News Guide Africa

Category: Education

  • UPSA Master’s Students Set to Launch Innovative Gari Product “Golden Flakes Gari”

    UPSA Master’s Students Set to Launch Innovative Gari Product “Golden Flakes Gari”

    May 28, 2026 Students of the Master of Arts in Brands and Communications Management programme (2025/2026 academic year) at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), are set to officially unveil Golden Flakes Gari, an innovative indigenous food brand developed under their student-created company, Golden Roots.

    The launch event forms part of the students’ practical academic project and seeks to showcase how traditional Ghanaian foods can be transformed into modern, innovative, and globally competitive products through branding, research, and creativity.

    Golden Flakes Gari introduces a fresh and contemporary approach to one of Ghana’s most beloved staple foods by combining heritage, nutrition, wellness, and culinary innovation.

    The product line includes: Purple Potato Gari, Sweet Potato and Turmeric Gari, Sweet Potato and Coconut Gari, and Plain Original Gari.

    According to the student lead, Mr. Isaac Addae, CEO of Golden Roots, the project was inspired by the desire to preserve the cultural significance of gari while exploring new possibilities for modern consumers.

    “Gari is more than food. It represents heritage, resilience, comfort, and identity. Through Golden Flakes Gari, we are demonstrating that indigenous African foods can evolve, inspire creativity, and compete globally without losing their authenticity,” he stated.

    The project provides students with hands-on experience in brand development, product innovation, marketing communications, consumer engagement, and commercialisation.

    The launch is expected to bring together academia, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, students, media representatives, and stakeholders within Ghana’s agribusiness and food innovation sectors.

    Beyond introducing new products, the initiative aims to: promote innovation in indigenous Ghanaian foods, encourage healthier and more creative food experiences, inspire youth entrepreneurship and local manufacturing, support conversations around food sustainability and cultural preservation and demonstrate the power of student-led innovation and collaboration

    The event will feature product showcases, tasting sessions, media engagements, networking opportunities, and interactive discussions on the future of African food innovation.

    Organizers believe the project represents a growing movement among young Ghanaian innovators to reposition local foods as premium, culturally valuable, and internationally relevant products.

    The launch will be held on Saturday May 30, 2026, 2pm at the LBC Lecture Hall, UPSA

    About the MA Brands and Communications Management Programme – UPSA

    The Master of Arts in Brands and Communications Management programme at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical expertise in branding, strategic communications, marketing, consumer engagement, and corporate storytelling.

    The programme combines academic learning with real-world industry application, encouraging students to develop innovative solutions, build impactful brands, and drive meaningful business growth across diverse sectors. Through practical projects such as product launches, campaigns, and experiential activations, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for leadership roles in marketing, communications, media, and brand management.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Private SHS leadership demands end to “Suffocating” payment delays

    Private SHS leadership demands end to “Suffocating” payment delays

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    The leadership of private Senior High Schools (SHSs) has issued a stern appeal to the government, demanding a complete overhaul of the disbursement process for the Free SHS student allowances.

    At a press briefing held on Sunday, Prof. Richard Asiedu, a prominent representative of the private SHS sector, warned that the current administrative bottlenecks are threatening the operational stability of participating institutions.

    A Call for Timely Action

    Prof. Asiedu highlighted that while the Free SHS policy remains a cornerstone of national development, the chronic delay in releasing funds has placed an “unbearable” burden on school administrators.

    “We are calling on the government to ensure that student allowances are released in a timely manner,” Prof. Asiedu stated. “The current lag between the commencement of the term and the receipt of funds is simply unsustainable for private partners who rely on this liquidity to manage daily operations.”

    Cutting the Red Tape

    Beyond the timing of the payments, the representative took aim at the complex procedural hurdles required to access the funds. He argued that the current system is mired in excessive paperwork and redundant verification steps that serve no purpose other than to stall progress.

    “It is time to reduce the bureaucracy of payment processing,” he urged. “We need a streamlined, transparent digital framework that allows for rapid disbursement. Our focus should be on educating the next generation, not navigating a labyrinth of administrative red tape just to keep our doors open.”

    Key Concerns Raised:

    ● Operational Strain: Private schools lack the deep reserves of state-run institutions to buffer against long payment gaps.

    ● Resource Allocation: Delays impact the procurement of teaching materials and the fulfillment of utility obligations.

    ● Process Efficiency: A plea for the Ministry of Education to modernize the auditing and transfer systems.

    The Ministry of Education has yet to issue an official response to the latest demands. However, sources within the Ministry suggest that a review of the disbursement portal is currently underway to address the concerns of private stakeholders.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Background of MUYAD Social Services

     

    MUYAD Social Services is a prominent Islamic non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Ghana that focuses on human rights, religious freedom, and social justice. Led by Executive Director Adnan Adams Mohammed, the organization has become a vocal advocate for the constitutional rights of the Muslim community, particularly regarding the intersection of faith and public/private institutions.

     

    ​Core Mission and Advocacy

     

    ​The organization operates with a focus on Article 21(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which guarantees the freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such beliefs.

     

    Their work often involves:

     

    ​Legal & Policy Petitions: Challenging institutional policies that they perceive as discriminatory toward Islamic practices.

    ​Social Cohesion: Promoting dialogue between different religious bodies to maintain national unity in Ghana’s pluralistic society.

     

    ​Rights Protection: Supporting individuals, especially women and students, facing restrictions on religious attire or observances.

     

    ​Key Historical Milestones

     

    ​1. The “Hijab Rights” Advocacy (2019)

    ​One of the organization’s first major public interventions occurred in September 2019. MUYAD Social Services petitioned the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) after reports emerged that Muslim ladies performing their National Service were being asked to remove their hijabs.

     

    ​Action: The group threatened court action, arguing that the hijab is an obligatory religious requirement and that banning it in the workplace violated fundamental human rights.

    ​Impact: This case sparked a national conversation about workplace inclusivity and religious tolerance in Ghana.

     

    ​2. Wesley Girls’ High School Controversy (2021–2025)

    ​MUYAD has been a central figure in the long-standing dispute regarding religious practices at Wesley Girls’ High School.

    ​2021: They demanded an apology from the Methodist Church of Ghana after the school prevented Muslim students from fasting during Ramadan. They characterized the school’s stance as “arrogant” and a disregard for Ghana Education Service (GES) directives.

    ​2025: More recently, in November 2025, the organization petitioned the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. They urged a reconsideration of the government’s legal position that supported the school’s right to enforce its Methodist traditions over the religious freedoms of non-Methodist students.

     

    ​3. Health Sector Advocacy

    ​MUYAD has also focused on the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG). The organization has campaigned for the right of Muslim staff and patients to wear the hijab in mission-based hospitals and clinics, viewing it as a necessary step for genuine Christian-Muslim dialogue and cooperation in healthcare.

     

    ​Leadership

     

    ​Executive Director: Adnan Adams Mohammed (also a noted journalist and financial analyst).

     

    ​Structure: The organization is governed by an Executive Council that oversees its legal petitions and social interventions.

     

     

    ​Note: MUYAD Social Services is often cited in academic and journalistic circles as a key player in “Islamic Social Work” in Ghana, specifically for its shift from traditional charity to active legal and constitutional advocacy.

  • Govt approves ‘Accelerated Four-Month Payment’ plan to clear teacher arrears

    Govt approves ‘Accelerated Four-Month Payment’ plan to clear teacher arrears

    By Humu Shaibu

    In a move set to restore industrial harmony within the education sector, the Government has announced a structured, fast-track payment plan to settle all outstanding salary arrears owed to teachers across the country.

    The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, revealed the breakthrough during a stakeholder briefing, outlining a systematic disbursement schedule designed to conclude the long-standing debt by the end of the third quarter of 2026.

    The Disbursement Schedule

    According to the Deputy Minister, the strategy involves “batching” the payments to ensure teachers receive significant portions of their back-pay every 30 days. The rollout is scheduled as follows:

    ● May: Payment of four months of arrears.

    ● June: Payment of an additional four months of arrears.

    ● July: Payment of another four months of arrears.

    ● Ongoing: The cycle will repeat until the total outstanding debt is fully liquidated.

    “In May you will receive four months of arrears, June, you will receive another four months, July another four months, until the payments are concluded,” Hon. Ampem Nyarko stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the roadmap.

     A Boost for Teacher Morale

    The issue of arrears covering salary increments, promotions, and recruitment back-pay has been a point of friction between teacher unions and the state for several years. By committing to an accelerated four-month-per-month payout, the government aims to alleviate the financial pressure on educators and prevent potential industrial actions.

    Financial analysts suggest that this structured approach is intended to manage the state’s liquidity while providing teachers with a predictable and substantial influx of funds.

     Economic Context

    This intervention comes on the heels of several other fiscal measures aimed at cushioning public sector workers. The Ministry of Finance indicated that the funds have been ring-fenced to ensure that the schedule remains uninterrupted, regardless of other budgetary pressures.

    The leadership of the various teacher unions has expressed cautious optimism, noting that the timely execution of the May payments will be the first test of the government’s resolve.

