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Government Releases GHS 9.5 Million to Secure Future of National Science and Maths Quiz

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The government has released a total of GHS 9.5 million to ensure the smooth continuation of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), one of Ghana’s most prestigious academic competitions.

 

The intervention comes after the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) announced earlier this month that it would be unable to participate in the 2025 edition of the quiz due to financial challenges.

 

Now in its 32nd year, the NSMQ remains a vital platform for promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the country. Since its inception in 1993, the competition has attracted over 700 senior high schools, both public and private, and continues to inspire a generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

 

CHASS Raises Alarm Over Rising Costs

On October 3, 2025, CHASS issued a statement citing financial constraints as the reason for its planned withdrawal from the 2025 contest. School heads expressed concern over the increasing costs of training contestants, transportation, accommodation, and study materials.

 

According to CHASS, the average cost per school for participating in the NSMQ has increased by nearly 40% over the past five years, largely due to inflation and higher logistical expenses.

 

Government Responds to the Challenge

Speaking at the 63rd Annual CHASS Conference in Sunyani, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting science and mathematics education as a foundation for national development.

 

“The future of our education lies in science and mathematics,” Mr. Iddrisu emphasized.

 

He revealed that the government had disbursed GHS 9.5 million to Primetime Limited, the organisers of the NSMQ, to settle outstanding arrears from the 2023 and 2024 competitions and to fully fund the 2025 edition.

 

“I personally supervised the letter to GETFund for the release of the money, and I can confirm that the funds have been disbursed,” he said, urging CHASS to fully participate in the upcoming competition.

 

Acknowledging Government Support

In his remarks, Reverend Father Stephen Owusu Sekyere, President of CHASS, expressed appreciation for the government’s continued investment in secondary education, particularly through the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

 

He noted that SHS enrolment has increased from 800,000 students in 2016 to over 1.3 million in 2024, a milestone attributed to the government’s educational reforms.

 

NSMQ’s Enduring Legacy

The NSMQ has produced many distinguished alumni who have excelled in academia, medicine, and technology, both locally and internationally. Notable past champions include Prempeh College, Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), and Wesley Girls’ High School.

 

With funding now secured, the 2025 NSMQ is set to continue its mission of nurturing scientific excellence and fostering academic competition among Ghana’s youth, reinforcing its place as a cornerstone of STEM education in the country.

 

 

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Education

“I’m Not Dead” — Paa George Breaks Silence on Recurring Death Hoax

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Veteran Ghanaian actor Paa George has dismissed rumours circulating on social media claiming that he has died, describing the reports as false and malicious.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on Max FM’s Drive time show with Kumi Kasa, the seasoned actor revealed that he first heard about the alleged death from a friend who called him early in the morning to confirm the news.

According to Paa George, the caller repeatedly mentioned his name to ensure he was truly speaking to him.

“It was early in the morning that someone called me, and he mentioned my name, ‘Paa’, and I answered. He called my name again, and I responded. He asked, ‘Paa, is that you?’ I said yes and asked if he was okay,” he recounted.

The friend then informed him that social media platforms were awash with reports claiming he was dead.

“I asked what was going on, and he said it was all over social media that I am dead,” the actor stated.

Paa George expressed frustration over what he described as the third false death announcement about him. He indicated that such rumours have been intentionally spread over a long period, largely because he has chosen not to confront those behind them.

“I told them they are all sick. This is the third time they are announcing that I’m dead. They do that because I don’t confront them,” he said.

While acknowledging that death is inevitable for everyone, the veteran actor said he was pained by the repeated false reports about his demise.

“Everyone is going to die; however, I’m in pain because it is not yet my time. So if you wish death for me, death will come for you,” he added.

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Education

President Mahama Assures Teachers of Freedom to Speak Without Intimidation

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President John Dramani Mahama has assured teachers and school administrators across the country that under his leadership, they will be free to express concerns about the education sector without fear of victimisation or intimidation.

Speaking at the 54th National Delegates Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in Accra on Monday 5th January, 2026, President Mahama said Ghana’s education system can only progress through openness, accountability and dialogue — not silence and repression.

He noted that in recent years, some heads of schools had been sanctioned or transferred for publicly highlighting challenges faced in their institutions, a development he described as unhealthy for national education growth.

“We have emerged from a dark period of oppression in our educational sector,” Mahama said.

“Many school heads were sacked or transferred for speaking up when things were not going well.”

He stressed that critical feedback from professionals on the ground is essential, and government must listen rather than silence those entrusted with the responsibility of shaping young minds.

“The best way to grow our education sector is through transparency, freedom of speech and even criticism where necessary,” he stated.

President Mahama assured GNAT delegates that teachers will not be punished for honesty under his administration.

“As President, I can assure you that I will protect your right to speak up and to point out when things are not going well,”

he pledged.

He said the partnership between government and teachers must be built on trust, mutual respect and open engagement, adding that teachers are key stakeholders in national development.

GNAT delegates welcomed the assurance, describing it as an important commitment toward promoting professionalism and restoring confidence within the education workforce.

President Mahama’s message formed part of a broader call for renewed collaboration between government, teachers and labour unions to strengthen Ghana’s education system.

 

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Education

Amenfi Central District Assembly Commissions Six-Unit Classroom Block at Manso Nkwanta No. 2/Guabase

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The Amenfi Central District Assembly is pleased to announce the successful commissioning of a newly constructed Six-Unit Classroom Block at Manso Nkwanta No. 2/Guabase, generously funded by the Government and People of Japan.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday at Manso Nkwanta No.2/ Guabase, 10th December 2025, was graced by the District Chief Executive, Hon. Peter Amponsah, the District Coordinating Director, the District Education Director, the District Staff and the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Hiroshi Yoshimoto.

 

This important project, delivered under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, stands as a symbol of the strong friendship and growing cooperation between Japan and Ghana. It also reflects a shared commitment to improving access to quality education.

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