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.

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.

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.