     Looking Ahead

    The Deputy Minister urged teachers to remain dedicated to their classrooms, assuring them that the Ministry is working closely with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) to prevent any technical glitches during the disbursement process.

    As the first payments hit accounts next month, all eyes will be on the Ministry of Finance to see if this ambitious “4-4-4” formula finally closes the chapter on teacher arrears in Ghana.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • UniMAC SRC Names Hafiz Larry Alhassan as PRO for Agyenkwa Endowment Fund Committee

    UniMAC SRC Names Hafiz Larry Alhassan as PRO for Agyenkwa Endowment Fund Committee

    By Humu Shaibu

    The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has officially appointed Hafiz Larry Alhassan, the well-known media entrepreneur and owner of Hafiz TV, as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the newly constituted SRC Agyenkwa Endowment Fund Committee.

     

    ​The appointment was announced in an official release dated March 23, 2026, signed by the SRC General Secretary, Thomas Amankwah Fosuhene. The decision, made by SRC President His Excellency Moses Desire Kouyo, marks a strategic move to leverage established media expertise to manage the fund’s communication and public image.

     

    ​A Strategic Media Voice

     

    ​Hafiz Larry, who has built a reputation through his digital broadcasting platform Hafiz TV, is expected to bring his professional experience in communication and community engagement to the committee. His role will be pivotal in ensuring transparency and maintaining a steady flow of information between the SRC and the student body regarding the endowment’s activities.

     

    ​The Agyenkwa Endowment Fund is mandated to provide sustainable financial support and welfare for students. By bringing a practicing media owner into the fold, the SRC appears to be prioritizing high-level visibility and professional outreach for the initiative.

     

    ​The Committee Structure

     

    ​Hafiz Larry joins a team of diverse professionals and student leaders tasked with overseeing the fund’s management. The committee is headed by Pamela Selasi Fiador as Chairperson, with Dorothy Nkansah Agyapomaa serving as Secretary.

     

    ​Other key members of the committee include:

    ​Financial Secretary/Treasurer: Anthony Agboli

    ​Parliamentary Council Representative: Bless Victor Agbotse

    ​Fundraising & Partnerships Lead: Azindow Ibrahim

    ​Institute Representatives: Segbefia Emmanuel (IFT), Margaret Ahenkan (IJ), and Comfort Arthur (IL).

     

    ​Mandate and Expectations

     

    ​In the official statement, the SRC noted that the committee is “mandated to oversee the effective management, transparency, and sustainability of the Endowment Fund in alignment with SRC policies and the broader interest of the student body.”

     

    ​The Council expressed absolute confidence in Hafiz Larry and his colleagues, urging them to serve with “diligence, integrity, and accountability.”

     

    With Hafiz Larry’s background in media production and digital influence, students are looking forward to a new era of proactive communication regarding their welfare funds.

  • DVLA set for major expansion as it commissions 5 new ‘Ultra-Modern Centres’

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    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    In a significant move to decentralize its operations and enhance service delivery, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced the upcoming commissioning of five new facilities, including several “Ultra Centres” and a specialized Private Vehicle Test Station (PVTS).

    ​The series of events, scheduled for mid-April 2026, aims to bring essential licensing and vehicle testing services closer to residents in rapidly growing industrial and residential hubs across the Greater Accra and Central Regions.

    ​A Busy Week for Road Safety and Licensing

    ​The Authority will inaugurate these centres across two major dates, led by the Chief Executive, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, along with Deputy Chief Executives Foster Akwasi Asante Esq. (Services) and Mr. Iddissah Yeboah Seidu (Operations).

    ​Monday, April 13, 2026

    ​The commissioning tour begins on Monday with three major launches:

    ​Anyaa Ultra Centre: The day kicks off at 10:00 am in Anyaa, providing a high-tech hub for motorists in the Ga Central area.

    ​Buduburam PVTS: At 12:00 pm, focus shifts to Buduburam for the opening of a Private Vehicle Test Station, specifically designed to streamline vehicle roadworthiness inspections.

    ​Kasoa Ultra Centre: The afternoon session concludes at 2:00 pm at the Tipper Junction in Kasoa. This event will be joined by Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, highlighting the importance of the facility to the local constituency.

    ​Wednesday, April 15, 2026

    ​Expansion continues later in the week with two additional centres:

    ​Ashaiman Ultra Centre: Operations will be officially launched at 10:00 am to serve the densely populated industrial enclave of Ashaiman.

    ​Teshie-Nungua Ultra Centre: The week’s activities wrap up at 1:00 pm with the opening of the Teshie-Nungua facility, expected to alleviate the pressure on the DVLA’s regional headquarters.

    ​Improving Service Delivery

    ​The “Ultra Centre” model represents the DVLA’s latest standard in service excellence, featuring modernized digital systems intended to reduce waiting times and eliminate the influence of unauthorized intermediaries, commonly known as “goro boys.”

    ​A spokesperson for the Authority emphasized that these new centres are part of a broader “Your Safety, Our Concern” initiative. By increasing the number of points of sale and testing stations, the DVLA expects to see a higher rate of vehicle compliance and more efficient processing of driver licenses.

     

     

     

     

  • Lord Fiifi Quayle Launches Nationwide Book Donation Initiative to Shape the Future of African Finance

    Lord Fiifi Quayle Launches Nationwide Book Donation Initiative to Shape the Future of African Finance

    Accra, Ghana — 31/3/2026  Ghanaian author and financial thinker, Lord Fiifi Quayle, has launched a nationwide educational initiative aimed at equipping Senior High School students with forward-thinking perspectives on finance, risk, and Africa’s economic future.

     

    Under this initiative, 320 copies of his book, Pricing Uncertainty: Black-Scholes Risk and the Future of African Finance, are being distributed across selected Senior High Schools in all 16 regions of Ghana, with each school receiving five copies.

     

    The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between traditional financial education and the realities of African markets, introducing students to concepts such as the Black–Scholes model while encouraging critical thinking about uncertainty, risk, and innovation within African financial systems.

     

    “Africa’s future will not be built by those who simply inherit systems, but by those who understand and rethink them. This initiative is about planting that seed early,” said Lord Fiifi Quayle.

     

    By targeting students at the Senior High School level, the project aims to influence the next generation of economists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs before they enter tertiary education and professional life.

     

    The donation is also part of a broader vision to build a nationwide intellectual movement around African-centered financial thinking one that reflects the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities.

     

    Educational institutions, policymakers, and corporate partners are invited to collaborate in expanding the reach and impact of this initiative.

     

    About the Author  

    Lord Fiifi Quayle is a Ghanaian author and thought leader focused on financial systems, uncertainty modeling, and African market dynamics. His work explores how global financial frameworks can be adapted to better reflect the realities of frontier and emerging markets.

     

    Media Contact:

     

    Daniel Addo, Project Lead

     

    054 599 9687

  • Accra Academy 95: Special Prosecutor urges educational reform to reclaim Ghanaian identity 

    Accra Academy 95: Special Prosecutor urges educational reform to reclaim Ghanaian identity 

    ​By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    Ghana’s Special Prosecutor, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, has made a passionate call for a radical shift in the nation’s educational model.

    He argued that the current system often forces Ghanaians into a “state of non-identity” by favoring colonial legacies over indigenous heritage.

    ​Speaking as the Guest Speaker at the 95th Anniversary Speech and Prize Giving Day of his alma mater, Accra Academy, on March 28, 2026, Mr. Agyebeng addressed the theme: “Education as the Catalyst for Preserving Heritage, Driving Innovation, and Empowering Future Leadership”.

     

    ​The Crisis of Identity

    ​In a deeply philosophical address, the Special Prosecutor lamented how Ghanaians have “lost themselves” by strictly adhering to colonial-era naming conventions and educational structures. He questioned why, nearly 70 years after independence, many still insist on Europeanized spellings of local towns and regions, such as “Ashanti” instead of Asante, “Kumasi” instead of Kumase, and “Cape Coast” instead of Oguaa.

    ​”We are copying hard to be like others,” Mr. Agyebeng stated. “In the end, we are not us anymore. We are not them either… We are in the in-between”. He warned that this “existential dilemma” retards national progress and impairs creative innovation.

     

    ​The Accra Academy Model as a Blueprint

    ​Mr. Agyebeng pointed to the founding of Accra Academy in 1931 as a masterclass in innovation. Founded by four young men in their twenties without the aid of the State or the Church, the school was designed to offer high-quality education to the “brilliant but deprived” while maintaining an African identity.

    ​He highlighted the school’s unique philosophical foundation, embodied in its three mottos:

    ​Esse Quam Videri: “To be, rather than to seem” a call to stay true to one’s heritage.

    ​Non Sibi Sed Aliis: “Not for self, but for others” intended to empower future leaders through selflessness.

    ​Non Scholæ Sed Vita Discimus: “We do not learn for school, but for life” the ultimate driver of innovation.

     

    ​A Call for a “Triune” of Education

    ​The Special Prosecutor proposed that the future of Ghanaian education must focus on the “triune of human productivity”: the heart to take wise counsel, the head to brave challenges, and the hand to work with a clear conscience.

    ​”Our sterlingness would be borne of education that preserves our heritage to assure our place on the global scene as a force to reckon with,” he noted, emphasizing that the preservation of heritage is what ultimately empowers leadership and drives innovation.

    ​The event concluded with Mr. Agyebeng paying tribute to the school’s founders and the teachers who “forged in fire” the foundation of his own career.

  • GIMPA at 65: Chief of Staff to keynote landmark anniversary launch

    GIMPA at 65: Chief of Staff to keynote landmark anniversary launch

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) is preparing to celebrate sixty-five years of academic leadership and institutional impact.

     

    The upcoming Anniversary Launch marks a significant milestone for an institution that has become a cornerstone of public service training and professional excellence in West Africa.

     

    ​The event is expected to draw a distinguished assembly of leaders, with Hon. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, confirmed as the keynote speaker. His participation signals the government’s continued recognition of GIMPA as a vital partner in national development and public sector reform.

     

    ​A Legacy of Leadership

     

    ​Since its inception, GIMPA has evolved from a specialized training center into a comprehensive tertiary institution. The 65th-anniversary celebrations aim to:

    ​Reflect on six and a half decades of academic rigor.

     

    ​Celebrate the achievements of an alumni network that spans the highest levels of government and the private sector.

     

    ​Innovate by unveiling a strategic vision for the future of leadership and management education.

    ​”Hon. Debrah’s presence reaffirms GIMPA’s pivotal role in shaping the country’s leadership landscape and underscores the government’s commitment to advancing public service,” a representative of the planning committee noted.

     

    ​A Gathering of Excellence

     

    ​The launch will serve as a homecoming for faculty, alumni, and students. Beyond the formalities, the event is designed to foster dialogue on how GIMPA can continue to adapt to the evolving needs of Ghana’s development trajectory.

     

    ​As the “Greenhill” campus prepares for the festivities, the atmosphere is one of both pride and anticipation. The 65th anniversary is not just a look back at a storied past, but a bold step toward a future defined by excellence and national service.

  • Legacy Girls’ College Sweeps National 2025 WASSCE Awards; Huda Suglo emerges Best

    Legacy Girls’ College Sweeps National 2025 WASSCE Awards; Huda Suglo emerges Best

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    In an era where academic excellence is the ultimate currency, Legacy Girls’ College has proven once again that its unique approach to nurturing young women is a winning formula.

    The school community is in high spirits following the national recognition of two of its stellar students, Huda Suglo Suleman and Paula Adzo Elinam Sowu, for their history-making performances in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    A double victory for the “legacy girl”

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially named Huda Suglo Suleman as the Best Overall Candidate in Ghana. Huda also secured the title of Best Candidate in the General Programme (Arts Option), proving that the humanities remain a powerhouse of intellectual brilliance.

    Not far behind her was schoolmate Paula Adzo Elinam Sowu, who was recognized as the 2nd Best Overall Candidate in Ghana. Having two students from the same institution occupy the top two spots in the country is a rare feat that has solidified Legacy Girls’ College’s reputation as a premier center for academic distinction.

    Reward for diligence

    The students’ hard work was met with substantial rewards from corporate Ghana and WAEC:

    Awardee Prizes from Banks WAEC Endowment Prize

    Huda Suglo Suleman (1st) GH¢30,000 + Laptop (Zenith Bank) $1,200

    Paula Adzo Elinam Sowu (2nd) GH¢20,000 + Laptop (ADB Plc) $900

    More than just grades: The Legacy philosophy

    While the nation celebrates their grades, Legacy Girls’ College maintains that these results are a byproduct of a much deeper educational philosophy. The school’s leadership, led by Founders Dr. Mrs. Ellen Hagan and Essie Anno Sackey, emphasizes that the institution does not merely look for “pre-packaged” high achievers. Instead, the school focuses on identifying raw potential and refining it through a rigorous culture of mentorship and curiosity.

    “Our deeper commitment is to help every girl discover her capacity to think, create, and lead,” the school noted in a statement. “These recognitions affirm that when young women are supported by dedicated teachers and a culture that values purpose, they can achieve extraordinary outcomes.”

    A holistic gateway to the future

    Legacy Girls’ College prides itself on a curriculum that bridges the gap between STEM and the Arts. From music and storytelling to critical innovation, the “Legacy approach” ensures that students are not just exam-ready, but world-ready.

    This latest triumph is not an isolated event; it follows a trend of excellence, including a national honor for a Legacy student in the General Arts programme just last year.

    As Huda and Paula prepare for the next chapters of their lives, their success stands as a testament to what is possible when discipline meets opportunity. For the teachers, parents, and students of Legacy Girls’ College, the message is clear: the future is female, focused, and remarkably bright.