The Ghana Education Service (GES) was established, as part of the Public Service of Ghana, in 1974 by NRCD 247 and was subsequently amended by NRCD 252, 357 and SMCD 63. Under the fourth Republican Constitution of Ghana, these earlier legislations have been amended by Acts of Parliament, including Act 506 (1994) and Act 778 (2008). The GES is governed by a fifteen-member Council called the GES Council.
On this World Teachers’ Day, I extend heartfelt goodwill and profound appreciation to all teachers across Ghana on behalf of The Ghana Education Service Director General. Your unwavering commitment, passion, and dedication to shaping the minds of our nation’s future leaders do not go unnoticed. In classrooms, you are the architects of knowledge, mentors who inspire curiosity, and champions of educational excellence. Your tireless efforts in nurturing intellect, fostering creativity, and instilling values contribute immeasurably to the development of our society.
As we celebrate your significant role in transforming lives through education, let us reflect on the profound impact teachers have on shaping the trajectory of our nation. Your resilience, adaptability, and innovative teaching methods are pivotal in navigating the challenges of the evolving educational landscape. The Ghana Education Service Director General recognizes and values your pivotal role in building a brighter future for our students. Today, we honor and salute each one of you for your remarkable contributions and selfless service. Happy World Teachers’ Day, and may your dedication continue to illuminate the path towards a more enlightened and empowered Ghana.
There are four (4) main programmes under the GES, and these are:
- Pre-tertiary education management including Headquarters Divisions, Regional and District directorates
- Basic Education, comprising Kindergarten, Primary and Junior High Schools
- Secondary Education comprising Senior high School (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET)
- Special and Inclusive Education
The objectives of GES are in accordance with the National Policy Objectives espoused in the Education Strategic Plan (ESP). The key objectives of the Service are as follows:
- Increase inclusive and equitable access to and participation in education at all levels
- Ensure provision of life skills training and management of personal hygiene, family life, gender, health, HIV/AIDS/STIs, etc.
- Improve the quality of teaching and learning
- Improve the Management of education service delivery
Meanwhile, Basic Education has been redefined to include Secondary Education as part of the Government’s new policy initiative on Pre-tertiary Education.
The functions of GES are as follows:
- To provide and oversee Basic Education (Pre-tertiary), Technical Education as well as Special Education
- To promote the efficiency and full development of talents among its members
- To carry out such other functions as are incidental to the attainment of the functions specified above.
- To maintain professional standards and the conduct of its personnel
- To recruit and post qualified teaching and non-teaching staff.
- Employees
- Unions
- Students
- Parents
- General Public
Vision Statement
Ghana Education Service seeks to create an enabling environment in all educational institutions and management positions that will facilitate effective teaching and learning and efficiency in the management for the attainment of the goals of the Service.
Mission Statement
To ensure that all Ghanaian children of school-going age are provided with inclusive and equitable quality formal education and training through effective and efficient management of resources to make education delivery relevant to the manpower needs of the nation.
Our Mandate
GES is responsible for the implementation of approved national pre-tertiary educational policies and programs to ensure that all Ghanaian children of school-going age irrespective of tribe, gender, disability, religious and political affiliations are provided with inclusive and equitable quality formal education.
On-going Reforms
As part of efforts to promote quality pre-tertiary education service delivery, the following reforms have been or are being made:
- Re-alignment of the Teacher Education Division of GES as an agency under the Ministry of Education (now known as the National Teaching Council)
- Re-alignment of the Curriculum Research and Development Division of GES as an agency under the Ministry of Education (now known as the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment)
- Re-alignment of the Inspectorate Division of GES as an agency under the Ministry of Education (now called the National Inspectorate Board)
- Re-alignment of the Technical/Vocational Education Division (TVED) of GES as an agency under the Ministry of Education (to be named Ghana Technical Education Service)
- Creation of a new division of GES (to be called Management Service Division) which shall include Special and Inclusive Education, Guidance and Counselling and School Health Education Programme (SHEP).
Collaboration with Development Partners, Private Sector and Stakeholders
The following organisations and stakeholders are partnering the GES in the implementation of its programmes and activities:
- United Nations Children’s Fund (for Education Programme)
- United States Agency for International Development (for Partnerships for Education Project: Social Impact, Learning, Innovation, Improving Reading Performance in Primary Schools)
- United Kingdom for International Development (for Complementary Basic Education Programme)
- Belgium/TELEVIC (for Supply and Installation of Integrated E-learning Lab for 240 SHSs)
- Kreditanstalt Wiederaufbau (KfW)-(for Supporting Vocational Training: Voucher Programme)
- World Bank- (for Ghana Secondary Education Improvement Project)
- Kuwait-(for Expansion and Development of 26 Existing SHS Project)
Key Strategic Focus Areas within 4-Year Sector Medium-Term Plan
The following organisations and stakeholders are partnering the GES in the implementation of its programmes and activities:
Pre-tertiary education management including Headquarters Divisions, Regional and District directorates.
Basic Education, comprising Kindergarten, Primary and Junior High Schools.
Secondary Education comprising SHS and TVET.
Special and Inclusive Education.
