UTAG Demands Sacking of GTEC Top Officials Over Governance Failures
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a bold ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate dismissal of the Director-General and Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai and Augustine Ocloo, over what it describes as persistent overreach and governance lapses threatening the stability of Ghana’s public universities. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, UTAG President Vera Fiador revealed that the association had first raised the alarm through a formal petition to the Presidency on February 17, 2026, outlining serious concerns about unilateral decision-making and an increasingly coercive leadership style at the Commission. Nearly two months on, UTAG says it has received no response, a silence that has now compelled the association to take its grievances public. At the heart of UTAG’s frustration is what it sees as a systematic overstepping of GTEC’s regulatory boundaries. The association argues that the Commission’s actions are eroding institutional autonomy, academic freedom, staff welfare, and the overall stability of public universities — values it considers non-negotiable in a healthy tertiary education system. UTAG levelled a string of specific accusations against the GTEC leadership, including interference in internal university governance, overriding decisions made by governing councils and academic boards, introducing unapproved appointment requirements, and disregarding established institutional statutes. The association further alleged that GTEC has wielded excessive discretionary powers, including threats to withdraw accreditation and funding, and the abrupt abolition of certain administrative roles without due process. UTAG also trained its sights on directives issued by GTEC in September and October 2025, particularly those affecting post-retirement contracts and salary administration. According to the association, these measures directly conflict with agreed conditions of service, breed uncertainty among staff, and are disrupting core academic functions including teaching and research. The association warned that the deteriorating situation is straining labour relations and could tip over into industrial action if the government fails to act. Pointing to reputational damage already done, UTAG cited a 2025 incident involving the University of Cape Coast, where GTEC temporarily withdrew accreditation services before reversing course, a move that, according to the association, created significant uncertainty for students and damaged Ghana’s standing with international academic partners. UTAG’s demands are unambiguous: the removal of GTEC’s top officials, the reversal of all contentious directives, and the swift passage of a Legislative Instrument to give full effect to the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020. The association also called for the protection of existing post-retirement arrangements and meaningful stakeholder engagement in future regulatory decisions. In a firm closing warning, UTAG gave the government 14 days to act, making clear that failure to address these concerns within that window will trigger further, unspecified action. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
CDM Warns of Generational Education Crisis Amid Teacher Shortages
Ghana’s education system stands at a crossroads as the Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) raises an urgent alarm about the nation’s deepening teacher shortage. In a statement released this week, the advocacy group cautioned that the situation, if left unchecked, could trigger a generational catastrophe for Ghana’s children. Drawing on independent assessments, CDM revealed the potential scale of the crisis: learning losses could soar to 64 percent in arithmetic and 18 percent in reading, putting more than 1.2 million children at risk of falling into learning poverty. “This is a looming generational tragedy that no responsible government should tolerate,” the conveners declared, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The group’s concern was further fuelled by the government’s silence on teacher recruitment timelines following the 2026 Budget presentation. CDM criticized the lack of transparency, noting that the absence of a clear plan has stirred anxiety among unemployed trained teachers and parents across the country. “What is most disturbing is the government’s persistent silence on teacher recruitment timelines,” the group emphasized. “Education is not a privilege; it is a constitutional right, and its continued denial to millions of Ghanaian children is unacceptable in a democratic society.” To address the crisis, CDM called for the Minister for Education to brief Parliament within 30 days and to provide quarterly progress reports, insisting that only urgent, transparent action can avert a national education disaster. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ministry of Education Vows Swift Action After Student Violence Videos Go Viral
