Ashanti Region Parents Question True Cost of ‘Free’ SHS Policy
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
Akwatia and Tamale Central MPs Sworn In as House Reconvenes
Parliament reconvened for the third meeting of its first session on Tuesday with a momentous occasion: the swearing-in of two newly elected Members of Parliament. In a ceremony presided over by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Bernard Bediako Baidoo of Akwatia and Professor Alidu Seidu of Tamale Central officially took their oaths of office. The afternoon event marked the formal entry of the two legislators into the nation’s lawmaking chamber, ushering in fresh representation for their constituencies. The swearing-in signals renewed energy and commitment as Parliament resumes business for the session, with Baidoo and Seidu set to join their colleagues in debates and decision-making for the progress of Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GRASAG–GIMPA Accuses Management of Withholding Funds, Alleges Sabotage of Student Initiatives
Tensions have escalated at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) as the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), GIMPA Chapter, has openly accused the institute’s management of intentionally withholding student funds. The association claims this move is a calculated attempt to frustrate GRASAG’s programmes and undermine student-led initiatives meant to empower and intellectually engage the student body. In a statement released in Accra, GRASAG–GIMPA expressed frustration over what it described as persistent financial obstruction. This, the association said, has crippled several of its flagship events, including the highly anticipated 24-Hour Economy Public Lecture and the Women’s Empowerment Summit—both central to this year’s GRASAG Week celebrations. Despite sending repeated letters and making follow-up requests, the association said their pleas for the release of funds had been ignored. Describing the situation as a deliberate effort to sabotage student activities, GRASAG–GIMPA stated that its executives had been forced to use their personal resources to keep essential programmes running and to uphold their constitutional responsibilities. The association’s leadership also took the opportunity to defend its Patron, Prof. Wisdom Akpalu, and Registrar, Dr. Victoria Mwinsumah Puoyeng Kunbuor, from what it called “malicious and fabricated claims” disseminated by unnamed individuals seeking to tarnish their reputations. GRASAG–GIMPA dismissed as false recent reports suggesting Dr. Kunbuor was a signatory to the association’s bank account, clarifying that all financial transactions are conducted in full compliance with banking and institutional regulations. Furthermore, the association alleged that some individuals within GIMPA were actively working to undermine honest leadership in GRASAG, with certain senior lecturers allegedly lobbying for the Patron position to enable misuse of student funds. GRASAG–GIMPA described such actions as unethical and a threat to the independence of student leadership. The association also highlighted the positive impact of Prof. Akpalu’s advisory role, citing achievements such as the establishment of a GH¢50,000 Graduate Studies Endowment Fund for financially challenged students, the creation of modern study rooms, and the setup of a Business Centre offering subsidised printing and academic services. Calling on GIMPA’s management to immediately release all outstanding student funds, including arrears from previous years, GRASAG–GIMPA urged the administration to avoid further actions that could stifle academic freedom, student welfare, or progressive leadership. The association reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, democracy, and accountability, and announced it was preparing for executive elections as the current leadership’s term concludes in November. In closing, GRASAG–GIMPA stood in solidarity with Prof. Akpalu and Dr. Kunbuor, apologizing for the unfounded allegations made against them and pledging to remain steadfast in upholding truth, transparency, and the continued growth of the GIMPA community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GTEC Issues Strong Warning Against Unaccredited Tertiary Institutions Operating in Ghana
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has sounded the alarm on a troubling trend, issuing a public notice to caution students, tertiary institutions, and the general public against engaging with a growing list of unrecognised and unaccredited institutions operating both within Ghana and from abroad. In its latest communication, GTEC unveiled an expanded blacklist of 50 institutions that have failed to meet Ghana’s rigorous accreditation and quality assurance standards. The Commission warned that any academic or professional certifications issued by these entities would not be recognised in Ghana, potentially jeopardizing future opportunities for unsuspecting students and employers alike. The list spans a wide array of institutions from around the globe, including Universidad Azteca (Mexico), Breyer State Theology University (USA), Debest College of Science, Arts and Business (Ghana), Atlantic International University (USA), Selinus University of Sciences and Literature (Italy), and many more. These institutions, according to GTEC, have breached important accreditation protocols and, as a result, cannot offer legitimate qualifications in Ghana. GTEC’s notice was unequivocal: students and educational partners should exercise extreme caution and thoroughly verify the accreditation status of any university or college before enrolling or initiating collaborations. The Commission urged stakeholders to consult its official website or contact its offices directly to confirm the legitimacy of any institution. By taking this strong stance, GTEC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s tertiary education system. The Commission emphasized that protecting students from fraudulent or substandard institutions is a shared responsibility, and called on all parties to treat this warning with the utmost seriousness. As the education landscape continues to expand, GTEC’s message is clear: only qualifications that meet Ghana’s, and the world’s, highest academic and professional standards will be recognized, ensuring that students and employers alike can trust the value of Ghanaian education. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Cracks Down on Admission Malpractices in Schools
