Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has vowed to expedite the restoration and repair of the housemaster’s bungalow that was damaged by a fire on Monday, August 4. The incident, which originated in the apartment of the housemaster next to the boys’ dormitory block, fortunately did not cause significant damage to the dormitories, nor did it harm any students or other residents of the bungalow. To maintain calm and reassure students following the fire, the school’s Guidance and Counselling Unit took proactive measures by engaging with all students on Tuesday morning before academic activities resumed. While attending a meeting in Koforidua, Minister Iddrisu, accompanied by the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, the Chief Director, his Special Advisor, and the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, visited the school to assess the extent of the damage and provide assurance to students and staff of the government’s commitment to support. After a thorough engagement with the school’s management on Tuesday, August 5, Eastern Regional Director of Education, Ivy Asantewaa Owusu, informed the media of the Minister’s promise to replace all items lost in the fire. She highlighted the urgency of ensuring that the affected housemaster, who is currently taking temporary refuge with the school’s Reverend Minister, can return to his duties without further delay. “The authorities have assured that in no time, they will fix the housemaster’s accommodation and ensure that he receives everything he has lost, so he can continue with his work,” Owusu stated. She also took the opportunity to call for calm among parents, reassuring them of their children’s safety as school management continues to work closely with the Ghana National Fire Service, which has initiated investigations into the cause of the fire. The community’s response highlights the commitment to maintaining a secure and supportive environment for both students and staff at Oyoko Methodist Senior High School. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

In a swift response to escalating violence, Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga has ordered the immediate closure of Zuarungu Senior High School until further notice. This drastic measure follows violent clashes on Sunday, July 20, between Frafra and Kusasi students, sparked by allegations of a mobile phone theft. The situation quickly deteriorated into a full-scale brawl, resulting in the destruction of school property and raising tensions across the campus. Apexnewsgh reported scenes of chaos, with some structures on the school grounds set ablaze during the altercation. To address the fallout from the incident, local police have arrested four students believed to be involved in the clashes. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when one suspect managed to escape custody while being transported to the police station, allegedly seizing a police officer’s magazine during the escape. In anticipation of potential reprisal attacks, authorities have deployed security personnel, including members of the military and police, to ensure the safe escort of students from Bawku back to their hometowns. The enhanced security measures aim to restore calm amid the unrest. As investigations continue, authorities remain focused on reinstating order and ensuring the safety of all students involved. With the school now closed, the Regional Minister’s decisive action underscores the commitment to addressing the underlying issues and preventing further violence in the community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com  

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has formally directed politician Hassan Ayariga to immediately stop using the academic title “Dr.” This demand has arisen due to the absence of valid documentation that would justify the use of such a title. In a letter dated July 14, 2025, and signed by Prof. Augustine Ocloo, the Commission’s Deputy Director-General, GTEC outlined its previous attempts to obtain clarification from Mr. Ayariga concerning the legitimacy of his doctoral title. Regrettably, these inquiries have gone unanswered, prompting the Commission to take this formal step. Specifically, GTEC had requested essential information from Ayariga, including: The name of the awarding institution. Whether the doctorate was earned or honorary. The date the degree was conferred. The process through which it was granted. In its communication, GTEC expressed serious concerns about the use of academic titles lacking proper validation, emphasizing that this practice is “misleading and inconsistent with the academic protocols and standards governing the conferment and use of academic ranks in Ghana.” The letter explicitly stated, “In light of your inability to provide the required documentation, you are hereby directed to immediately cease the use of the title ‘Dr.’” Furthermore, GTEC demanded that Mr. Ayariga verify that the title has been removed from all public and professional platforms. This includes official documents, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads, and any other representations of his professional identity. Even in his recent Press release against the embattled Igbo King in Accra, Mr. Ayariga described himself as Dr. GTEC has granted Mr. Ayariga a deadline of July 31, 2025, to fully comply with this directive. The Commission has also warned that failure to adhere to the requirements could lead to legal action, underscoring the importance of maintaining academic standards and integrity in public life. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has called for a ban on mobile phone usage not just for students, but also for teachers and invigilators inside exam halls. Apexnewsgh reports The Minister announced the swearing-in ceremony of the new National Education Inspectorate Board, where he stressed the urgent need to clamp down on examination malpractice. “The idea of a student having access to phones in the examination room is a no-no,” Iddrisu declared. “Probably, we have to even review this concept to include the usage of phones by examiners and supervisors.” His statement comes amid growing concerns that some invigilators may be complicit in aiding students to cheat during exams. “In some instances of cheating, it may be some of them [invigilators] who are aiding the malpractice,” he said. “Therefore, we have to limit who can carry a phone into an exam room.” While acknowledging that some officials may need phones for logistical purposes—such as calling for exam papers or submitting urgent reports—the Minister insisted that any exceptions must come with strict enforcement. “I would have pronounced a complete ban on phone usage, but we have cases when examiners will have to call for exam papers or send a report,” he admitted. “However, we expect strict compliance and enforceability of this rule.” Iddrisu issued a stern warning, vowing that any invigilator caught facilitating exam fraud would face severe consequences. The proposal has sparked mixed reactions, with some educators welcoming the move as a necessary step to restore credibility in examinations, while others worry about practical challenges in enforcing the ban. As Ghana continues its fight against examination malpractice, the Minister’s latest directive could mark a turning point—ensuring that only pens, papers, and integrity enter the exam hall. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Tertiary Education Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU-GH) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), demanding the immediate reversal of a directive compelling traditional public universities to swear in representatives from the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union under the Trade Union Congress (TEWU-TUC) onto their Governing Councils. The directive, issued by GTEC on June 18, 2025, formally recognized TEWU-TUC as the legitimate union to represent non-teaching staff on the governing boards of public traditional universities. GTEC directed all affected institutions to swear in TEWU-TUC representatives with immediate effect and to accord them full Council privileges. However, TEWU-GH has vehemently rejected the directive, arguing that it undermines union pluralism and breaches due process in labour representation. National Chairman of TEWU-GH, Sulemana Abdul Rahaman, stated that the recognition of TEWU-TUC does not invalidate the rights and relevance of TEWU-GH. “The bargaining certificate held by TEWU-TUC does not extinguish the legitimacy of TEWU-GH,” Abdul Rahaman said. “This directive is a violation of democratic principles and an affront to the autonomy of unions within Ghana’s labour ecosystem.” TEWU-GH has called on the broader labour movement to intervene and urged prominent labour leaders to refrain from divisive comments that may threaten unity among unions. “With respect for democratic and fair representation, we appeal to all comrades within the labour fraternity to advise brother Joshua Ansah to avoid statements that do not foster harmony at the labour front,” Abdul Rahaman said. TEWU-GH has vowed to resist what it sees as an attempt to marginalize its members and is calling on GTEC to reverse the decision or face further action after the seven-day window expires. The outcome of this dispute remains to be seen, but it is clear that TEWU-GH is determined to protect its members’ interests and rights. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen