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Ghana’s School Sanitation Crisis: 6 in 10 Basic and Secondary Schools Lack Toilets and Water

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A new performance audit by Ghana’s Auditor-General has unveiled a deeply troubling reality: 60% of basic and secondary schools across the country lack access to toilets and running water, placing students’ health, dignity, and education at risk.

 

The nationwide audit highlights a critical gap in Ghana’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which commits countries to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” by 2030. With just five years remaining, Ghana is far from meeting this target.

 

According to the 2025 performance audit, only 2 in every 5 schools have functional toilet and urinal facilities with running water. This means thousands of public schools are operating below the minimum sanitation standards.

 

The situation is even more dire when measured against local legal requirements. The Pre-Tertiary Education Act (2020) mandates at least one toilet cubicle for every 50 students. Yet, an alarming 87% of schools do not meet this standard. At Tamale Islamic Science Senior High School, 4,591 students share a single KVIP toilet with just two squat holes. In Kumasi’s State Experimental 1 M/A Basic School, 169 students depend on just one toilet.

 

This crisis is more than an infrastructure failure—it is a public health emergency. Poor sanitation is causing students, especially girls, to miss school during menstruation, face health risks from infections, or resort to unsafe open defecation. In Tamale, some girls have reported using bushes or public toilets when school facilities are locked due to water shortages.

 

This is not a new problem. In 2010, the Ministry of Education rolled out a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiative under the Education Strategic Plan (ESP 2010–2020), aiming to equip 75% of basic schools with sanitation infrastructure by 2020. That goal has not been met.

 

The audit attributes part of the failure to poor planning and misplaced priorities. In many cases, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and the Ghana Education Service (GES) focus on building classrooms while neglecting sanitation needs. Some schools have water closet toilets that remain locked due to water shortages, while others have donor-funded toilet blocks that sit unused for years because they were never properly handed over.

 

Even in schools where toilets exist, maintenance is often neglected. The audit found disturbing conditions: faeces on floors, broken flushing systems, discarded sanitary pads, and filthy urinals. Cleaning schedules are not enforced, and many schools have never received basic cleaning materials.

 

This crisis forces children to make a heartbreaking choice—between attending school and preserving their dignity. For too many Ghanaian students, particularly girls, school has become a place of discomfort and risk instead of safety and growth.

 

Without urgent action, Ghana risks leaving a generation of students behind—not just academically, but in their most basic right to hygiene and human dignity.

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Accra Academy 2G1 Old Boys Launch 25th Anniversary: Celebrating Brotherhood, Impact and Legacy

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The 2001 Year Group of the Accra Academy Old Boys Association (AAOBA), popularly known as BLEOO 2G1, has officially launched its 25th Anniversary Celebration under the inspiring theme “Celebrating Brotherhood, Impact and Legacy.”

The media launch, held at the Accra Academy campus on Sunday, November 9, 2025, brought together distinguished alumni, school leadership, students, and invited guests to unveil the year-long anniversary plans, logo, and legacy projects.

The event was graced by the Guest of Honour, Mr. Philip Kwame Tieku, Chief Executive Officer of Star Oil Ghana, who expressed his delight in being part of the milestone celebration. Mr. Tieku, also a member of the year group commended the year group for it’s commitment to giving back to it’s alma mater and pledged his support toward the successful renovation of the Dining Hall and Kitchen Complex Legacy Project.

The launch also saw in attendance the Global President of AAOBA, the Headmaster of Accra Academy, representatives of St. Mary’s Old Girls Association (SMOGA), members of staff, students, and other well-wishers who came together to celebrate the enduring spirit of BLEOO brotherhood.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Ernest Boakye-Yiadom, noted that the 25th anniversary seeks to reflect on the group’s shared journey since leaving the walls of Accra Academy, and to rekindle the spirit of unity, mentorship, and contribution to the school’s development.

“This celebration is about more than nostalgia — it’s about impact. It’s about standing together to make a difference and to leave a mark that aligns with our motto: Esse Quam Videri — To Be Rather Than to Seem,” he stated.