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
Former President Akufo-Addo Hosts NPP Aspirants in Unity Breakfast Ahead of 2026 Primaries
On the morning of Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the private residence of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in Nima, Accra, became the setting for a pivotal moment in Ghana’s political calendar. Gathered around the breakfast table were the five presidential hopefuls of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), drawn together by Akufo-Addo’s invitation for a meeting designed to nurture unity and camaraderie ahead of the party’s eagerly anticipated presidential primaries. The gathering, which also included key figures such as Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Chairman of the NPP Council of Elders, acting National Chairman Danquah Smith Buttey, General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and former Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, underscored the NPP’s commitment to party cohesion as the January 31, 2026, primaries approach. During the meeting, Akufo-Addo expressed his deep appreciation to the aspirants—Ken Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, for taking time away from their demanding campaign itineraries to participate in the breakfast. He praised each for their individual contributions to the party and the nation, emphasizing that every candidacy was built on merit and a track record of service. The former president highlighted the importance of conducting the primaries in a spirit of healthy competition, focusing on substantive issues and visionary leadership. He reminded the group that the unity and credibility of the party would be crucial in rallying support and energizing the NPP base for the 2028 general elections. In a powerful display of solidarity, all five aspirants pledged, on behalf of themselves and their campaign teams, to maintain a respectful and competitive atmosphere throughout the campaign. They also committed to supporting the party’s eventual nominee, vowing to unite behind the winner and uphold the NPP’s cohesion after the primaries. Akufo-Addo closed the meeting by encouraging party leadership to ensure a fair and transparent process, reaffirming his belief that a united NPP is best positioned to secure victory in the years ahead. As the primaries draw near, the breakfast meeting stands out as a beacon of party unity, setting the tone for a competitive yet collaborative race—one that could shape Ghana’s political landscape for years to come. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Panic Grips Garu After Deadly Attack: Security Tightened as Community Seeks Answers
The quiet town of Garu has been thrown into turmoil following a shocking and deadly attack that claimed the lives of four people and left several others wounded. In the aftermath, security measures have been significantly intensified, as authorities scramble to restore calm and uncover the motives behind the violence. The attack, which unfolded just as Garu’s Member of Parliament, Thomas Anaba, was preparing to travel for parliamentary duties, has left the entire community reeling. Residents are gripped by panic and sorrow, with many mourning the loss of beloved family members and neighbors. The usually peaceful town is now marked by confusion and fear, as people grapple with the senseless tragedy. According to eyewitness accounts and details provided by MP Anaba, the attackers, four unidentified individuals riding on two motorbikes, swept into town and headed straight to the National Health Insurance office. Their search for the Director ended in violence when, unable to find their target, they gunned down one of the office’s officers. The violence escalated as the assailants moved through the town, shooting a head teacher, a young man fleeing the scene, and, in a chilling turn, the chief of Garu at his residence. Along their escape route, the attackers fired at anyone in their way, spreading terror throughout the community. As news of the attack spread, security forces swiftly mobilized. The national security apparatus, the regional minister, and the army commander for the Upper East region coordinated efforts to enforce order and launch a thorough investigation. The town remains under heightened security, and authorities are determined to track down those responsible and understand the reasons behind the deadly rampage. At Garu Hospital, several victims continue to receive treatment, while others have been discharged. The entire community remains on edge, anxiously awaiting answers and hoping for a swift return to normalcy in a town famed for its peace and unity. For now, Garu stands united in grief and resilience, as residents look to their leaders and security forces for reassurance and justice in the wake of a tragedy that has shaken them to the core. Source: Apexnewsgh.com