Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu unveiled a major overhaul of Ghana’s secondary education strategy during the 150th anniversary of Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast on Saturday, November 14, 2026. According to MyJoyOnline, the minister announced that the government will build ten new model senior high schools and upgrade thirty Category B institutions to meet Category A standards. This initiative follows a completed review of the Free Senior High School policy launched in 2017. Iddrisu stated that the administration under President John Dramani Mahama is redirecting resources toward foundational learning in subjects such as literacy, numeracy, and agricultural science.
The minister also revealed financial commitments to high-performing institutions. He reported that the twelve schools with the best results in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination will each receive two million cedis from the Ghana Education Trust Fund. This funding is part of a larger 2027 formula allocation of 250 million cedis aimed at infrastructure development. Iddrisu specifically noted that Mfantsipim School would benefit from these funds, including an expansion of its assembly hall. Additionally, he announced a broader 300 million dollar investment plan to improve facilities across senior high schools, though he did not detail specific distributions for this amount.
Beyond infrastructure, Iddrisu used the platform to address rising misconduct in educational settings. He called for a nationwide campaign against indiscipline, urging a coalition of traditional authorities, religious figures, parents, and students to participate. MyJoyOnline reported that he asked the Asantehene to spearhead this effort, proposing the slogan "Yɛmma school mmra no yɛ adwuma," meaning "Let us allow the school regulations to work." The minister argued that enforcing rules would cultivate respect for authority and accountability among the youth. He emphasized that schools alone cannot solve these issues without community support.
The event also featured traditional ceremonies welcoming the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who served as the guest speaker. Osabarimba Kwesi Atta, the Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, received the monarch at the Emintsimadze Palace with customary water and drinks. Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang addressed the attendees, stressing that Mfantsipim’s legacy depends on the dedication of teachers, alumni, and current students. She urged all stakeholders to maintain the institution’s high standards through collective commitment and responsible conduct.