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Haruna Iddrisu: Shift System in Public Schools Not a National Policy
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Published: May 29 2026
Published at: 7:40Pm
Story by Saibu Terry
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has clarified that the shift system in public schools is not a national policy and has largely been phased out across the country.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the Minister explained that the shift system was introduced as a temporary intervention to address overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure in some schools. According to him, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES), continues to expand infrastructure at the basic school level through the construction of additional classroom blocks to completely eliminate the practice.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu further disclosed that government remains committed to improving teaching and learning conditions across the country. He revealed that an amount of GH¢230 million has been allocated in the 2025 GETFund distribution formula for the procurement of school furniture for both basic and Senior High Schools nationwide.
The Minister also highlighted the significance of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) policy introduced in 1996, stressing that the programme was designed to ensure every Ghanaian child has access to free, compulsory, and quality basic education while reducing illiteracy and promoting equity in education delivery.
Addressing concerns raised by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Education Minister assured Parliament that the Ministry, through the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), has taken the necessary measures to maintain industrial harmony within the tertiary education sector.
He reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s education system through sustained investment in infrastructure, teaching materials, and stakeholder engagement.
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Haruna Iddrisu Fulfills Promise as Ambariya Islamic Education Unit Becomes Operational
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Published: May 30 2026
Published at: 8: 27Pm
Story by Saibu Terry
The Ambariya Muslim community has received a major boost in its educational development efforts following the operationalization of the Ambariya Islamic Education Unit.
The development was marked on Thursday afternoon when Dr. Yussif Sulemana, acting on behalf of the Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, presented administrative appointment letters and other essential documents to Sheikh Saeed Abubakari, Leader of the Ambariya Muslim Sect.
The presentation fulfills a commitment made by Hon. Haruna Iddrisu to the Ambariya Muslim community during Eid prayers held on Wednesday, demonstrating the Minister’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening educational administration within the community.
Speaking during the presentation, stakeholders described the establishment of the Education Unit as a significant milestone that will enhance access to quality education, improve educational management and create greater opportunities for young people within the Ambariya community.
The operationalization of the unit is expected to provide a structured framework for educational administration, helping schools within the community to improve coordination, supervision and academic performance.
Beyond its administrative functions, the initiative is seen as a recognition of the Ambariya community’s longstanding contribution to education and social development.
It also reflects broader efforts to promote inclusion, empowerment and equitable access to educational resources.
Community leaders expressed appreciation to Hon. Haruna Iddrisu and the Ministry of Education for honoring the pledge and supporting the advancement of Islamic education in the area.
The occasion was described as more than the presentation of official documents; it was a significant investment in the future of thousands of young people whose educational aspirations stand to benefit from the establishment of the Ambariya Islamic Education Unit.
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Haruna Iddrisu Unveils Major SHS Infrastructure Expansion Plan
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Published: May 30 2026
Published at: 3:45Pm
Story by Saibu Terry
The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has reiterated the government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure across Ghana, announcing plans to upgrade several senior high schools and expand access to secondary education in underserved districts.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the Minister disclosed that government intends to upgrade 30 Category C Senior High Schools to Category B status, while 20 Category B schools will be elevated to Category A. According to him, the move forms part of broader efforts to improve educational standards and create equal opportunities for students across the country.
Hon. Iddrisu further revealed that approximately 13 districts in Ghana currently do not have Senior High Schools. He noted that government is determined to address the gap by ensuring that these districts receive their own SHSs to enhance access to quality education and reduce the burden on students who travel long distances to attend school.
During his presentation, a brief exchange occurred when Assin South MP, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, sought to intervene by raising his hand. In response, Hon. Iddrisu questioned what interventions the previous administration had made during its years in office to address the infrastructure challenges currently confronting the education sector.
The Education Minister maintained that the government’s ongoing reforms are aimed at strengthening the country’s educational system and providing the necessary infrastructure to support teaching and learning.
Observers say the planned upgrades and expansion of SHS facilities, if implemented successfully, could significantly improve access to secondary education and enhance the overall quality of education across Ghana.
The government’s commitment to educational development continues to feature prominently in its broader agenda to build a stronger and more inclusive education sector for future generations.
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Nyankpala Chief Commends NHIA for Expanding Access to Healthcare Through Free NHIS Registration and Primary Healthcare Initiative
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Published: May 30 2026
Published at: 2:20Pm
Story by Saibu Terry
The Paramount Chief of the Nyankpala Traditional Area, Naa Ibrahim Mahama, has commended the Government of Ghana and the Executive Management of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for implementing practical health reforms aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for all Ghanaians.
The Chief specifically lauded the introduction of the Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) policy and the ongoing nationwide free National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration and membership renewal exercise, describing them as timely interventions that will significantly enhance the wellbeing of residents.
Naa Ibrahim Mahama made these remarks when a joint delegation from the NHIA Head Office and the Northern Regional Office paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Nyankpala.
The Head Office delegation was led by the Acting Deputy Director and Head of the Provider and Client Relations Unit of the Corporate Affairs Directorate, Madam Hamdiya Amadu Yakubu. Other members of the team included Madam Linda Acquah, Senior Manager at the Operations Directorate, and Mr. Prince Aboagye, Manager at the Membership and Regional Operations (MRO) Directorate.
The visit formed part of efforts to support the NHIA’s six-week intensive registration and membership renewal campaign, dubbed “Operation Market Storm.” The initiative saw Head Office officials working alongside regional and district frontline staff to increase active NHIS membership across communities in the Northern Region.
Speaking during the engagement, the Acting Northern Regional Director of the NHIA, Mr. Alhassan Abdulai, expressed appreciation to the Nyankpala Chief for his unwavering support of the campaign. He particularly thanked the traditional leader for allowing the Authority to use the forecourt of his palace as a venue for registration activities and for endorsing efforts to increase active NHIS membership in the area.
Mr. Abdulai further appealed to the Chief and his Council of Elders to continue educating residents about the benefits of the Free Primary Health Care policy and to encourage community members to take advantage of the ongoing free NHIS registration and membership renewal exercise, which is scheduled to end on May 31, 2026.
The NHIA remains committed to ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to affordable and quality healthcare services through enhanced insurance coverage and innovative healthcare policies.
Source: Andrew Awinnore, NHIA Northern Regional Public Relations Manager.