesperson Urges GTEC to Focus on Unaccredited Religious Titles, Not Deputy Health Minister
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, has urged the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to redirect its scrutiny from Deputy Health Minister Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah and instead investigate the widespread use of unaccredited titles by religious bodies and individuals. Speaking to a media platform, August 19, Dr. Boakye-Danquah argued that GTEC’s focus on Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s academic credentials was misplaced. He pointed out that many individuals, particularly within religious circles, use honorary and unaccredited titles without oversight. “GTEC should leave the Deputy Minister alone. I think that there are people who are using titles that they must pursue. From a religious background, I know that some people hold themselves with certain titles. GTEC is supposed to look at all institutions as they are,” he said. Dr. Boakye-Danquah highlighted the issue of some theological institutions in Ghana operating without proper accreditation, yet still issuing certificates and conferring titles. He urged GTEC to “turn their attention to the religious bodies—those that are using Reverend, Rev. Dr., etc., that are also not accredited,” suggesting that such action would help sanitise the system. His remarks come amid an ongoing dispute between GTEC and Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Essikadu-Ketan. GTEC has challenged her claim to the academic rank of professor and has cautioned her against presenting herself with the title. In a letter to the Chief of Staff, GTEC requested that Dr. Ayensu-Danquah provide proof of her professorial appointment by August 11, 2025. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s legal team, led by David K. Ametefe, responded on August 8, asserting that she was appointed Assistant Professor of Surgery by the University of Utah in the United States. The lawyers argued that GTEC had no authority to demand proof of an appointment made outside Ghana and warned that if the Commission did not withdraw its correspondence within 14 days, they would seek legal remedies to protect their client’s reputation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bolgatanga Technical Institute Shut Down After Violent Student Protest
The Bolgatanga Technical Institute in Ghana’s Upper East Region has been closed down indefinitely following a violent student protest that erupted early Friday morning. The disturbance, which began around 12:30 am, resulted in six students being injured and several school properties destroyed by fire, including the library and the senior housemaster’s office. According to reports, the violence was sparked by the suspension of six students for misconduct. Their friends, in a show of solidarity, allegedly mobilized on Thursday night and launched an attack on the school in retaliation. The situation quickly escalated, with police and fire personnel rushing to the scene to restore calm and extinguish the blaze. The injured students were rushed to the Upper East Regional Hospital for treatment, while the Regional Security Council ordered the closure of the school to help de-escalate tensions and support ongoing investigations. Six students suspected to be behind the violence are currently wanted by the police. This is not the first time the Bolgatanga Technical Institute has experienced student unrest. In 2022, the school was temporarily shut down after students protested against strict invigilation during exams, vandalizing school properties and clashing with police. Similarly, in 2015, the school was closed down indefinitely after students rioted over the deplorable condition of the dormitory buildings. The Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, has called on the students to be disciplined and desist from taking the law into their own hands when they have grievances. The school’s principal has also appealed for calm, stating that the damages to the school and personal properties will be paid for by the students responsible. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Schools Under Siege
