Government Expands Free SHS Policy to Private Schools
The government has announced plans to expand the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy to cover private schools, starting from the next academic year. This move aims to increase capacity and gradually phase out the double-track system. The announcement was made during the release of revised guidelines for the selection of schools for candidates preparing to write the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Under the new guidelines, candidates will now be allowed to select seven schools, up from the previous six choices. The selection process will run from May 27 to June 6. Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Appak, explained that the inclusion of private schools in the FSHS policy is part of the government’s campaign promise. He stated that meetings have been held with private schools, and they are eager to participate in the program. Dr. Appak believes that this move will help bring an end to the double-track system and increase access to quality education for more students. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NLC Orders University Staff Unions to Call Off Strike
The National Labour Commission (NLC) has directed three university staff unions to immediately call off their strike action, citing violations of Ghana’s Labour Act. Apexnewsgh reports The unions, which include the Senior Staff Association – Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Technical University Administrators Association of Ghana (TUAAG), and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG), had embarked on an indefinite strike over alleged non-implementation of agreed conditions of service. In a letter dated May 21, 2025, the NLC invoked Section 139(1)(d) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), ordering the unions to end their industrial action. The directive follows a notice of intention to strike served on the Commission on May 12. Despite the NLC’s intervention and directive to stay the strike, the unions defied the order and proceeded with industrial action. The NLC cited a press release by the unions, also dated May 21, announcing the indefinite strike in protest of what they described as the government’s continued breach of the agreement. The agreement between the unions and the government was signed on November 12, 2024. As a result of the unions’ defiance, the NLC has declined to hear the matter further, invoking Section 161 of the Labour Act. This section states that a matter cannot be entertained if parties are engaged in illegal strike actions. The NLC has advised the unions to call off the strike and formally notify the Commission before any further steps can be taken. The NLC’s directive is clear: the unions must call off the strike and comply with the Labour Act. The Commission’s decision highlights the importance of adhering to the law and negotiating in good faith. The unions must now decide whether to comply with the NLC’s order and resume negotiations or continue with their industrial action. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Public Universities Ground to a Halt: Unions Declare Indefinite Strike
A nationwide indefinite strike has been declared by three key unions representing senior staff and administrators in Ghana’s public universities. Apexnewsgh reports The Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Technical University Administrators Association of Ghana (TUAAG), and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG) announced the joint industrial action at a press conference in Accra. The unions cited the government’s failure to honour a binding agreement signed six months ago as the reason for their decision. According to Mr. George Ansong, National Chairman of SSA-UoG, the strike is a last-resort measure against what the unions describe as a “systemic culture of broken promises.” Despite numerous attempts at dialogue and goodwill engagements, the government has consistently ignored the agreement, leading to the unions’ decision to take drastic action. The unions argue that the strike is not an act of hostility but a principled stand to defend their rights and uphold the sanctity of agreements freely entered into by both parties. Mr. Ansong emphasized that the unions have exhausted all available avenues for resolution and will not return to work until the government fulfils its end of the agreement. The strike is expected to cause significant disruption to the academic calendar and general operations of public universities. However, the unions maintain that the responsibility lies squarely with the government for failing to honour its commitments. The unions are calling on civil society, the media, and the general public to support their cause and pressure the government to act in good faith. The unions remain resolute in their determination to see the agreement implemented. Until the government fulfils its obligations, the strike will remain in full effect. The fate of Ghana’s public universities hangs in the balance, and only time will tell how this standoff will be resolved. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MP Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa Donates Laptops to Support Teachers in Rural North Tongu
Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has once again shown his commitment to teaching. Recently, he donated laptops to 36 teachers newly posted to various rural communities within the constituency. “This gesture is our way of showing appreciation to teachers who accept postings to rural communities in my beloved constituency,” Mr. Ablakwa proudly said. We want them to feel welcomed and valued.” His initiative is designed not just to provide technology but also to motivate educators who often face challenges in underserved areas. The laptop donation is part of a broader strategy to improve teaching and learning outcomes across North Tongu. Mr. Ablakwa has ambitious plans to roll out further support for educators, including continuous professional development programs, scholarship schemes, and annual awards to recognize excellence in teaching. “These policies are designed to help retain teachers, motivate them, and ultimately improve the quality of education delivered to our children,” he emphasized, highlighting his commitment to fostering a conducive learning environment. With these initiatives, Mr. Ablakwa aims to elevate the educational landscape in his constituency and ensure that every child has access to quality education. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
UTAG-UG Demands Resignation of Auditor-General Over Controversial Payroll Audit Report
The University of Ghana Chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) has called for the immediate resignation of Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu in light of a contentious payroll audit report that has raised serious concerns within the academic community. The demand follows the release of a special payroll verification audit from the Auditor-General’s office, which asserts that the University of Ghana overstated employee compensation by GH¢59.2 million between 2022 and 2024. However, UTAG-UG has vehemently disputed these findings, labeling the report as misleading and inaccurate. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, May 20, UTAG-UG General Secretary Jerry Joe Harrison criticized the audit as damaging to the university’s reputation and that of its staff. He emphasized that the report was released without allowing the university an opportunity to respond or clarify any discrepancies highlighted in the findings. Harrison accused the Auditor-General of ethical misconduct, stating that the way the audit was compiled disqualifies him from continuing in office. “It appears to us that the audit service is more interested in appearing to be working rather than doing the right thing, and in so doing, they ignore ethical standards that guide their profession,” he declared. Moreover, he pointed out that the University of Ghana was not given a chance to review or comment on the audit results before they were made public, which he deemed unfair and unethical. “The University of Ghana maintains that the audit report was not shared with them for them to make comments and clarify any discrepancies before this was made public. This is a serious breach of the ethics required of the audit service and the profession,” Harrison asserted. Declaring that the situation represents a failure of professional standards, UTAG-UG has called for decisive action. “For the Auditor-General to sit in his office and preside over such an institution that disregards ethical standard practice, we are hereby calling for the resignation of the Auditor-General, or we will petition the President for him to be removed,” Harrison concluded, underscoring the gravity of the issue as the university community rallies behind their call for accountability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Empowering Young Minds: Nelson Ndebah Ndebugre’s Gift to BECE Candidates
In a heartwarming display of kindness and commitment to education, Nelson Ndebah Ndebugre has donated 1,500 mathematical sets to the Ghana Education Service (GES) in Zebilla. Apexnewsgh reports This generous gesture is part of a five-year journey to support and encourage young students, particularly those preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The mathematical sets will be distributed to all BECE candidates across the 59 basic schools in the district. This thoughtful donation serves as a reminder to the students that they are not alone in their academic pursuits. Mr. Julius Abanga Asigri, Deputy Director for Planning and Statistics at GES-Zebilla, graciously received the sets on behalf of the Service, ensuring they reach every candidate. As the students prepare to begin their exams on June 9, 2025, Nelson Ndebah Ndebugre’s message is clear: “Step into the exam room with confidence and courage, knowing we are always with you, always cheering you on.” This kind gesture is a testament to the power of community and support in helping young people achieve their goals. The donation has brought together the Honorable District Chief Executive, Mr. James Ayamweogo, the GES-Zebilla family, friends, and comrades, all of whom have shown their support for the students. As Nelson Ndebah Ndebugre aptly puts it, “Let us continue to uplift and stand with our younger siblings as they build the future they desire.” With the mathematical sets in hand, the BECE candidates are ready to take on their exams with confidence. Nelson Ndebah Ndebugre wishes them all the best, saying, “Thank you, and best of luck to all BECE candidates.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghanaian Scholars Abroad Plan Protest Over Unpaid Stipends and Allowances
