By Kodjo Adams, GNA
Accra, July 3, GNA – The Ministry of Education has launched its maiden National Schools Awards for public basic schools to recognise those that have demonstrated measurable improvement and excellence.
It is on the theme: “Resetting Education for Improved Learning Outcomes.”
Nine out of 20 selected schools would be awarded on July 8, 2026, after going through the competitive criteria.
The schools were assessed and recognised based on verifiable evidence of improvement in instructional leadership, teaching effectiveness, school management, and learner achievement.
The Awards ceremony is an initiative of the National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA) under the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP).
GALOP is a joint education initiative by Ghana and the World Bank to boost foundational literacy and numeracy.
The initiative also improves overall teaching quality in the country’s 10,000 lowest-performing basic schools.
Dr Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister of Education, who launched the awards on behalf of the sector Minister, said the event marked an important milestone in Ghana’s journey towards educational excellence.
“Importantly, this initiative is not merely about rewarding success. It is about creating a culture where continuous improvement is valued, where innovation is encouraged, where accountability is strengthened, and where schools are motivated to pursue higher standards of performance,” he said.
“The theme is timely and purposeful. Resetting education is not about rhetoric, it is about ensuring that every classroom delivers meaningful learning.”
“It is about empowering teachers to succeed. It is about supporting school leaders to drive improvement, creating environments where every learner can thrive, and achieving better outcomes for every child.”
Dr Apaak said over the years, Ghana had made remarkable progress in expanding access to education, where more children are in school than before.
The country’s aim was to ensure that every child who entered a classroom acquired the knowledge, skills, values, and competencies necessary to succeed in life, he said.
“This is why the Government remains firmly committed to eliminating learning poverty, narrowing inequalities in educational opportunities, and ensuring that quality education is not determined by geography, socio-economic background, or circumstance,” the Deputy Minister said.
“Our focus is, therefore, shifting decisively from enrolment to learning, from participation to achievement, and from effort to measurable outcomes.”
Professor Tahiru Salifu Azeko, the Director-General, National Schools Inspectorate Authority, commended the World Bank and other development partners for supporting the awards event.
He said the Authority would work to get sponsors for expansion to both public and private schools to improve learning outcomes.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Kodjo Adams
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