The Global President of AAOBA commended BLEOO 2G1 for their leadership, discipline, and service, describing them as a shining example of how year groups can make tangible contributions to the growth of their alma mater and community.

The event also featured the unveiling of the 25th Anniversary logo and Mascot, the presentation of the Legacy Project, solidarity messages from partner alumni associations including SMOGA and media interaction session.

The Headmaster of Accra Academy, in his address, praised BLEOO 2G1 for their loyalty and initiative, noting that alumni support plays a critical role in maintaining academic excellence and infrastructure growth at the school.

“Our old boys continue to inspire us. Their love for the school shows in their actions, and this project is a true reflection of that commitment,” he remarked.

BLEOO 2G1 President, Mr. Daniel Adjetey Adjeye, emphasized that the anniversary celebrations will extend throughout 2026 with activities such as mentorship programs, community service initiatives, and the commissioning of the Legacy Project.

He called on alumni, sponsors, and corporate institutions to partner with the group in building a stronger future for Accra Academy.

“We are grateful for all who have walked with us on this journey. Together, we can leave behind a legacy that every BLEOO can be proud of,” he added.

The launch concluded with a group photo, networking session, and renewed calls for collective responsibility in nurturing the next generation of BLEOO men.

 

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GES Secures Clearance to Pay 6,249 Newly Recruited Teachers Their Outstanding Salaries

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The Ghana Education Service (GES) has received financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance to pay salaries owed to 6,249 teachers recruited in 2024.

 

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 16, and signed by its Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyi, the GES said the approval will allow it to finalize all administrative steps needed to process and release the payments.

 

“This financial clearance covers the salaries of six thousand, two hundred and forty-nine (6,249) teachers recruited in 2024,” the statement noted.

 

GES assured that the necessary arrangements are being made to ensure the affected teachers are added to the mechanised payroll in time for their November 2025 salary payments. The clearance, however, expires on December 31, 2025.

 

Management of the Service expressed gratitude to the teachers for their patience and commitment, adding that efforts are ongoing to ensure salaries are processed accurately and on time.

 

“Management thanked all staff for their dedication and remains committed to ensuring timely and transparent salary payments,” the statement concluded.

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NSMQ 2025 Launches with Excitement as Schools Gear Up for Fierce Competition

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The 2025 edition of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has officially kicked off, marking the start of another thrilling season of intellectual rivalry among Ghana’s brightest young minds.

 

The launch event, held on Wednesday, October 15, brought together education stakeholders, students, and the media for the much-anticipated balloting exercise that determined this year’s match-ups. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation as schools prepared to battle for supremacy.

 

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, speaking at the event, encouraged participating schools to give their very best and embrace the spirit of healthy competition.

“Let the bragging begin!” he said, echoing the passion and pride that the contest sparks nationwide.

 

As Ghana’s longest-running and most-watched academic competition, the NSMQ continues to captivate audiences year after year. This year’s edition will feature a record 174 participating schools — the highest number in the quiz’s history.

 

The preliminary stage runs from October 20 to 24, with Ofori Panyin Senior High School, Kpando Senior High School, and Awe Senior High Technical School set to open the contest. The One-Eighth stage follows from October 26 to 28, the Quarter-Finals on October 30, the Semi-Finals on November 3, and the Grand Finale on November 6.

 

Achimota School added a touch of inspiration to the launch with a beautiful choral performance that set the tone for the event.

 

Produced by Primetime Limited and supported by the Ghana Education Service, the NSMQ continues to be a highlight of Ghana’s academic calendar — drawing students, alumni, and education enthusiasts together to celebrate knowledge and excellence.

This year’s sponsors include NASCO, VitaMilk, Ayuda, Virtual Security Africa, Admissions Checker, German Ozone Medical Centre, Achimota Retail Centre, Ace Medical Insurance, Slamm Technologies, Family Health Medical School, and Chopbox Technologies.

 

As the competition begins, all eyes are on the brilliant young contestants who will represent their schools and, perhaps, make history in this celebrated national event.

 

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