It was a day of shock and concern as disturbing videos began to circulate on social media, allegedly showing violent acts involving students from two schools in Ghana’s Central Region. The scenes quickly drew the attention of the Ministry of Education, prompting a strong response. Deputy Minister for Education, Clement Abas Apaak, signed a statement denouncing the acts as completely unacceptable. The Ministry assured the nation that immediate steps would be taken to address the situation. “The culprits and perpetrators can expect the most severe sanctions,” the statement warned, leaving no doubt about the seriousness with which the Ministry viewed the incident. In response to the viral videos, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) was ordered to launch an urgent investigation. A crucial meeting was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 23, 2026, at the GES headquarters in Accra, bringing together the Central Regional Director, district directors from the affected areas, and the heads of the implicated schools. As the investigation unfolds, the Ministry reaffirms its unwavering commitment to discipline, safety, and order in all of Ghana’s educational institutions. The public was assured that appropriate measures would be implemented once the facts were clear, demonstrating that student welfare remains a top priority. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Newly Posted Teachers Give GES One-Month Ultimatum Over Delayed Staff IDs, Unpaid Salaries
A wave of frustration swept through the Ghana Education Service (GES) headquarters on Wednesday, February 18, as the 2024 batch of newly posted teachers staged a picket to demand urgent action over months of unpaid salaries and the delayed issuance of staff IDs. The group, who have been teaching in schools across the country since 2024, is calling on the GES to resolve these issues within one month or face “drastic action.” For many of the teachers, the situation has become dire. Some have not been paid for 12 months, others for as long as 14 months, despite having received financial clearance and diligently working in their assigned schools. The teachers say their documents, which district and regional authorities claimed were submitted, have gone missing at the national office, leaving them in limbo. Speaking to the media, Daniel Aidoo, the convenor for the group, voiced the collective frustration: “All that we are demanding is that they give us our staff IDs and acknowledge us as teachers employed by the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service. We don’t want any back and forth. Whosoever is responsible for the issuance of our IDs should be held accountable.” The teachers are adamant that this cycle of delay and neglect should not be allowed to continue, warning that future batches should not have to endure the same ordeal. They have given the GES a one-month deadline to resolve the issue, stressing that if there is no progress, they will escalate their actions in pursuit of justice and recognition. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Pledges Two Million Desks for Basic Schools by 2026
President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled an ambitious plan to supply two million desks to Ghanaian basic schools by the end of 2026, a move set to dramatically improve learning conditions for students across the country. The announcement came during his address to the Ghanaian community in Zambia on Thursday, February 5, as part of his three-day state visit. President Mahama highlighted the chronic neglect of basic school infrastructure, revealing that approximately 1.2 million children currently attend classes without desks. “The basic school level has been neglected. The previous government focused mainly on SHS because of its flagship Free SHS program. Many basic schools lack textbooks and furniture, and you often find children sitting on the floor,” he remarked. He assured the community that the government is determined to tackle the problem head-on. “This year, we are going to provide two million school furnishings. By 2028, no Ghanaian pupil will have to sit on the floor to study,” President Mahama pledged. The announcement has been widely welcomed by education stakeholders. Kofi Asare, Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, commended the government for prioritising student comfort and called for swift implementation. “We hope that the desks will arrive soon because this is long overdue,” he said. The pledge marks a significant step toward bridging infrastructure gaps in Ghana’s basic education sector and ensuring that every child has a comfortable and dignified environment in which to learn. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Orders NIB Probe Into Alleged Sale of Overseas Scholarships
President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to launch an immediate investigation into allegations of malpractice in the award of overseas scholarships, following claims made during a radio programme. In a directive dated February 3, 2026, and addressed to the NIB’s Director-General, Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, stated that the President’s attention was drawn to comments aired on Sompa 106.5 FM. During the Twi-language broadcast, panellist and former CEO of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, alleged that an individual had paid money to secure a scholarship to study abroad. The President described the accusation as serious and of significant public interest, especially in light of his administration’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and equitable access to education. The directive instructs the NIB to investigate the claims without delay, establish the facts, identify any individuals involved, and assess the credibility of the allegations. The Bureau has also been tasked with submitting its findings to the President for review and any subsequent action deemed necessary. The official communication was signed by Mr. Kwakye Ofosu on behalf of President Mahama. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Scholarship Authority Boss Backs Mahama’s Probe into Alleged Sale of State Scholarships