The Coalition of Ghanaian Scholars Abroad, made up of beneficiaries of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat studying in various countries, has announced a planned demonstration on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports The protest aims to address the government’s failure to provide long-overdue stipends and allowances, which have left many students in dire financial straits. According to the students, many of whom are recipients of the Scholarship Secretariat’s foreign scholarships, they have gone without their monthly stipends for an alarming 14 months. Additionally, book and health allowances have not been paid for the past two academic years, exacerbating their financial difficulties. In a joint statement released by representatives from across Europe, North America, and Asia, the students expressed their frustrations, accusing the government of neglecting its responsibility to support their education. Despite numerous appeals and efforts to engage diplomatically with authorities, they feel abandoned and unsupported. The Coalition emphasized that their demonstration is a peaceful assembly intended to raise awareness about their prolonged hardships and to demand accountability from the Ghanaian government regarding the disbursement of funds. “This protest is not a political move. It is a desperate cry for survival. Many of us are stranded, unable to pay rent, buy food, or access healthcare. We feel forgotten by the country we are representing,” the statement declared. As the planned demonstration approaches, the Coalition is hopeful that their collective voice will prompt action and bring attention to the urgent situation facing Ghanaian students abroad. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Pupil-Teacher jailed 10 years for …
Mr Edward Ekuadzi, a 36-year-old pupil teacher in Aflao in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta region, has been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for engaging in incestuous relations with his 17-year-old daughter. He appeared before the Denu Circuit Court on 2nd May 2025, where he pleaded guilty simpliciter to the charge. As presented by the prosecution, the complainant, Madam Christy Kwau, is a trader and the biological mother of the victim (name withheld), a 17-year-old Senior High School student. Both the complainant and the accused are divorced, and the victim had lived with the convict since infancy. On 22nd April 2025 at approximately 10:00 am, the victim went to the complainant at Sepenukope and refused to return to the accused. Upon questioning, the victim disclosed that in March 2025 at about 4:20 am, and again on 17th April 2025 at 4:30 am, the accused had forcibly had sexual intercourse with her in their living room. He had also threatened her against disclosing the act, warning that she would “risk dying” if she did.The complainant subsequently reported the case to the Aflao Police Station, and a medical form was issued for the victim to undergo examination. The accused (now convicted) was arrested and interrogated on 30th April 2025, during which he confessed to having sexual intercourse with the victim on three occasions. The convict was a teacher at a private basic school in the Ketu South Municipality.
CHASS Disappointed Over Minister’s Comments On School Food Quality
The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has expressed surprise and disappointment over Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu’s recent remarks about the quality of food served in senior high schools. Apexnewsgh reports The Minister had raised concerns about “poor quality food” and hinted at possibly reversing the decision to allow school heads to directly procure food. CHASS National Secretary, Primus Baro, described the Minister’s comments as unexpected, stating that no formal reports have been received about schools serving poor-quality food. In fact, feedback suggests improvement since headteachers began procuring food themselves. Baro urged that concerns about food quality be handled internally and constructively, rather than in the media, to avoid creating a misleading impression based on isolated incidents. It’s worth noting that a different perspective on this issue comes from Yaw Osei Adutwum, who argued that relinquishing control over the food system doesn’t guarantee a seamless process, highlighting historical challenges faced by the system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Alice Ellen Abeere-Inga takes over as East Regional Education Director
A significant ceremony was held at the Regional Education Office in the Upper East Region on Monday, April 28, 2025, as Regional Director of Education (RDE) Mr. Bright Armstin Lawoe officially handed over office. Apexnewsgh reports Mr. Lawoe, who has been leading the region’s education sector since February 2023, is set to assume the role of substantive Regional Director of Education in the Savannah Region. During his tenure, Mr. Lawoe was known for his firm leadership, commitment to promoting quality education delivery, and fostering collaboration among education stakeholders across the region. His dedication to improving education outcomes has left a lasting impact on the region. The leadership mantle now passes to Mrs. Alice Ellen Abeere-Inga, the outgoing Municipal Director of Education for Kasena-Nankana East. With decades of experience in the education sector, Mrs. Abeere-Inga brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. She has held various positions, including classroom teacher, School Improvement Support Officer, Chief Inspector of Schools, and Headmistress of Chiana Senior High School. In his handing-over remarks, Mr. Lawoe expressed deep appreciation to staff, Municipal and District Directors of Education, and partners for their support throughout his tenure. He expressed confidence that the region will continue to thrive under Mrs. Abeere-Inga’s capable leadership. Mrs. Abeere-Inga pledged to build on the strong foundation laid by her predecessor and called for continuous support from all stakeholders to advance the cause of education in the Upper East Region. The ceremony concluded with warm exchanges and a renewed commitment from all present to work collaboratively in promoting excellence in education across the region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen.