Ghana Minute.
Friday, 19 June 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 19 June 2026
Accra—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Ghanaian press · Person

Haruna Iddrisu

Also known as: Mr Iddrisu · Mr. Iddrisu · Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu · Mr Haruna Iddrisu · Minister Iddrisu · Hon. Haruna Iddrisu · Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu · the Honourable Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu

Education Minister addressing parliamentary matters on teacher deficits, free education policies, and university student deaths in mid-2026.

2026-04-222026-06-19

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. Daily Guide

    Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has assured the college that government will not stand in the way of its quest for a Presidential Charter, provided it meets the minimum academic standards set by regulators.

    Islamic University Targets Presidential Charter
  3. Joy Online

    Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu has expressed sadness over the death of a University of Cape Coast (UCC) student and has directed the university authorities to work with the Ghana Police Service to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    Education Minister mourns UCC student, orders full investigation into death
  4. Joy Online

    The incident has drawn national attention, with Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu also expressing sadness over the student’s death.

    Ketu North MP mourns death of UCC student Innocentia Avinu, calls for justice
  5. Joy Online

    Speaking on Citi FM, NAIS President Emmanuel Ayivor said Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu personally received the association’s petition and assured them that payments would commence next week.

    Government to begin paying Free SHS suppliers’ arrears next week
  6. Joy Online

    Responding to the concerns, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, acknowledged the delays and described the suppliers’ grievances as justified.

    “If funds exist for World Cup tickets, why are we unpaid?” — Suppliers picket over Free SHS debt
  7. Joy Online

    Haruna Iddrisu is Education Minister Education is therefore central. Ghana has expanded access to schooling, including through major policy interventions such as Free SHS, but the next policy challenge is quality and relevance.

    Ghana’s 6.4% GDP growth: A call to build skills, jobs and productivity
  8. Joy Online

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has assured members of the National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) that the government will move to resolve outstanding payments owed under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme within one week.

    Education Minister promises one-week timeline to clear GH¢50m Free SHS supplier arrears
  9. Daily Guide

    Haruna Iddrisu The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced plans to review the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) timetable in order to create longer intervals between papers, to reduce the pressure on candidates.

    BECE Timetable To Be Reviewed – Haruna Iddrisu
  10. Daily Guide

    The company’s impact has drawn recognition from top government officials, including Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, Trade, Industry and Agribusiness Minister Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare, and Gender, Children and Social Protection

    Softcare Champions Menstrual Dignity, Donates Sanitary Products
  11. Joy Online

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has raised concerns over increasing indiscipline in senior high schools across Ghana, describing it as one of the biggest challenges facing the education sector and pledging decisive action to reverse the trend.

    Education Minister raises alarm over indiscipline in SHSs, announces national reform conference
Society

Ghana needs 50,000–90,000 teachers; budget allows only 7,000

The News

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu told Parliament that Ghana requires between 50,000 and 90,000 additional teachers to adequately serve schools, but budgetary constraints have limited government recruitment to 7,000. The shortage is partly driven by recent sector reforms, including the expansion of technical and vocational education institutions that must now be staffed alongside the Ghana Education Service.

Why it matters

Ghana needs 50,000–90,000 additional teachers but budget allows only 7,000, exposing a critical shortfall threatening education quality and sector expansion.

6 hours ago · Joy Online

Today

  1. Ghana needs 50,000–90,000 teachers; budget allows only 7,000

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu told Parliament that Ghana requires between 50,000 and 90,000 additional teachers to adequately serve schools, but budgetary constraints have limited government recruitment to 7,000. The shortage is partly driven by recent sector reforms, including the expansion of technical and vocational education institutions that must now be staffed alongside the Ghana Education Service.

    6 hours ago · Joy Online

  2. Ghana to invest GH₵2.5bn in second-cycle school infrastructure

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced a GH₵2.5 billion investment in second-cycle education infrastructure between 2026 and 2027, with World Bank support, to address inadequate facilities and overcrowding through construction of classrooms, laboratories, ICT centres, and libraries.

    6 hours ago · Joy Online

Yesterday

  1. Society responsible for rising school violence and indiscipline — PTA leader

    The General Secretary of the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations attributes rising violence and indiscipline in Ghana's schools to broader societal failure, saying student conduct reflects values and behaviours tolerated or ignored within homes and society, and stresses that responsibility must be shared collectively by parents, teachers, and wider society.

    15 hours ago · Joy Online

  2. St. Louis SHS students sanctioned for hiding in vehicle boot

    Two students of St. Louis Senior High School who attempted to sneak off campus by hiding in a vehicle boot on June 30 have been disciplined in line with the Code of Conduct for Learners, the Education Minister confirmed in Parliament.

