Newly Posted Teachers Protest at GES Headquarters
Hundreds of newly posted teachers from the Colleges of Education, assigned to the Ashanti Region in July 2024, staged a protest at the Ghana Education Service (GES) headquarters in Accra on Monday, April 14, demanding immediate payment of their outstanding salaries. The teachers, who have not received their salaries for seven to eight months, are struggling to make ends meet. According to Adomako Korankye, President of the group, over 700 newly recruited teachers have been affected by the delay. Many are finding it hard to survive without a steady income, and some have even been forced to take up other jobs to make ends meet. Additionally, a significant number of teachers are yet to receive their staff identification numbers, a key requirement for salary processing. The protesting teachers are calling on the Ministry of Education and the GES to act swiftly to resolve the issue and ensure that staff IDs are issued without further delay. “The financial burden is becoming unbearable. Many of us are struggling to make ends meet after months of dedicated service without pay,” Mr. Korankye stated. They are also seeking clarity on when their arrears would be settled. Following the protest, the Director-General of GES, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, met with representatives of the teachers behind closed doors. During the meeting, GES assured the group that a committee had been established to address their concerns, including representatives from the affected teachers to ensure transparency and expedite solutions. The teachers, however, remain vigilant, stating they won’t feel fully relieved until the money is in their accounts. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghanaian Students Abroad to Receive Increased Stipends
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, addressed the local Ghanaian community. Apexnewsgh reports His voice carried news that resonated deeply with the students present—plans were underway to boost the monthly stipends for Ghanaian students studying abroad on government-sponsored programs. Currently, those enrolled in a one-year French exchange program receive a monthly stipend of CFA 45,000, which converts to roughly GHS 1,147. Additionally, they benefit from a one-time book allowance of CFA 60,000 (around GHS 1,500) and have medical expenses covered up to CFA 60,000. While these provisions were commendable, students voiced their growing concerns over the program’s recent cut from twelve months to a mere six. This drastic reduction has made it increasingly difficult for them to meet their academic obligations. Among the students were about 40 representatives from the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNIMAC) and the University of Ghana, currently navigating their studies in French. The situation was set to intensify, as another group of 30 students from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was expected to join them shortly. Minister Ablakwa listened attentively to their worries and assured the audience of his commitment to enhancing their experience abroad. He promised to initiate consultations aimed at reviewing and increasing the current stipend structure while also focusing on the timely disbursement of funds—an aspect the students had highlighted due to delays that affected their daily lives. This meeting was not just an obligation; it was part of a broader initiative by the Minister to routinely engage with Ghanaians living abroad. With over 2,000 nationals residing in Benin, and more than 100 attending the event, his visit marked the start of a series of quarterly interactions designed to address concerns and improve the welfare of the Ghanaian community across borders. As the Minister’s travel schedule unfolded, Benin and Nigeria were slated as the first stops in this important dialogue. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GES Reschedules Reopening Date for Single-Track Senior High Schools
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has rescheduled the reopening date for single-track senior high schools (SHSs) from March 29, 2025, to April 23, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports This change was announced in a circular dated March 27, 2025, and addressed to all regional education directors. The initial reopening date was set for March 29, 2025, but due to the Eid-Ul-Fitr public holidays on March 30 and 31, it was pushed to April 1, 2025. Further considerations led to the extension to April 23, 2025, to avoid unnecessary travel disruptions for students, particularly given the sequence of holidays. According to Cassandra Twum-Ampofo of the GES Public Relations Unit, reopening schools just before a series of holidays would not be ideal, as it would subject students to unnecessary travel risks. To ensure a smooth instructional period, the GES management decided to shift the academic calendar. Measures are in place to compensate for lost instructional time, with an additional instructional hour added to make up for breaks of this nature. This will ensure that final-year students preparing for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) are not adversely affected. The adjustment applies only to single-track SHSs, while double-track students remain unaffected and will continue their academic calendar as planned. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Alagumgube Rallies Behind Anaafobiisi Primary A School After Devastating Rainstorm
