Education
Gov’t Negotiates to Settle Over ¢700 Million Scholarship Debt Owed to Foreign Schools – Minister Assures Students
The Youth Development and Empowerment Minister, George Opare Addo, has revealed that the government is actively negotiating with international educational institutions to settle an accumulated scholarship debt exceeding ¢700 million.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, July 22, the Minister assured affected Ghanaian students that the outstanding fees will be paid, even though the administration does not currently have the full amount in hand.
“We’re dealing with over ¢700 million in debt, which we inherited. It’s a heavy burden, and we are doing everything we can to address it,” he said.
Mr. Opare Addo explained that the debt comprises tuition and related fees owed to schools across the world, putting Ghanaian students at risk of expulsion. To prevent this, the government has deployed officials to negotiate with institutions globally.
“My registrar has been moving from country to country negotiating with these schools. We receive threats daily—some institutions are threatening to sack our students,” he stated.
He emphasized that the situation affects the lives of young Ghanaians and must be handled with urgency.
“This is about Ghanaian students. It’s about our citizens. We must find the money to pay,” he stressed.
Mr. Opare Addo commended the support of the Chief of Staff and the Finance Minister, noting that both are working closely with his ministry to find a solution.
“Some institutions have shown understanding, knowing we are a new government inheriting these issues. We’re slowly aligning and fixing the problems,” he added.
Responding to concerns about students being ordered off campus, the Minister acknowledged such cases but pointed to the previous administration’s failure to settle the debts as the root cause.
“You can’t blame this government for what we inherited. Some of these debts have been outstanding for over a year or two,” he said.
To verify the actual extent of the debt, the ministry has initiated an audit of the scholarship system.
“We’re auditing the system to determine the true state of things. We’ve met some of the students in London and discussed options,” he noted, although he declined to disclose all the details publicly.
He also revealed that some students who have completed their studies but have not returned to Ghana are still expecting stipends, which contravenes the terms of their scholarship agreements.
“Once you complete your program, you are expected to return home. Many want to stay and work abroad. But if you choose to stay, you forfeit your stipend,” he clarified.
Mr. Opare Addo said many students have agreed to forgo their stipends under this condition.
He concluded by reiterating that the audit will help clear the discrepancies and give a more accurate picture of the financial burden.
“As of now, the estimated debt sits at over ¢700 million, but we believe the final figure will be clearer once the audit is complete,” he stated.
Education
“I’m Not Dead” — Paa George Breaks Silence on Recurring Death Hoax
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.
Education
President Mahama Assures Teachers of Freedom to Speak Without Intimidation
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.

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