By Mabel Darko Boateng “Children must be safe and feel safe in school; only then can they truly learn.” — Arne Duncan (Former U.S. Secretary of Education, 2009 – 2016) Introduction Ghanaian schools, once regarded as safe havens for learning and discipline, now face an alarming wave of violence that threatens education at all levels. From Senior High Schools (SHSs) to universities, conflict, weapon possession, and serious fights have created fear and uncertainty for students, teachers, and communities. Incidents of School Violence In January 2025, clashes broke out between Accra Technical Centre and Kinbu Secondary Technical School, followed by a machete fight between Kumasi Technical Institute and Kumasi Anglican SHS. Again, February recorded a stabbing at Salaga SHS, where police recovered a pistol and ammunition, arresting 20 students. Also, Sokode SHS in the Volta Region was shut down after violent confrontations with residents. Tragedy struck Adventist SHS at Bantama in April, when second-year student Suzzy Pinamang suffered a permanent eye injury after a male classmate allegedly brought a gun to class and accidentally discharged it. In June, ethnic tensions at Nkwanta SHS in the Oti Region claimed three lives: two girls shot on their way home and a boy killed by a stray bullet in class. July brought a grim succession of incidents as Bawku SHS became a centre of tragedy when final-year student Hakim Kundima was fatally shot on campus. That same day, two students at Nalerigu SHS were killed in related shootings. While it can be said that these occurred in conflict areas, school violence is no longer confined to conflict zones. The month also saw a fatal stabbing over money at St Joseph Technical Institute, the killing of a Wa T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS student after a quarrel over an unwanted video, chaos at Zuarungu SHS over a stolen phone, and a viral video from Accra Academy showing students attacking a junior with a cutlass. The violence has also reached tertiary institutions. In February, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology was shaken by the suspected murder of final-year student Joana Deladem Yabani. A University of Energy and Natural Resources student survived a machete attack while returning from night classes in March. In contrast, gunmen killed one student and injured another at Gambaga College of Education. Also, in April, a first-year student at the University of Education, Winneba, died by suicide. Teachers have also become targets. Assaults on educators are increasing, with unions accusing authorities of inaction and advising members to withdraw services when threatened. When those entrusted with shaping young minds cannot feel safe, the foundation of education begins to crumble. Causes of School Violence The drivers of this surge in violence are complex: weak discipline enforcement, peer pressure, poor parental supervision, social media glorification of aggression, and easy access to illegal weapons. In troubled areas like Bawku, machetes, pangas, and guns have entered campuses. Response by Authorities In Bawku and Nkwanta (Oti region), authorities closed all affected schools, evacuating students preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The Small Arms Commission and Peace Council are working to curb the flow, while the GES and National School Inspectorate Authority have intensified code-of-conduct enforcement, inspections, and security agency collaboration. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu’s July 2025 directive for urgent inspections and disciplinary action signalled official recognition of the crisis. Consequences of School Violence The cost is profound: lives lost, physical and psychological trauma, eroded trust between teachers and students, and disrupted academic activities. Beyond discipline issues, these attacks undermine education’s mission to provide safe, supportive spaces for growth and social cohesion. Closures and curfews derail exam preparation, while repeated exposure to violence leaves students traumatised, affecting attendance and performance. Way Forward Addressing this siege demands a comprehensive approach, stronger campus security, peer mediation, counselling, positive student leadership, and deeper parental and community involvement. Ethnic and communal disputes that spill into schools must be addressed at their roots. Securing campuses must be non-negotiable, with long-term measures like risk mapping, reinforced perimeters, and rapid-response systems. Alternative learning platforms, from radio lessons to safe temporary sites, should ensure education continues during crises (activating Education-in-Emergencies should be non-negotiable). Schools must also rebuild civic responsibility. Discipline should be firm but fair. Counselling services should be expanded, and teachers trained in trauma-informed care and conflict resolution. The justice system must act decisively; those who bring weapons to school or orchestrate attacks must face swift consequences. “Investigations are ongoing” will not save the next student. When impunity ends, deterrence begins. Conclusion Ghanaian schools are at a crossroads. Ending this siege requires not just soldiers at the gates, but a collective refusal by parents, chiefs, pastors, and policymakers to normalise violence. If we lose the classroom as a place of peace, we will lose more than exam results and the very citizens who can hold our democracy together. That is a price the nation cannot afford to pay. ***The writer is a Communications Associate with the Institute for Education Studies (IFEST_Ghana), an education think tank in Ghana.
Minister for Education Leads Mid-Year Review of Ghana’s Education Sector Amid Ongoing Challenges
Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has joined the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education for a week-long mid-year review session. This essential gathering aims to assess the performance and address the challenges faced by all agencies under the Ministry, spanning from Kindergarten to Higher Education. The review, integral to the statutory oversight mechanisms, witnessed key educational institutions presenting progress reports alongside outlining critical obstacles hindering their operations. In his address to the Committee, Mr. Iddrisu provided a thorough overview of the current state of Ghana’s education system, shining a light on significant advancements made in recent years. The Minister highlighted notable achievements, such as the expansion of access to education, improvements in school infrastructure, advancements in teacher development, and the promotion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as well as TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) programs. Furthermore, he emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to aligning educational outcomes with Ghana’s broader national development agenda. “These sessions are not just a statutory exercise — they represent an opportunity to strengthen our shared resolve in delivering quality education for every Ghanaian child,” Mr. Iddrisu stated, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in educational delivery. In a related event, Mr. Iddrisu visited Oyoko Methodist Senior High School in the Eastern Region following a significant fire outbreak that occurred on Monday night. The blaze led to damage in several school facilities, prompting immediate intervention from the Ministry. During his visit, the Minister engaged with school authorities, inspected the impacted areas, and assured them of the government’s swift action to support the recovery efforts. “We are working with relevant agencies to assess the full extent of the damage and respond accordingly. The safety and welfare of our students remain a top priority,” he affirmed. Reiterating the government’s steadfast dedication to education, Mr. Iddrisu declared, “Education is the bedrock of Ghana’s future, and we will continue to lead with purpose, compassion, and strategic focus.” As the mid-year review progresses this week, stakeholders are optimistic that the outcomes will yield actionable solutions to address pressing issues and enhance the quality of educational delivery across the nation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister of Education Commits to Swift Repairs Following Oyoko Methodist SHS Fire
Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has vowed to expedite the restoration and repair of the housemaster’s bungalow that was damaged by a fire on Monday, August 4. The incident, which originated in the apartment of the housemaster next to the boys’ dormitory block, fortunately did not cause significant damage to the dormitories, nor did it harm any students or other residents of the bungalow. To maintain calm and reassure students following the fire, the school’s Guidance and Counselling Unit took proactive measures by engaging with all students on Tuesday morning before academic activities resumed. While attending a meeting in Koforidua, Minister Iddrisu, accompanied by the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, the Chief Director, his Special Advisor, and the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, visited the school to assess the extent of the damage and provide assurance to students and staff of the government’s commitment to support. After a thorough engagement with the school’s management on Tuesday, August 5, Eastern Regional Director of Education, Ivy Asantewaa Owusu, informed the media of the Minister’s promise to replace all items lost in the fire. She highlighted the urgency of ensuring that the affected housemaster, who is currently taking temporary refuge with the school’s Reverend Minister, can return to his duties without further delay. “The authorities have assured that in no time, they will fix the housemaster’s accommodation and ensure that he receives everything he has lost, so he can continue with his work,” Owusu stated. She also took the opportunity to call for calm among parents, reassuring them of their children’s safety as school management continues to work closely with the Ghana National Fire Service, which has initiated investigations into the cause of the fire. The community’s response highlights the commitment to maintaining a secure and supportive environment for both students and staff at Oyoko Methodist Senior High School. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
97,421 Students Benefit from “No Fees Stress” Initiative
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister for Government Communications, proudly announced that a total of 97,421 students have been reimbursed under the government’s flagship initiative, “No Fees Stress.” Sharing the news on his Facebook page, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating financial obstacles that stand in the way of students pursuing their education. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that these reimbursements are part of a larger effort to alleviate the financial burden of school-related expenses that families across the nation face. He explained that the initiative specifically targets students who initially paid fees upfront due to delays in government disbursements, providing them with the support they deserve. “The ‘No Fees Stress’ programme is a testament to our promise of making education truly accessible,” he stated confidently. “As of today, 97,421 students have received reimbursements, and we are working diligently to ensure that all eligible students benefit fully from the initiative.” In his announcement, the Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline the reimbursement process, focusing on enhancing efficiency and transparency. He mentioned that new digital platforms are being deployed to expedite future disbursements, aiming to make the experience smoother for students and their families. The “No Fees Stress” policy is a vital component of the government’s education relief strategy, designed to cushion students and parents from the financial challenges associated with tertiary education. This initiative represents a key aspect of the administration’s broader agenda to promote inclusive and quality education for all Ghanaians, ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial constraints. As the government continues to roll out this program, it reaffirms its commitment to fostering an educational environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed, free from the stress of financial burdens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen