The excitement of securing a place in senior high school is being overshadowed by growing anxiety among parents. While the government’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy was designed to eliminate financial barriers to education, many families are now questioning just how “free” the programme truly is. As the new academic year begins, parents are grappling with lengthy prospectus lists from schools—lists that come with price tags few anticipated. In candid interviews with Kumasi FM’s Elisha Adarkwah, several parents shared their frustration. For one mother, the cost of required items for her child’s SHS admission soared to nearly GHS 7,000. Another parent recounted spending GHS 6,000 on similar school supplies. For families with more than one child in secondary school, the expenses quickly multiply, placing immense pressure on household budgets. The parents described the situation as both surprising and financially exhausting. They pointed out that, although tuition and boarding fees may be waived, the cumulative cost of uniforms, mattresses, utensils, books, and other essentials, plus transportation, makes education unaffordable for many. The burden, they say, is particularly heavy for low-income families who were counting on the Free SHS policy to give their children a fair chance. With their voices united, the parents are calling on the government and the Ministry of Education to revisit the requirements. They argue that regulating and simplifying school prospectus lists is essential if the Free SHS programme is to deliver on its promise, ensuring every Ghanaian child has a real opportunity to learn, regardless of their family’s income. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

At the 32nd Annual Conference of Directors of Education in Sunyani, the Bono Region, the Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, delivered a firm message to headteachers across Ghana: admission malpractices and extortion will not be tolerated. The Minister’s address came amidst growing reports that some school heads were turning away students who had been rightfully placed in their institutions or were demanding unapproved fees from anxious parents. Mr. Iddrisu denounced these actions as unacceptable, asserting that they undermine the government’s commitment to providing free and equitable education for every Ghanaian child. He stressed that all students assigned to schools through the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) are entitled to admission without any discrimination or extra financial burdens beyond the officially sanctioned fees. Determined to root out corruption and ensure fairness, Mr. Iddrisu warned that any headteacher found frustrating the enrollment process or engaging in extortion would face strict disciplinary and legal consequences. The Minister called on Directors of Education to intensify their oversight and make sure that all schools adhere to the Ministry’s guidelines. By stepping up monitoring and enforcement, he said, the education sector could guarantee a smooth, transparent, and fair admission process for first-year students nationwide. Mr. Iddrisu’s strong stance sends a clear signal: the Ministry of Education is determined to uphold discipline, transparency, and justice in schools, ensuring that access to quality education remains a right for all, not a privilege for a few. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The morning routine at Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon) was unexpectedly interrupted by the arrival of a distinguished guest. Alhaji Haruna Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament for Tamale South and Ghana’s Minister for Education, made a surprise visit that quickly turned into a memorable event for the school’s first-year students. With his reputation for eloquence and years of dedicated service in Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu’s presence brought a mix of astonishment and excitement to the campus. The young students gathered, eager to hear from a national figure who understood both the promise and the pressures of youth. During his brief interaction, Minister Iddrisu encouraged the students to blend discipline, diligence, and innovation in their academic journey. He lauded PRESEC for its legacy of excellence and strong moral values, calling the school “a national treasure shaping Ghana’s future leaders.” His words resonated with the students, many of whom felt inspired by this rare moment of direct mentorship. The Minister also spoke passionately about the importance of integrity, curiosity, and patriotism—virtues he believes will define the next generation of Ghanaian thinkers and changemakers. School authorities expressed their gratitude, emphasizing how such visits foster closer connections between the nation’s leaders and its youth, motivating students to set their sights even higher. This surprise visit was more than just a courtesy call; it was a reflection of Haruna Iddrisu’s deep commitment to youth mentorship and education-focused leadership. For him, the classroom is where sustainable national progress begins, and PRESEC stands as a shining example of the brilliance and discipline needed to shape Ghana’s future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

A delegation from the College of Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), led by Provost Professor Kwabena Biritwum, has paid a courtesy call on Mr. Osman Ayariga, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA). The visit, highlighted on NYA’s official social media pages, is part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between academia and public institutions to expand youth skills training, particularly in engineering and technology, as a catalyst for economic growth. During their meeting, both parties discussed strategic programmes aimed at equipping young people with practical technical and engineering skills to meet the demands of the changing job market. Professor Biritwum underscored the importance of empowering future engineers through hands-on training and innovation for sustainable national development. “We are eager to explore avenues through which engineering and technology-based skills training can drive innovation, employment, and economic transformation,” Professor Biritwum said. NYA CEO Mr. Ayariga commended KNUST’s forward-thinking approach and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to supporting youth-centred skills development. “The NYA remains dedicated to empowering Ghanaian youth with practical skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the modern economy. A partnership like this will help us transform academic knowledge into real-world impact,” he noted. Both institutions agreed to develop a collaborative framework for programmes such as technical skills training, mentorship, entrepreneurship incubation, and research in emerging technologies. They believe the partnership will enhance youth employability and innovation, contributing significantly to Ghana’s broader goals of industrialisation and economic empowerment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

In a significant move affecting postgraduate studies at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has withdrawn accreditation for the MSc Customs Administration and M.Phil. Customs Administration programmes, with immediate effect. The decision, announced in a letter dated October 6, 2025, and signed by GTEC’s Director-General, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, was addressed to UCC’s Acting Vice Chancellor. According to GTEC, the withdrawal follows the University’s deviation from the originally approved mode of instruction for these programmes. Originally accredited to be taught in a regular, in-person format, the two programmes were instead run as sandwich and fully online courses without prior approval from the Commission. GTEC’s letter highlighted this breach: “As you are aware, accreditation for these programmes was granted to be taught in regular and in-person mode. However, the University of Cape Coast, without recourse to GTEC, has commenced delivering these programmes as sandwich and 100% online.” The Commission has made it clear that if UCC wishes to continue offering the programmes in alternative formats, it must reapply for accreditation. GTEC also informed the Commissioner of Customs at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) that any certificates issued under these now de-accredited programmes will not be recognised. Furthermore, GTEC has directed UCC to withdraw all admissions granted under the affected programmes and to provide proof of compliance by October 31, 2025. The decision sends a strong message about the importance of adhering to approved academic standards and procedures in Ghana’s higher education sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Mr. Richard W. Tiimob, a dedicated teacher at Savelugu Senior High School in the Northern Region, has been celebrated as Ghana’s Most Outstanding Teacher at the 2025 Ghana Teacher Prize ceremony, which took place at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho. This highly esteemed honour, which includes a three-bedroom house, is a testament to Mr. Tiimob’s unwavering commitment to education and his exceptional efforts to transform the lives of his students through teaching. Taking the stage to accept his award, Mr. Tiimob expressed heartfelt gratitude to God, his family, students, colleagues, and the leadership of his school, crediting their collective encouragement and support for his success. He described teaching as “more than a profession,  a calling to inspire, mentor, and transform lives.” He noted that his achievement reflected the combined efforts of everyone involved in the pursuit of quality education in Ghana. Mr. Tiimob used the moment to urge teachers across the nation to continue innovating in their classrooms, to elevate their craft, and to inspire every learner. He envisioned a Ghana shaped by ambition, excellence, and purpose,  one where educators play a central role in national development. The Ghana Teacher Prize, organized each year by the National Teaching Council, stands as a celebration of excellence in teaching. The award honours educators who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a lasting impact on shaping the country’s future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com