    20 hours ago · Joy Online

  3. Ghana faces teacher deficit of 50,000 to 90,000

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu told Parliament that Ghana's education sector faces a teacher shortage of between 50,000 and 90,000, attributing the gap to budgetary constraints that limit recruitment to 7,000 positions despite the sector's greater need.

    20 hours ago · Joy Online

  4. Education Minister confirms no arrears under No Fee Stress policy

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu assured Parliament that there are no outstanding arrears under the government's "No Fee Stress" policy for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years, and that all necessary funds have been fully released to the Student Loan Trust Fund for disbursement.

    21 hours ago · Joy Online

  5. 312,448 students access no-fee policy costing GHS888.8m

    Ghana's Minister for Education disclosed that 312,448 students have benefited from the "No Fee Stress" policy across the 2024 and 2025 academic years, with a total cost of GHS888.8 million. The government is also providing free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, with 1,530 such students receiving full fee and residential coverage.

    21 hours ago · Joy Online

  6. World Bank funds $300m to end Ghana's double-track SHS system

    The World Bank has approved $300 million to support Ghana's efforts to phase out the double-track system in Senior High Schools by 2027 through the STARR-J Project, which aims to strengthen secondary education, expand access, improve learning outcomes, and address infrastructure deficits.

    18 June 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  7. Mahama launches Ghana National Research Fund with GH¢100 million seed

    President John Mahama has unveiled the Ghana National Research Fund to accelerate Ghana's development as a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy, with an initial GH¢100 million seed fund for 2026 to support competitive research grants, doctoral and postdoctoral programmes, and strategic innovation initiatives aligned with national priorities.

    18 June 2026 · Joy Online

Wednesday 17 June

  1. World Bank funds US$300m to end Ghana's double-track system

    The World Bank has approved a US$300 million financing package to support Ghana's efforts to phase out the double-track system in Senior High Schools by 2027, through the STARR-J Project aimed at expanding access to quality secondary education and addressing infrastructure challenges.

    17 June 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  2. World Bank approves $300m for Ghana secondary education reform

    The World Bank has approved a $300 million financing package under the International Development Association to support Ghana's secondary education improvement through the STARR-J Project, addressing infrastructure strain and skills gaps created by rising enrollment following the introduction of free senior high school and TVET policies in 2017.

    17 June 2026 · The Chronicle

  3. World Bank approves $300m for Ghana secondary education reform

    The World Bank has approved US$300 million in financing through the International Development Association to support Ghana's Secondary Education Transformation for Access, Relevance, and Results for Jobs (STARR-J) Project, which aims to improve secondary education access and quality while equipping students with skills for employment. The funding addresses challenges created by rapid enrollment growth following the introduction of free senior high school and free technical and vocational training policies in 2017, which have strained infrastructure and teacher resources.

    17 June 2026 · The Chronicle

  4. Ghana and Gambia strengthen education cooperation through bilateral study visit

    Ghana's Ministry of Education hosted a delegation from The Gambia's Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to share experiences in education governance, workforce management, digital transformation, and evidence-based policymaking. Ghana's Education Minister highlighted the country's free education policy from kindergarten through tertiary level and emphasised the government's renewed focus on foundational literacy and numeracy skills at the basic education level.

    17 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. World Bank finances Ghana secondary education expansion

    The World Bank approved US$300 million in IDA financing for Ghana's Secondary Education Transformation for Access, Relevance, and Results for Jobs Project, which aims to expand access to quality secondary education and equip young people with skills for higher education and employment. The funding addresses infrastructure and staffing pressures created by the introduction of free Senior High School and TVET in 2017.

    17 June 2026 · Business & Financial Times

  6. World Bank approves $300m for Ghana secondary education reform

    Ghana has received approval for a US$300 million World Bank facility under the Secondary Education Reform and Resilience Project to improve infrastructure in secondary schools, addressing overcrowded classrooms, inadequate dormitories, and limited laboratory facilities, particularly in Category B and C schools.

    17 June 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Ato Forson leads NDC flagbearer race with 32.5% in new poll

    Finance Minister Dr Ato Forson maintains the strongest position to become the NDC's 2028 flagbearer with 32.5% support, according to a Global Info Analytics nationwide poll of 8,784 voters conducted in May–June 2026. Johnson Asiedu Nketia placed second with 21.2%, followed closely by Haruna Iddrisu at 21.1%.

    17 June 2026 · Joy Online

  8. World Bank approves $300m to end Ghana's double-track SHS system

    The World Bank has approved $300 million in financing for Ghana's STARR-J Project, aimed at phasing out the double-track system in Senior High Schools by 2027. The initiative addresses infrastructure deficits and overcrowding caused by the Free Senior High School policy expansion.

    17 June 2026 · Joy Online

  9. World Bank funds $300m plan to end Ghana double-track system

    The World Bank has approved a $300 million financing package to support Ghana's effort to phase out the double-track system in Senior High Schools by 2027 through the STARR-J Project, which will invest in school infrastructure and improve secondary education delivery.

    17 June 2026 · Joy Online

Tuesday 16 June

  1. Government processing UTAG allowance payments to prevent strike

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says the government is actively processing book and research allowance payments for university lecturers, after the Ministry of Finance approved necessary documentation. He assured that the government is committed to preventing industrial action and resolving concerns amicably.

    16 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana records at least 13 university student deaths since 2024

    At least 13 students at Ghana's public universities have died from non-natural causes since 2024, with road accidents, suicides, and attacks accounting for most deaths. Six students died in 2024 (the worst year on record), four in 2025, and three in the first half of 2026, prompting mounting safety concerns among students, parents, and university authorities.

    16 June 2026 · Joy Online

Monday 15 June

  1. Islamic University College pursues Presidential Charter to award own degrees

    The Islamic University College, Ghana (IUCG) is working to finalise processes for a Presidential Charter that will empower it to award its own degrees and certificates. The college has restructured into three faculties with multiple departments and says its charter plans are "far advanced" with support from Ghana's Tertiary Education Commission.

    15 June 2026 · Daily Guide

Sunday 14 June

  1. Education Minister orders investigation into UCC student death

    Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu has expressed sadness over the death of Ms Innocentia Avinu, a Level 200 student at the University of Cape Coast, at a beach in Cape Coast, and has directed university authorities to work with the Ghana Police Service on a full investigation.

    14 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ketu North MP grieves UCC student's death, urges police action

    Ketu North MP Eric Edem Agbana has mourned the death of University of Cape Coast Level 200 student Innocentia Avinu, whose body was discovered at a Cape Coast beach after she went missing on June 11. Agbana, who knew the deceased through his scholarship scheme, called for swift police investigation and prosecution of those responsible.

    14 June 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 12 June

  1. Government commits to paying GH¢50 million Free SHS supplier arrears

    The government has assured suppliers under the Free Senior High School programme that payment of outstanding arrears will begin next week, following a picketing exercise by the National Association of Institutional Suppliers at the Ministry of Education. Members are owed nearly GH¢50 million for uniforms, house dresses and other school items dating back to 2023, with the first tranche of about GH¢38 million said to be ready for disbursement.

    12 June 2026 · Joy Online

Thursday 11 June

  1. Suppliers demand settlement of Free SHS arrears over two years outstanding

    Members of the National Association of Institutional Suppliers have picketed the Ministry of Education over unpaid debts for goods supplied to schools under the Free Senior High School programme, demanding approximately GH¢50 million in outstanding arrears accumulated since 2023.

    11 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana's economy expands 6.4% in early 2026

    Ghana's economy grew 6.4% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 6.2% in the same period last year, with strong performance in services, mining, and oil and gas. The analysis notes that while the growth is broad-based and resilient, services-led growth must be complemented by stronger industrial expansion and manufacturing for sustained development.

    11 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Education Minister pledges one-week resolution for GH¢50m SHS supplier debt

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu promised the National Association of Institutional Suppliers that the government would resolve approximately GH¢50 million in outstanding Free SHS programme arrears within one week, following a picketing exercise at the Ministry of Education. The suppliers are owed for goods including uniforms and essential items supplied to public senior high schools since 2023, with the minister indicating the total exposure could exceed the stated amount and proposing that claims be audited and validated before payment.

    11 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. BECE timetable to be extended Wednesday-to-Wednesday

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced plans to review the Basic Education Certificate Examination timetable, extending it from a Monday-to-Friday schedule to begin Wednesday and end the following Wednesday, to reduce stress on candidates and allow longer intervals between papers with weekend breaks.

    11 June 2026 · Daily Guide

  5. Softcare donates sanitary products for menstrual hygiene campaign

    Softcare FM Manufacturing Company marked International Menstrual Hygiene Day by partnering with Takoradi Technical University to distribute premium sanitary pads to junior high school girls and vulnerable women, promoting youth-led leadership and stigma-free conversations on menstruation.

    11 June 2026 · Daily Guide

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Education Minister convenes national conference to address school indiscipline

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has identified growing indiscipline in senior high schools as a major challenge and announced that a national conference will be held in Kumasi or Sunyani before the end of July, bringing together educators, academics, religious leaders, traditional authorities, parents and education officials to develop solutions.

    10 June 2026 · Joy Online

Haruna Iddrisu — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute