MTN Global Graduate Programme Develops Over 500 Leaders Since Inception
MTN Ghana has successfully graduated 80 young professionals from its 2025 Graduate Development Program, an initiative designed by the telecommunications company to promote the inclusion of women in the business. The graduation ceremony, held on November 20, 2025 at the Marriott Hotel in Accra, brought together participants from across MTN’s African markets. Abdallah Ibrahim, the Acting Chief Human Resource Officer for MTN Ghana, emphasized MTN’s intentional strategy to increase the number of women in its workforce. “We have leveraged the Graduate Development Programme to drive female representation within the company. About 60% of the graduate delegates are women and a key initiative in our quest to reach 50% female representation by 2030,” he stated. Abdallah confirmed that this intentional approach is already transforming the organization, highlighting the notable increase in the overall representation of women in recent years. “Since we began this journey to increase female representation at MTN Ghana, we have added approximately 5% more females to the workforce since we started monitoring our progress in 2020. Today, we stand at about 43% representation of females within our organization,” he said. Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, Chief Executive Officer of the Telecoms Chamber, commended MTN for its dedication to developing African talent, especially the large number of women in the graduating class, in her keynote speech. “It’s exciting to see that over 60% of today’s graduates are women,” she commented, urging the graduates to stay true to themselves in a competitive digital age. Kagiso Malepe, Manager of the MTN Global Graduate Programme, explained that one of the main challenges and opportunities is bringing together individuals from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds under a common identity. “Our biggest task is harmonizing diverse perspectives and helping participants immerse themselves in MTN’s organizational culture. With MTN operating across multiple markets, the message of one culture, one MTN is fundamental,” he said. The 80 graduates, representing 18 countries across Africa, received certificates and are expected to take roles within MTN that support MTN’s goal of developing future African leaders in technology, digital services, and business innovation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Considers Sending English Teachers to Colombia in Bid to Deepen Bilateral Ties
The government of Ghana has announced plans to explore a new partnership with the Republic of Colombia that could see Ghanaian English teachers sent to support language instruction in South America. The initiative was revealed by Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang during a courtesy call from Colombian Vice President Francia Elena Márquez Mina, who is visiting Ghana for three days to strengthen relations between the two nations. During the meeting, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the success of the current programme in which Colombian educators teach Spanish in Ghana. She suggested that this collaboration could be expanded so that Ghanaian teachers would have the opportunity to offer English lessons in Colombian schools. “Ghana particularly values Colombia’s enduring support for the teaching of the Spanish language in Ghana. It’s a programme that has significantly enhanced institutional capacity and deepened cross-cultural understanding,” the Vice President noted. She referenced the recent graduation ceremony for the programme’s 12th edition, held on December 11, as further evidence of its impact. “I was asking that we expand that path to send teachers of English from Ghana to Colombia, too,” she said. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also spoke about a range of ongoing cooperation agreements between Ghana and Colombia, including joint projects in immigration, agriculture, education, political consultations, air services, technical cooperation, sports, and youth development. She called for greater efforts to build on these frameworks and deepen the partnership. “Our two countries have signed agreements and are undertaking joint projects in several areas,” she remarked, underscoring the breadth of collaboration already underway. Looking to the future, the Vice President emphasized the importance of exploring additional opportunities, particularly in trade, cultural exchange, and tourism, to boost economic growth for both countries. She noted Colombia’s expertise in biodiversity-driven innovation, creative industries, and agro-processing, while highlighting Ghana’s dynamic investment landscape and expanding markets in agriculture, energy, and services. As part of the visit, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) hosted a business seminar for the Colombian delegation, further advancing efforts to promote investment and deepen cooperation between the two nations. With both governments expressing a commitment to broaden educational and economic ties, the proposed teacher exchange programme stands as a symbol of the growing partnership and mutual support between Ghana and Colombia. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Outcry as BECE Fees Rise by 24%: Private Schools Lead Protest
The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has called on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to immediately reverse its planned 24.24% increase in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) registration fee. The fee is set to rise from GHC282.35 in 2025 to GHC350.82 in 2026, a move GNAPS said threatens the educational progress of hundreds of candidates in private schools across the country. In a statement issued on Thursday, December 11, 2025, GNAPS urged WAEC to halt the hike and engage in broad consultations with stakeholders, including the association, to determine a fair and justifiable fee. The group also called on the Ministry of Education and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education to intervene to protect economically disadvantaged children from being excluded from Basic 9 education. “Swift action is essential to maintain the trust and goodwill of parents, private schools, and the broader education community in the government’s commitment to affordable, accessible, and equitable education,” the statement said. GNAPS noted that while WAEC justified last year’s fee increases by citing inflation, exchange rates, port charges, and fuel costs, national economic indicators have recently stabilised. For instance, inflation fell from 8% in October 2025 to 6.3% in November 2025, while the Cedi has remained relatively stable. GNAPS described this year’s hike as “economically indefensible” and “punitive.” The Association also criticised WAEC for failing to consult the non-state education sector, whose candidates bear the brunt of the fee increases. According to GNAPS, such unilateral decisions undermine principles of transparency, collaboration, and sensitivity to the socioeconomic realities faced by parents and schools. Over the past five years, GNAPS has warned that rising BECE registration fees have increasingly hindered Junior High School completion rates, particularly in lower-income communities. The Association stressed that excessive fees risk forcing hardworking parents to withdraw their children from school. GNAPS affirmed its commitment to protecting the educational rights of disadvantaged children and expressed readiness to engage WAEC, the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders to reverse the planned fee increase. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GNAT Condemns Assault on Teachers by WASSCE Candidates at Kade, Urges Educators to Prioritise Safety
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has strongly condemned a recent assault on several teachers by WASSCE candidates at Kade in the Eastern Region. The incident reportedly occurred at night following the release of examination results, when a group of candidates, frustrated by their poor performance, blamed teachers who had refused to permit cheating during the exams. Speaking to the media, GNAT General Secretary Thomas Tanko Musah denounced the attack and urged all educators to protect themselves in situations of potential danger. “If at any point you feel your life is at risk, you are within your rights to leave. Notify your superiors and exit the environment. The Labour Law supports this, and we expect our members to act accordingly,” he advised. Mr. Musah also issued a stern warning to the People’s National Party (PNP) Presidential Candidate, Janet Nabla, urging her to refrain from making accusations against teachers regarding the WASSCE results. He cautioned that remarks blaming or provoking hostility towards educators are unacceptable. “Individuals like Janet Nabla must be mindful of their statements. Do not fuel public anger against teachers. If you have nothing constructive to add, refrain from attacking professionals who are doing their work,” he stated. GNAT is calling for calm and has reaffirmed its commitment to defending teachers who face threats or unjust criticism, urging society to support and respect the teaching profession. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MTN Ghana Marks 16 Days Of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Under The Theme “Unite To End Digital Violence Against Women And Children.”
MTN Ghana is observing this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Children.” The campaign is taking place in various parts of the country. During the launch event with over 100 students from the Police Depot Cluster of Schools at Tesano, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, MTN Ghana’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, emphasized that this year’s campaign aims to protect everyone, especially women and children, from digital violence. She mentioned that MTN is working closely with the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) and the Cyber Security Authority to raise awareness about the risks and impact of harmful online behaviors. “We are already familiar with physical forms of gender-based violence. However, as more of our life is spent online, so has abuse also moved to the digital space, showing up as cyberbullying, harassment, and other harmful online actions, most of which disproportionately affect women and girls,” Madam Wiafe stated. Adwoa Wiafe emphasized that while MTN strives to ensure everyone benefits from a modern, connected life, it also bears the responsibility of making the internet a safe space. “Being connected should be a positive and empowering experience. Anything that causes harm or negativity is something we must all work together to eliminate,” she said. ACP Owusuaa Kyeremeh, Director of DOVVSU, highlighted the rising danger of digital violence and its serious effects on women and girls. “With a single click, someone can spread harmful videos, steal personal information, or send threats that infringe on another person’s freedom,” she explained. She emphasized that girls and young women are especially vulnerable to harassment, pressured to share sexual content, experience hacking, and face non-consensual distribution of private images, many of which go unreported. She urged students not to be bystanders and challenged them to become the generation that stops digital violence. MTN and DOVVSU are conducting various awareness activities nationwide to raise understanding of digital safety. These efforts include coordinated radio interviews in the regions, school debates on preventing digital violence, film screenings, victim support information sessions, and community engagement focused on online safety and violence prevention. The launch also featured an interactive session on cyber hygiene and cybersecurity tips, led by Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi, Director of Cybercrime, along with a representative from MTN. The most engaged student of the day was awarded a tablet as a prize. The 2025 campaign reinforces MTN Ghana’s commitment to promoting responsible digital behavior while ensuring that the internet remains a safe and empowering space for everyone, especially women and children. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Prof. Joshua Alabi Challenges GTEC’s ‘Fake’ Label on SMC Doctorates
At a recent ceremony where Prof. Joshua Alabi, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), was honored with an honorary degree for his transformational leadership, he took a moment to challenge the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s (GTEC) recent declaration regarding doctorate degrees from the Swiss Management Centre (SMC). Prof. Alabi questioned GTEC’s blanket branding of SMC-awarded doctorates as “fake,” arguing that such a sweeping pronouncement overlooks the historical and regulatory context in which many Ghanaians obtained these qualifications. He recalled that, at the time, numerous professionals—including UPSA lecturers, enrolled in SMC’s doctoral programmes based on assurances from the then National Accreditation Board (NAB), now GTEC, which gave recognition and registration to SMC in Ghana. “Many of these professionals undertook their studies based on the assurances and information available from our national regulator,” Prof. Alabi stated during his acceptance speech. He described it as both unfair and damaging to brand the qualifications of hardworking Ghanaians as “fake” when they acted in good faith, relying on documentation from state authorities. Prof. Alabi highlighted that these SMC graduates are not just ordinary professionals, but also respected academics and leaders—former Vice-Chancellors, advisors to governors, Deans, Heads of Departments, and lecturers. He also revealed that UPSA had carried out rigorous due diligence before allowing its lecturers to pursue doctoral studies at SMC. The university’s verification process included: Confirmation from the then NAB (now GTEC) Additional validation through the Swiss Embassy in Ghana Direct institutional verification in Switzerland “These steps were taken meticulously to ensure that the institution met the necessary standards before any UPSA lecturer was allowed to enrol,” he emphasized. Prof. Alabi concluded by urging GTEC to communicate regulatory decisions with clarity, fairness, and sensitivity, especially when such statements can have serious implications for the careers and reputations of Ghanaian professionals and academics. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Drop in WASSCE 2025 performance – Reality check and opportunity for correction?
Last week, the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) released the 2025 results, sparking intense debate across the country. After years of impressive pass rates under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, this year’s results show a sharp decline in performance. Passes in Core Mathematics pass rates fell from 66.86% in 2024 to 48.73%, while Social Studies dropped from 71.53% to 55.82%. English and Integrated Science recorded slight declines but remained relatively stable, according to the results. For many watching developments in the education sector, this downturn raises a critical question: Is this a sign of falling quality in our schools, or the result of a deliberate crackdown on examination malpractice? For me, this decline is not a failure. It could signal a necessary correction. Historic surge in infractions Between 2017 and 2024, statistics show that the country’s WASSCE results were plagued by systemic malpractice, with the West Africa Education Council (WAEC) data showing sharp increases. From 2021 to 2024 alone, 146,309 candidates were implicated in cheating schemes. Cheating incidence rose by more than six folds, from 10,386 cases in 2021 to 62,046 in 2024. In effect, 13.6% of candidates who sat for the 2024 WASSCE exams were implicated in exam malpractices! The data show that common infractions between this period included collusion, smuggling of foreign materials, impersonation, and digital leaks via social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram platforms. WAEC’s five-year statistics further reveal that over 532,000 subject results were withheld and nearly 39,000 cancelled in 2024 alone, with hundreds of entire results annulled annually. Despite these disturbing statistics, prosecutions were historically rare until recent years. Integrity push It can be recalled that following the years of exam malpractices, the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education this year vowed a zero-tolerance stance on cheating ahead of the exams. Invigilators and supervisors were warned of immediate dismissal if found aiding malpractice, while candidates were urged to rely on their preparation rather than leaked materials. It appears the exam body, WAEC followed through, given the outcome of the exams. The results showed that WAEC cancelled subject results for 6,295 candidates, annulled entire results for 653 candidates, and withholding results for hundreds more. Outside exams, investigations into alleged collusion in 185 schools are ongoing. Notably, 35 individuals, including 19 teachers, have faced prosecution, with 19 already convicted. This unprecedented enforcement contrasts sharply with previous years, when civil society groups like Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) repeatedly flagged systemic malpractice with little consequence. It does appear that for too long, we allowed a culture of shortcuts to thrive to be able to present a particular image about our education system and its products. Eduwatch’s Executive Director,Mr Kofi Asare, has long argued that unrealistic performance targets for schools and political pressure to showcase the Free Senior High School (SHS) program’s success fueled widespread cheating. Mr Asare once cautioned that the education system had shifted toward prioritising exam scores over real learning and urged the adoption of technology-driven solutions, such as installing CCTV cameras in examination halls, to restore integrity. Free SHS and quality debate The Free SHS policy undeniably expanded access, lifting financial barriers for hundreds of thousands of families. As a son of humble beginnings, I am fully aware of how financial burdens kill dreams, partly explaining why I have supported hundreds of brilliant needy students and underprivileged people to access education and opportunities that fund schooling. But critics say the rush for quantity under the Free SHS and the general attempt to present the program as the best, insulates it from proper critique necessary to strengthen quality and sustain it. It is recalled that university lecturers reported alarming gaps in foundational skills among Free SHS graduates, with some institutions even considering entrance exams to bridge deficits. “We’ve sacrificed quality for quantity,” Professor Martin Oteng Ababio, a senior University of Ghana lecturer, lamented in September 2024, citing overcrowded lecture halls and underprepared students. This year’s results may therefore reflect a system recalibrating from inflated grades to genuine merit as explained by both the GES and the Ministry of Education. That is why this year’s results is not a failure but a painful and necessary correction. Why academic integrity matters Education is the bedrock of national development. When certificates lose credibility, the entire economy suffers, from employers questioning graduate competence to universities lowering standards to accommodate ill-prepared entrants. Ghana cannot afford to produce “excellent grades but hollow minds,” as the nonprofit, LEADIF warned in its call for radical transparency in exam administration. Integrity in assessment ensures that success is earned, not bought or leaked. It rewards hard work, builds confidence, and nurtures a generation equipped for innovation and leadership. For businesspeople and education advocates like us, this is the moment to champion quality over quantity and to invest more in teacher training, infrastructure, and technology that supports honest learning. Way forward While it is important to find the root cause the 2025 WASSCE results to be able to institute measures against a repeat, it is advisable to detach politics and emotions from the debate and focus on how to reset the entire education system to regain the confidence of external stakeholders. In the meantime, we must continue to maintain the crackdown on malpractice with transparent sanctions, invest in stronger teaching through smaller classes, better resources, and continuous teacher training, and remove politics from education so performance reflects learning, not scorecards. At this turning point, one truth stands out: discipline and integrity are non-negotiable if we are to raise a generation capable of leading national progress. The real question is not whether the drop in performance is embarrassing, but whether we have the courage to accept it as the price of restoring credibility to our education system. The writer is a philanthropist and businessman Source: By Seidu Agongo