The Director-General of the Ghana Scholarship Authority, Mr. Alex Asafo Agyei, has thrown his support behind President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to order a full-scale investigation into allegations that government scholarships were sold to politically connected individuals. The investigation was triggered by claims made by former government official Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, who alleged during a radio interview that scholarships meant for Ghanaian students were sold to members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and others for studies in the United Kingdom. In response, President Mahama has tasked the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter. In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 3, Mr. Agyei described President Mahama’s move as necessary and timely, stressing the importance of protecting the credibility of Ghana’s scholarship system. He firmly rejected allegations linking the Scholarship Authority to such deals, explaining that under his watch, no scholarship had been granted for studies in the UK. “For instance, if you take the Ghana Scholarship Authority, under my leadership as Director-General, not a single scholarship award has been made for anyone to study in the United Kingdom, as he alludes. This position has been well communicated to institutions in the UK,” he emphasized. Mr. Agyei also criticized the previous administration, alleging that the scholarship scheme was marred by irregularities, including the issuance of “fake awards” by the former Registrar as recently as March 2025. He highlighted that the current administration has enacted reforms to restore fairness, transparency, and merit to the scholarship process, with a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and political favoritism. “The era where the rich, connected and influential cornered scholarships outside merit is over,” Mr. Agyei declared, pledging the government’s ongoing commitment to accountability. He assured the public that any wrongdoing uncovered by the NIB’s investigation would be met with decisive action, adding, “For every act of plunder perpetrated against the nation, full accountability will be demanded, and the time for reckoning is fast approaching.” The NIB probe is expected to verify the claims and recommend appropriate measures to safeguard the integrity of state-sponsored scholarships.
The Broken Chalkboards: Upper East Peace Council Chair Decries Rising Student Riots
Alhaji Sumaila Issaka, Chairman of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, has voiced grave concern over the growing trend of student riots in the region, a worrying development he believes is fast becoming a destructive norm among secondary schools. In a recent interview for the documentary “The Broken Chalkboards,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen for Apexnewsgh, Alhaji Issaka laid bare the scale of the problem and the urgent need for dialogue and reform. “It’s been a very difficult situation in this region, especially the way this rioting has been going on. It’s now like a canker and so contagious. The moment Zamstech demonstrates, the next day Gowrie is demonstrating, the next day Bongo is demonstrating, the next day Big Boss, and then on and on,” Alhaji Issaka lamented. He noted that while older institutions such as Navrongo Senior High School, Notre Dame, and Bawku Senior High School, as well as the training colleges, where students are considered adults, rarely report such incidents, the wave of unrest continues unabated among the newer institutions. “What I personally don’t understand is why these demonstrations, when you have an SRC that can present your grievances to the authorities,” he added, underlining his bewilderment at the preference for destructive protest over dialogue. Kindly watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/GSQR3-T6EaE. The Peace Council, Alhaji Issaka revealed, had previously initiated peace clubs in several schools as a proactive measure to curb the violence. However, these efforts were hamstrung by a lack of funding, making it impossible to sustain regular outreach. “It’s been of great disturbance to us, especially the destruction on the campuses,” he said, noting the heartbreak of seeing already scarce resources in one of Ghana’s poorest regions destroyed by students themselves. He recalled, “They will not pass Presec or Achimota and give us a bus here if the supplies are very few. Yet we continue to destroy the few that we have. When we went to school, we didn’t demonstrate, but now it’s like they are so proud of it.” Alhaji Issaka expressed his frustration at the often trivial reasons for these demonstrations. “Most of the time they are so flimsy, so annoying that you cannot tolerate them,” he said. He cited the example of students at Gowrie Senior High School insisting on shower facilities despite vandalizing existing ones, and then demanding the dismissal of the headmistress when standpipes were provided instead. In other cases, students ignored bans on personal electronic devices and overloaded dormitory sockets, leading to repeated fires and costly repairs, only to protest when precautionary measures were implemented. “What bothers me most is that the reasons are so flimsy. And if that is even the case, must you go and damage the property of the school? Then you keep complaining, we don’t have this, we don’t have that,” he said. He recounted students insisting on using coal pots for science practicals instead of the safer Bunsen burners of his own school days, and the paradox of demanding better conditions while destroying what little is available. The recurring destruction, Alhaji Issaka noted, ultimately impacts innocent parents who are forced to pay for damages. “After every investigation, money will be paid. And this money will come from the parents,” he explained, recounting a personal experience at Senegal Senior High, where burned motorbikes had to be replaced, ironically benefitting some teachers but compounding hardship for families. Another disturbing trend is the rise of tribalism in school leadership, a stark contrast to the diversity and harmony of past decades. “To the extent that, if you are not a Kassena-speaking boy, you cannot be Senior Prefect in Navrongo Secondary School. If you are not a Guruni speaking boy, you can’t be the Senior Prefect of Big Boss, Tongo Senior High School. If you are not a Kusasi-speaking boy, you cannot be a Senior Prefect of Bawku Secondary School. Why? So this is what is happening? Even though they are extending it to their heads, insisting that if you are not from that area, you shouldn’t be a head. Really?” he asked incredulously. He reflected fondly on the past, when students and leaders from various backgrounds worked together without division, and called the current climate “a big headache.” Despite setbacks, the Peace Council is determined to revive its outreach efforts. Alhaji Issaka detailed recent and ongoing attempts to coordinate with regional education authorities and NGOs to reintroduce peace-building programs in schools. Plans are in place to divide the council into groups and visit schools across the region, fostering dialogue and conflict resolution skills among students. The council’s goal is clear: to help students understand the importance of using the SRC as a channel for grievances, rather than resorting to violence. “Let the students understand that the SRC is there to represent them at the various meetings. And if they have any grievances, they should pass them to those committee members. So that when they go, they table it,” he advised. Alhaji Issaka believes much of the unrest stems from a lack of awareness and leadership among students, and from the influence of troublemakers. He noted that simple disputes, such as the theft of a phone, which is itself contraband, can quickly escalate into widespread violence and even tribal conflict. “Two students fight, and the Bawku incident crops up. You come, and it’s your kinsman against another man, and you just join the fight.” He urged proper reporting and resolution of issues through the appropriate channels, rather than resorting to mob justice or property destruction. “If you suspect somebody, report him to the authorities. And if they search him and find your phone, they give it to you. But these fights, now, the tribal fighting is in these two schools. Which was not the case before.” Alhaji Issaka closed with an impassioned plea for a return to civility and the prioritization of dialogue, warning that continued unrest threatens not only the schools but the entire region’s progress. “We want us to grow. Yet, we are last in everything.
The Broken Chalkboards: Upper East Regional Minister Urges Discipline and Improved Infrastructure to Tackle School Riots
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has expressed deep concern over the growing spate of student riots in second-cycle institutions across the region, describing the trend as “worrying and needless.” In a documentary engagement with Apexnewsgh’s Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, the Minister recounted his personal experience since assuming office five months ago. He revealed that the wave of disturbances began under his tenure at St. Benedict’s Secondary School, where a stolen meal sparked clashes that later took on tribal undertones. “Can you steal food and be fighting? Did you steal a tribe? Can you understand that?” he asked, questioning how minor disputes were being allowed to escalate into violent confrontations. He explained that subsequent riots stemmed from issues such as stolen mobile phones, broken water systems, poor sanitation facilities, and disputes over discipline and welfare. For instance, in one case, students rioted after going days without water and being forced to fetch from nearby communities, exposing female students to safety risks. Mr. Atanga identified indiscipline and weak enforcement of school regulations as major drivers of the unrest. He lamented that rules prohibiting items like mobile phones were often flouted with the complicity of some staff. “Until all of us stand by the fact that these are the things we don’t want and we all abide by it, we will face these issues,” he said, urging teachers and school authorities to strictly enforce existing regulations. He also criticized the current disciplinary regime, which he believes has emboldened students to challenge authority. “During our time, when you committed a crime, your masters were allowed to punish you, and nobody could attack them. Today, they say nobody should punish misbehaving students. The teachers are there, but the students are running down the masters,” he noted. The Minister called for a review of disciplinary measures to restore teachers’ authority while protecting students’ rights. “Unless we get back to the drawing board and look at which offenses are punishable, we are likely to keep seeing this indiscipline,” he warned. Beyond discipline, Mr. Atanga highlighted the role of poor infrastructure in fueling discontent, particularly the lack of toilets and water facilities. He urged district assemblies to prioritize school sanitation and water provision through the Common Fund and other initiatives. “It is not proper for a secondary school to be there without a toilet facility, forcing students to share public toilets or practice open defecation. This exposes especially the girls to serious risks,” he stressed. He also cautioned against conflicts among school management and staff, noting that internal divisions often influence and embolden students to riot. “Let us work as brothers and sisters. If you urge students to attack your colleague, remember others are watching, and one day, it will be you,” he advised. The Minister further shared insights into how riot investigations should be handled, warning against hastily labeling injured or present students as culprits. “When you see a student in blood after a riot, don’t immediately conclude he is a bad person. Sometimes those injured are the ones resisting destruction. If you punish the wrong people, you embolden the real perpetrators,” he explained. He urged authorities to focus on identifying ringleaders and dealing with them firmly to deter repeat offenders. “Any student found to be leading riots should be dealt with radically, but we must ensure we get the right people,” he emphasized. Mr. Atanga concluded by urging teachers, parents, assemblies, and students to work together to restore discipline, strengthen regulations, and improve infrastructure. Only through collective responsibility, he said, can the disturbing trend of school riots be curtailed. “If students obey regulations, management cooperates, and facilities are improved, we can reduce the violence. But if we continue to pamper indiscipline, we will be training troublemakers who may carry their misconduct into other schools and communities,” the Minister cautioned. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Region Launches 94 Education Projects to Transform Schools and Bridge Infrastructure Gaps
In a sweeping initiative poised to reshape the educational landscape of northern Ghana, the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) has unveiled a comprehensive package of 94 infrastructure projects aimed at addressing longstanding deficits in the region’s schools. The announcement, made by Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga at his inaugural press soiree in Bolgatanga, signals a new era of investment in both basic and secondary education. The ambitious programme, a collaboration between the RCC, local Members of Parliament, and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), will touch nearly every corner of the region. Seventeen senior high schools (SHSs), two kindergartens, ten junior high schools, and thirteen primary schools are set to benefit from the intervention. Among the headline beneficiaries is Gambibgo SHS, which is in line to receive an impressive seven new projects, including a modern dining hall, additional dormitories, a science laboratory, and staff accommodations. Bolgatanga Sherigu SHS has been earmarked for 11 projects, ranging from new classroom blocks and dormitories to essential toilet facilities and an administrative block. Other institutions, such as Pusiga SHS, Kanjarga SHS, Azeem-Namoa SHS, Zamse SHS, and Navrongo SHS, will also see significant upgrades. The Bolgatanga Central Technical Institute stands out for its forthcoming six-unit technical workshop, a boost for vocational skills training in the region. “These projects are designed to ease the pressure of the double-track system, create conducive learning environments, and support the gradual phase-out of the system,” Mr. Atanga explained. Basic schools, such as Mognori JHS, Bachonsa JHS, Nyorkokor JHS, Tambalug Primary School, and Zamsa Kindergarten, are also set to see new infrastructure, ensuring that the benefits reach even the youngest learners. But the regional educational revival goes beyond bricks and mortar. The Minister emphasized ongoing reforms to improve the quality of teaching and learning. The government has restored the three-term academic calendar, strengthened Parent-Teacher Associations, and is actively reviewing the national curriculum as part of its broader “reset agenda.” Gender equity and student well-being are also at the heart of the initiative. Over 666,000 sanitary pads have already been distributed to girls in basic and second-cycle schools, a move designed to boost attendance and break down barriers to education for young women. Meanwhile, the B-STEM (Basic Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programme has been introduced in 194 schools, and a standards-based curriculum is now fully in place across all 35 public SHSs. “These interventions reflect a holistic commitment to education,” Mr. Atanga concluded. “We are determined to create learning environments where every student can thrive, acquire relevant skills, and contribute to Ghana’s development priorities.” As construction teams prepare to break ground across the region, hope is rising that these investments will close the infrastructure gap, empower students and teachers, and lay the foundation for a brighter future in the Upper East. Source: Apexnewsgh.com