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, members Alagumgube group, a global association, has stepped forward to support Anaafobiisi Primary A School, which was severely damaged by a recent rainstorm. Apexnewsgh reports The school’s classrooms were left in ruins, forcing students to study under trees without basic educational tools. Moved by the plight of these young learners, the group has donated essential educational materials, including three large marker boards, books, pens, pencils, marker pens, and dusters. This generous contribution aims to support the school’s rebuilding efforts and provide students with the resources they need to succeed. The interim African Secretary for Alagumgube Mrs. Habiba Asuurebuno Alhassan emphasized the importance of ensuring every child has access to a safe, supportive, and well-equipped learning environment. “We cannot stand by and watch these children’s education be hindered,” they said. “We urge other groups, government agencies, and individuals to contribute generously, whether through donations, materials, or assistance, to help restore a proper learning environment for these children.” The community’s support will make a tangible difference in the lives of Anaafobiisi Primary A School’s students, ensuring their right to education is protected. As the community comes together to rebuild the school, they are building a brighter future for these young learners. However, the management of Anaafobiisi Primary A School couldn’t contain their excitement as they received a generous donation from the Alagumgube association. The school, which was recently ravaged by a devastating rainstorm, was struggling to provide its students with basic educational tools. The donation, which included three large marker boards, books, pens, pencils, marker pens, and dusters, was met with heartfelt gratitude from the school management. They expressed their deepest appreciation to the Alagumgube association for their kindness and generosity. The school’s management also seized the opportunity to appeal to other well-meaning citizens and groups to emulate the footsteps of the Alagumgube association. They hoped that others would be inspired by the association’s good deed and follow suit in supporting the school’s rebuilding efforts. As the school management celebrated the donation, they were filled with renewed hope and optimism for the future. They knew that with the support of generous organizations like Alagumgube, they could provide their students with the quality education they deserved. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Asantehene Calls for Reforms to Free SHS Policy
Asantehene Calls for Reforms to Free SHS Policy The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the government to revisit the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, emphasizing the need for a national dialogue to address its shortcomings. Speaking during a courtesy call by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, Otumfuo acknowledged the policy’s importance but highlighted the challenges faced by many senior high schools, including overcrowded dormitories, lack of science and ICT labs, shortage of food, and insufficient school buses. Otumfuo suggested a return to a mixed system of support, where families with the means to pay for their wards’ education are allowed to do so, while government funding focuses on brilliant but needy students. He emphasized the need for effective and sustainable implementation to ensure students benefit fully from the program. The Asantehene also commended the government’s effort to cut waste in public spending to free up resources for stalled education projects. He stressed the importance of expanding STEM education to rural areas, offering students equal opportunities. Expressing support for the Education Minister’s mission, Otumfuo added, “I will pray for him, that he presses on. Not in the short term but the long term so that we know this is the policy we made.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
University of Ghana Senior Lecturer Suspended Over Sexual Harassment
The University of Ghana has taken decisive action against one of its senior lecturers, Dr. Sampson Obed Appiah, suspending him for two semesters over allegations of sexual harassment. Apexnewsgh reports This move comes after a thorough investigation found Dr. Appiah guilty of misconduct, violating the university’s policies on sexual harassment and misconduct. According to a notice signed by the University’s Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Dr. Appiah’s actions contravened Section 1.1(A) of the Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy and Section 10.0 of the Code of Conduct for Academic Staff. As a result, he will face a two-semester suspension, effective immediately. In addition to his suspension, Dr. Appiah is required to issue a formal written apology to the complainant and will be barred from applying for promotion for one year after serving his suspension. Furthermore, he must undergo training on sexual harassment and misconduct, facilitated by the university’s Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NAGRAT Opposes Appointment of Professor Smile Gavua Dzisi as Deputy Director-General
