Eric Edem Agbana Advocates for Technology Integration in Education
To commemorate the International Day of Education, Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North Constituency, emphasized the urgent need to integrate technology into Ghana’s education system. Apexnewsgh reports He stressed that this integration is crucial in preparing students for the rapidly evolving job market, driven by artificial intelligence and automation. “Education is not just the foundation of progress, but also the key to empowering individuals to navigate and influence the advancements shaping our future,” Hon. Agbana remarked. He highlighted the transformative power of education in the digital age, citing the Future of Jobs Report for 2025, which notes profound shifts in job landscapes due to technological advancements. To address these shifts, Hon. Agbana advocated for aligning Ghana’s educational outcomes with the demands of the digital age. He proposed incorporating information and communication technologies (ICT) and related disciplines into the curriculum. “As policymakers, legislators, and leaders of our communities, we have a duty to ensure that we improve our educational outcomes in line with the rapidly evolving demands of this digital age,” he emphasized. Hon. Agbana also reaffirmed his commitment to bridging the digital divide through the “Computer for All Schools” project in the Ketu North Constituency. The initiative aims to provide schools with necessary technological tools and resources to foster 21st-century learning. “In a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence and automation, access to technology is not a privilege but a necessity,” he explained. While advocating for technological adoption, Hon. Agbana stressed the importance of maintaining human values and agency in education. He pledged to work with stakeholders to ensure that educational systems in Ketu North promote innovation without compromising creativity, critical thinking, and empathy. Ultimately, Hon. Agbana urged a collective investment in education to secure not only the future of Ketu North but also the broader human spirit that drives progress. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Presidency Approves Emergency Food Funds for Public Senior High Schools
In a welcome move, the presidency has granted approval to heads of public senior high schools to procure essential food items for students, effective January 20 to February 3, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports This decision, communicated through a letter signed by Stephen Kwaku Owusu, Deputy Director-General (MS), aims to improve the feeding situation in public senior high schools. The Ghana Education Service (GES) has disbursed funds to schools based on student enrollment and the approved daily feeding cost. Boarding students will receive GHS7.50, while day students will receive GHS3.00 per day. Schools are expected to utilize these funds to purchase essential food items available locally. Heads of day schools, in particular, have been instructed to engage private caterers to provide hot meals to students at the approved rate. This interim measure is expected to alleviate the feeding challenges faced by students in public senior high schools. Read more below: GHANA EDUCATION SERVICE JANUARY 22, 2025 ALL REGIONAL DIRECTORS APPROVAL TO PROCURE ESSENTIAL FOOD ITEMS AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL With reference to Letter No. DB225/378/01A from the Chief Director of the Ministry of Education on the above subject-matter, Management is pleased to officially communicate the granting of approval by the Office of the President to Heads of Public Senior High Schools to procure essential food items needed to feed students for a period of two (2) weeks (20th January – 3rd February 2025). This is an interim measure to improve the feeding situation in the various public Second Cycle Institutions. Consequently, disbursement based on student enrollment and approved cost of feeding each student per day has been made to the schools. The approved rate is Seven Cedis Fifty Pesewas (GHS7.50) and Three Cedis (GHS3.00) for boarding and day students respectively. Each school will utilize these funds to procure essential food items available in their localities for the two weeks. Similarly, heads of purely Day Schools should engage the services of private caterers to provide a Hot Meal to students at the approved rate. Regional Directors are kindly requested to bring this to the attention of all Heads of public Senior High. Senior High Technical and STEM Schools and ensure that they comply with the relevant Public Procurement and Financial Management Regulations in the discharge of this mandate Refer to the attached public procurement guidelines for your information and necessary action. It is expected that Heads of Schools will strictly follow these guidelines to ensure successful implementation. Signed, Stephen Kwaku Owusu Deputy Director-General (MS) Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Member of Parliament Advocates for E-Levy Restructure to Fund Free SHS