Agogo Presbyterian Women’s College SRC Appeals for Intervention Following Principal’s Resignation
The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of the Agogo Presbyterian Women’s College of Education has formally appealed to the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana to intervene in the recent resignation of the college’s Principal, Rev. Dr. Grace Sintim Adasi. In a letter addressed to the Moderator, the SRC voiced deep concern over the sudden departure of Rev. Dr. Adasi, describing it as an event that has sparked anxiety among both students and staff. The council highlighted the Principal’s significant role in fostering the college’s stability, academic growth, and overall development. The SRC pleaded with the Moderator to engage with Rev. Dr. Adasi and encourage her to reconsider her decision, stressing that her continued leadership is crucial to maintaining unity and ensuring the smooth functioning of the institution. “We strongly believe her continued leadership will promote unity, continuity, and the overall welfare of the college community,” the SRC stated in the letter, which was signed by SRC President H.E. Adwoa Serwaa Bonsu and Secretary Hon. Alice Gyamfua. The letter also expressed confidence in the Moderator’s wisdom and dedication to the well-being of all Presbyterian educational institutions. The SRC concluded by expressing hope that with timely intervention from church leadership, a positive resolution would be reached for the benefit of the college community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Education Minister Raises Alarm Over Misuse of Student Tablets
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has voiced grave concerns in Parliament following reports that some students are using government-distributed tablets for non-academic activities, including accessing pornographic content. Addressing Parliament on Thursday, November 27, Minister Iddrisu revealed that while the government had signed a $337 million contract to provide digital learning tools to all free Senior High Schools nationwide, only about 980,000 out of the 1.3 million tablets distributed have been fully deployed and remain to be properly customised and restricted for educational use. “I inherited a contract with about 337 million US dollars, where some 1.3 million tablets were to be distributed across the country to all free senior high schools in the country so that learners can have access to digital tools. I’m told that the deployment of that is around 980,000,” he explained. The Minister admitted that his attention had been drawn to the misuse of the devices. “Mr Speaker, my attention was drawn to the fact that many of the devices are not customised and the students are using them for other purposes, including pornography, which is not acceptable.” Haruna Iddrisu assured Parliament that the government is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness. “Mr Speaker, the government is taking a high view of it, and there must be restrictions as to what the tablets can be used for, and they should be used strictly for the purpose of study,” he stated, underscoring the need for tighter controls and monitoring to ensure the tablets fulfill their intended academic purpose. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Education Minister Announces Ambitious Funding Reforms for Special Needs Education in Ghana
The Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has unveiled plans for a sweeping reform of special needs education funding in Ghana, promising enhanced financial support and better learning conditions for students with disabilities. During a meeting with heads of special needs and integrated schools, Mr. Iddrisu emphasized the urgent need for a more robust and dependable funding framework tailored specifically to children with disabilities. “We are preparing a Cabinet Memo for the attention of the President and my colleagues in Cabinet to take a major decision on the future of special needs education in Ghana,” he announced. The Minister revealed that the government is considering an annual allocation of between GHS 65 million and GHS 100 million for special needs education, with funding expected from the Ghana Free Education Fund (GFAN). As part of the reforms, he proposed doubling the unfeeder grant from GHS 8 to GHS 15 per student per day to address rising costs and ensure adequate support for learners with disabilities. Mr. Iddrisu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Ghana’s free education policy fully inclusive for all special needs learners. He highlighted the necessity of investing in critical infrastructure, increasing accessibility in schools, and providing modern assistive devices to foster a more supportive learning environment. Attendees were also briefed that the amended GFAN Act will include a provision for free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, widening access to education at all levels. Encouraging open discussion, the Minister urged participants to speak candidly, saying, “Be as brutally frank as possible,” before leaving for a parliamentary committee meeting. The proposed reforms mark one of the most ambitious efforts in recent years to transform special needs education and promote equity in Ghana’s educational system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com