The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) is vehemently opposing the appointment of Professor Smile Gavua Dzisi, former Vice-Chancellor of Koforidua Technical University, as Deputy Director-General for Management Services at the Ghana Education Service. Apexnewsgh reports According to NAGRAT, despite Professor Dzisi’s impressive credentials, she lacks the necessary experience and expertise to excel in this role. NAGRAT’s National President, Angel Carbonu, emphasized that the Ghana Education Service is a professional institution, not a political office, and therefore requires a practitioner with hands-on experience in the service space. Carbonu pointed out that the previous occupant of the position was a professional teacher who rose through the ranks to become a regional director and eventually Director of Management Services. He argued that Professor Dzisi, although a renowned professor, is better suited for a university or technical university setting, rather than the Ghana Education Service. NAGRAT is calling on the government to withdraw the appointment immediately, citing concerns that Professor Dzisi’s lack of experience in the service space may compromise the effectiveness of the Ghana Education Service. The association is adamant that the government must prioritize the appointment of a qualified practitioner who can provide the necessary leadership and expertise to drive the service forward. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Major Reforms Announced for Free Senior High School Policy
Ghana’s Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, has unveiled significant reforms to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy. Apexnewsgh reports The changes aim to increase access to secondary education and include the elimination of the double-track system and an expansion to private schools. Mr. Iddrisu explained that 150,000 students will be assigned to private senior high schools through the computerized placement system. The government plans to phase out the double-track system over two to three years, investing heavily in infrastructure to accommodate growing student numbers. In a further expansion of educational support, the Minister announced plans to extend Free SHS benefits to tertiary students. This move ensures continued financial assistance for higher education. Additionally, Mr. Iddrisu has ordered an audit into the controversial Senior High School Wi-Fi contract. Findings are expected to be made public within two to three weeks. The Minister emphasized the government’s priority in enhancing internet access for students and expressed openness to collaborating with local companies. The previous SHS Wi-Fi contract will not be renewed, pending a full IT audit and subsequent public advertisement of the contract process. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Fauzia Yakubu Abagnamah Appointed Upper East Regional Coordinator of Ghana School Feeding Program
The Upper East Regional Executive Committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is celebrating the well-deserved appointment of Fauzia Yakubu Abagnamah as the Upper East Regional Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Program. Apexnewsgh reports This recognition is a testament to her tireless advocacy, outstanding leadership, and commitment to championing the welfare of women and children. With her extensive experience in grassroots mobilization and social development, Abagnamah is expected to bring innovation, efficiency, and a strong sense of purpose to the School Feeding Program in the region. Her appointment reaffirms President John Dramani Mahama’s dedication to empowering women and ensuring inclusive development. As Abagnamah takes on this critical role, she will focus on improving the well-being of schoolchildren across the region, enhancing food security, and strengthening the impact of this vital social intervention program. The Ghana School Feeding Program, launched in 2005, aims to enhance food security and reduce hunger among kindergarten and primary school children. The program’s objectives include increasing school enrollment, attendance, and retention, as well as boosting domestic food production. With Abagnamah at the helm, the Upper East Region can expect transformative leadership and a renewed commitment to the program’s goals. Once again, congratulations to Fauzia Yakubu Abagnamah on her well-deserved appointment! Source: Apexnewsgh.com
UE/R: Gallons Replace Chairs in Sirigu SHS Classroom
A disturbing image of students sitting on yellow gallons and broken furniture to write their end-of-term examination at the Sirigu Senior High School in the Upper East Region has exposed a severe furniture challenge plaguing schools in the area. Apexnewsgh reports The situation is not unique to Sirigu Senior High School, as the majority of schools in the Region face similar difficulties. Students and teachers alike lament that this shortage is significantly impacting the quality of teaching and learning. Despite numerous complaints to the Ghana Education Service and local government, efforts to address the issue have been unsuccessful. In a desperate attempt to find a solution, students were asked to bring their own chairs, but many couldn’t afford to do so. This crisis affects students across all forms, with over half of the school’s 1,375 students – including 734 girls and 641 boys – forced to learn and take exams in harsh conditions due to the lack of furniture. The situation highlights the need for urgent attention and action to provide students with a conducive learning environment. Meanwhile, a concerned citizen of Sirigu who spoke to Apexnewsgh. expressed frustration over the dire furniture situation at the local school. According to the concern citizen, despite the assembly’s awareness of the issue, they claim to lack the necessary resources to address the problem. As a result, students have been forced to bring their own chairs to school, a directive that only a handful can afford. The majority are left without a proper place to sit, highlighting the stark reality of the school’s furniture crisis. Source: Apexnewsgh.com