Mr. Isaac Boamah Nyarko, Member of Parliament for Effia Constituency in the Western Region, has advised the government to review and restructure the E-Levy to finance critical programs like the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking to the media, Nyarko emphasized the need for sustainable revenue generation to support key government initiatives. Nyarko noted that cancelling taxes like the E-Levy, introduced to boost domestic revenue, could lead to revenue shortfalls and deficit financing. He argued that this would ultimately force the government to introduce new taxes, putting pressure on citizens. Instead, he suggested restructuring the E-Levy to better serve as a funding tool for critical programs. The MP pointed out that the E-Levy generated over GH¢2 billion in 2024, demonstrating its potential as a significant revenue source for government operations. He urged the government to reconsider the E-Levy’s role in Ghana’s revenue mobilization strategy, warning that scrapping the tax could harm government finances and essential social programs. Nyarko’s proposal highlights the need for careful consideration of the E-Levy’s impact on Ghana’s economy and social programs. As the government navigates revenue generation and taxation, Nyarko’s suggestions may contribute to a more sustainable and effective approach. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Haruna Iddrisu Clarifies Free SHS Policy and Outlines Free Tertiary Tuition Plans
Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister-designate for Education, faced Parliament’s Appointment Committee on January 20, 2025, and addressed key questions surrounding the future of Ghana’s education system. Apexnewsgh reports Iddrisu firmly dismissed rumors of Free SHS being scrapped, emphasizing President Mahama’s commitment to reviewing and improving the program. “President John Dramani Mahama has no option to cancel Free SHS,” Iddrisu assured the committee. “Instead, he plans to expand it, making it more sustainable and beneficial to a wider population of Ghanaian students.” To achieve this, the government plans to hold a stakeholder forum to gather diverse perspectives and recommendations on how to enhance the education sector. Iddrisu also revealed that approximately ₵345 million will be allocated to implement the government’s ambitious free tuition policy for first-year tertiary students. Key Highlights of the Free Tertiary Tuition Policy: – Allocation of ₵345 million: Funds will be disbursed directly to universities to cover tuition fees for first-year students. – Reimbursement for paid fees: Students who have already paid their tuition fees will be reimbursed. – Flexibility for parents: Parents who can afford to pay tuition fees will be allowed to do so if they choose. Iddrisu’s clarification on the Free SHS policy and outline of the free tertiary tuition plans aim to provide a comprehensive and inclusive education system for Ghanaian students. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Medical Students Excluded from Government’s Admission Fee Refund Policy
The Minister of Education-designate, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that the government’s decision to refund admission fees of first-year university students will not apply to medical students. Apexnewsgh reports Instead, the policy will cover students studying “normal subject areas”. This move is part of President Mahama’s ‘No fee stress’ promise, aimed at alleviating the financial burden on parents and students financing tertiary education. According to Iddrisu, the Minister of Finance-designate, Dr. Ato Forson, will allocate GHC345 million in the government’s maiden budget to cater for the refund of admission fees. The government views this as an experimental model, and its success will determine whether it can be expanded to cover more areas. Iddrisu clarified that students who have already paid their admission fees will receive a refund. However, he noted that tuition fees are already free in all public universities in Ghana, so the refund policy only applies to admission fees. When asked if the policy includes Colleges of Education and Nursing and Midwifery Training Colleges, Iddrisu stated that he was only referring to admission fees, without elaborating further. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Education Minister-Designate Vows to Uncap GETFund for Robust Development
In a move aimed at boosting Ghana’s education sector, Education Minister-designate Haruna Iddrisu has pledged to uncap the Ghana Education Tertiary Fund (GETFund) as a matter of urgency. Apexnewsgh reports Appearing before the Appointments Committee on Monday, January 20, Haruna emphasized that this decision will be made in consultation with the Finance Minister. The GETFund has faced significant challenges in recent years due to the decision by the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to cap it as part of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recommendations for securing a loan deal. However, Haruna explained that uncapping the GETFund will be done concurrently with reviewing negotiations with the IMF. President Mahama has already expressed his commitment to reviewing the IMF negotiations, and Haruna assured that uncapping the GETFund will be a key part of this review. The Ghana Education Trust (GET) Fund plays a vital role in supporting quality education in Ghana, from basic to tertiary levels, through dynamic funding policies. By uncapping the GETFund, the government aims to free up additional resources to support robust infrastructural development in the education sector. This move is expected to have a positive impact on Ghana’s education system, ultimately benefiting students and the broader population. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
AngloGold Ashanti School Shut Down Temporarily Due to Security Concerns
In the face of escalating security concerns, the management of AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) School in the Obuasi Municipality of the Ashanti Region has announced a temporary closure. Apexnewsgh reports The decision, effective from Monday, January 20, 2025, to Tuesday, January 21, 2025, aims to safeguard the well-being of students, teachers, and other stakeholders. According to a statement issued by Simon Peter K. Attah-Cato, Executive Director of the school, recent incidents of violence have raised alarm bells. The burning of vehicles and destruction of property belonging to private individuals and businesses have created an uncertain environment. The school authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are hopeful that calm will be restored during the temporary closure. Academic activities are expected to resume on Wednesday, January 23, 2025. The management will provide further updates as necessary, prioritizing the safety and security of the school community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
CLOGSAG Urges President Mahama to Scrap Redundant Agencies
The Civil and Local Government Staff Association (CLOGSAG) has appealed to President John Mahama to abolish agencies like the Technical, Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Commission for Technical and Vocational Educational Training (COTVET), citing duplication of functions with the Civil Service. Apexnewsgh reports According to CLOGSAG’s Executive Secretary, Isaac Bampoe Addo, the Civil Service already performs technical and vocational training, making these agencies unnecessary. “The President should also look at services that are being hived off from the Civil Service… it’s a duplication, just creating roles,” he emphasized. Bampoe Addo believes these agencies are a waste of government resources, created without proper consultation with relevant councils. He described TVET and COTVET as “really unnecessary, just to create another bureaucracy.” In a related development, Bampoe Addo has also appealed to President Mahama to re-introduce the general orders policy, which would provide clear guidelines for transactions and eliminate discretionary decision-making. “Let’s bring back the general orders… it will give the processes on any transaction, and in the Service, there is nothing like discretion,” he noted. This appeal comes amidst ongoing discussions about the merger of some ministries announced by President Mahama. CLOGSAG’s concerns highlight the need for efficient governance and effective resource allocation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Appoints Haruna Iddrisu as Minister of Education
President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Haruna Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, as the new Minister of Education. Apexnewsgh reports This appointment reflects Iddrisu’s extensive political experience and proven leadership capabilities, garnered from his years as a longstanding MP and former Leader in Parliament. Iddrisu has built a reputation for his strong advocacy for social equity and economic reform. As Minister of Education, he is expected to bring a results-driven approach, prioritizing policies that address critical challenges such as access to quality education, teacher welfare, and curriculum reform. With his wealth of experience in championing legislative initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive growth, Iddrisu is well-equipped to tackle the daunting task of addressing Ghana’s educational challenges. The implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy has been a significant concern, and Iddrisu’s leadership will be crucial in reviewing and enhancing this policy. President Mahama’s commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of education was a cornerstone of his campaign. With Iddrisu at the helm of the Ministry of Education, stakeholders and citizens are hopeful that the sector will see significant reforms and improvements. Iddrisu’s nomination is subject to parliamentary approval. If confirmed, he will join other newly appointed ministers, including Kwame Governs Agbodza for the Ministry of Roads and Highways and Agnes Naa Momo Lartey for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Prioritizes Education Over Punitive Legislation for LGBTQ+ Issues
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed his preference for promoting family values through education rather than pursuing punitive legislation against the LGBTQ+ community. Apexnewsgh reports This stance was made clear during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops Conference, where Mahama emphasized the importance of instilling family values in the younger generation through a revised curriculum. Mahama believes that this approach will better preserve Ghana’s cultural and moral values, rather than relying on harsh legal measures like the controversial LGBTQ+ bill. He suggested that the bill would have more legitimacy and success if it were a government-sponsored initiative but clarified that his administration may not prioritize a legislative approach. Instead, Mahama advocated for a more inclusive and educational approach, stating, “We won’t need a bill to enforce our family values… it’s us agreeing on a curriculum that inculcates these values into our children as they’re growing up so that we don’t need to legislate it.” This stance marks a departure from the hardline views held by some members of his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who have pushed for the swift passage of the bill in its current form. Mahama’s position on LGBTQ+ issues has been a subject of discussion in the past. In 2024, he declared his opposition to LGBTQ+ relationships, citing his Christian beliefs. However, his recent comments suggest a more nuanced approach, prioritizing education and dialogue over punitive legislation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com