Current Programmes
Complementary Basic Education (CBE) programme
Secondary Education Improvement Project (SEIP)
Special and Inclusive Education (SIE) programme
Pre-tertiary Education Management programme
Challenges, Prospects and Achievements
- Approximately 82% of the total GES budget is allocated for the payment of salaries crowding out other expenditures
- Inadequate furniture, especially at the basic school level
- Inadequate supply of sanitation facilities such as gender-friendly toilets/urinals, especially at the basic school level
- Inadequate infrastructure in over-subscribed Senior High Schools
- Inadequate logistics for effective monitoring and supervision
- Inadequate TLMs and core textbooks
- Lack of teachers to handle key subject areas like Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry
- Inadequate facilities for In-service Education and Training
- Inadequate Language experts and facilities for implementing the Language Policy
- Lack of science equipment in basic schools
- Non-release of transfer grant for the Staff Rationalisation Policy
- Delayed payment of salary arrears due to the Ministry of Finance’s policy on payment of three (3) months of salary arrears and which affects staff motivation
- To reduce the attrition rate through teacher motivation and increase the number of trained teachers through on-going programmes, such as the UTDBE
- To deploy more teachers to deprived areas, such as the three Northern regions of Ghana, to reduce the disparity in Pupil-Teacher Ratios (PTR)
- To resource the newly created districts with office and residential accommodation facilities, including vehicles, for District Directors
- To strengthen School Performance Appraisal Meetings in communities and to promote quality preparation of School Performance Improvement Plans (SPIPs)
- To introduce measures to reduce cost of utilities for second-cycle institutions
- To enforce the implementation of staff establishment norms so as to ensure that teachers in JHS/SHS cover a minimum of 24 periods a week
- There has been a successful implementation of the Government’s Free SHS programme
- There has been access to CBE classes for 182,652 out of school children over the last four-year period (2013/14-2016/17) with over 49.4% female participation
- There has been significant success in the project targets of the SEIP programme
- There has been 100 per cent increase in the Capitation grant for schools and the releases have been timely.
The objectives of GES are in accordance with the National Policy Objectives espoused in the Education Strategic Plan (ESP). The key objectives of the Service are as follows:
- Increase inclusive and equitable access to and participation in education at all levels.
- Ensure provision of life skills training and management of personal hygiene, family life, gender, health, HIV/AIDS/STIs, etc.
- Improve the quality of teaching and learning.
- Improve the Management of education service delivery.
Meanwhile, Basic Education has been redefined to include Secondary Education as part of the Government’s new policy initiative on Pre-tertiary Education.
- To provide and oversee Basic Education (Pre-tertiary), Technical Education as well as Special Education.
- To promote the efficiency and full development of talents among its members.
- To carry out such other functions as are incidental to the attainment of the functions specified above.
- To maintain professional standards and the conduct of its personnel.
- To recruit and post qualified teaching and non-teaching staff.
- Employees
- Unions
- Students
- Parents
- General Public
Our Objectives
The objectives of GES are in accordance with the National Policy Objectives espoused in the Education Strategic Plan (ESP). The key objectives of the Service are as follows:
- Increase inclusive and equitable access to and participation in education at all levels.
- Ensure provision of life skills training and management of personal hygiene, family life, gender, health, HIV/AIDS/STIs, etc.
- Improve the quality of teaching and learning.
- Improve the Management of education service delivery.
Our Functions
The functions of the GES are as follows;
- To provide and oversee Basic Education (Pre-tertiary), Technical Education as well as Special Education.
- To promote the efficiency and full development of talents among its members.
- To carry out such other functions as are incidental to the attainment of the functions specified above.
- To maintain professional standards and the conduct of its personnel.
- To recruit and post qualified teaching and non-teaching staff.
Our Stakeholders
On-going Reforms
As part of efforts to promote quality pre-tertiary education service delivery, the following reforms have been or are being made:
- Re-alignment of the Teacher Education Division of GES as an agency under the Ministry of Education (now known as the National Teaching Council).
- Re-alignment of the Curriculum Research and Development Division of GES as an agency under the Ministry of Education (now known as the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment)
- Re-alignment of the Inspectorate Division of GES as an agency under the Ministry of Education (now called the National Inspectorate Board).
- Re-alignment of the Technical/Vocational Education Division (TVED) of GES as an agency under the Ministry of Education (to be named Ghana Technical Education Service)
- Creation of a new division of GES (to be called Management Service Division) which shall include Special and Inclusive Education, Guidance and Counselling and School Health Education Programme (SHEP).
Collaboration with Development Partners, Private Sector and Stakeholders
The following organisations and stakeholders are partnering the GES in the implementation of its programmes and activities:
- United Nations Children’s Fund (for Education Programme).
- United States Agency for International Development (for Partnerships for Education Project: Social Impact, Learning, Innovation, Improving Reading Performance in Primary Schools).
- United Kingdom for International Development (for Complementary Basic Education Programme).
- Belgium/TELEVIC (for Supply and Installation of Integrated E-learning Lab for 240 SHSs)
- Kreditanstalt Wiederaufbau (KfW)-(for Supporting Vocational Training: Voucher Programme).
- World Bank- (for Ghana Secondary Education Improvement Project).
- Kuwait-(for Expansion and Development of 26 Existing SHS Project).
Key Strategic Focus Areas within 4-Year Sector Medium-Term Plan
The following organisations and stakeholders are partnering the GES in the implementation of its programmes and activities:
- Pre-tertiary education management including Headquarters Divisions, Regional and District directorates.
- Basic Education, comprising Kindergarten, Primary and Junior High Schools.
- Secondary Education comprising SHS and TVET.
- Special and Inclusive Education
Current Programmes
- Complementary Basic Education (CBE) programme.
- Secondary Education Improvement Project (SEIP).
- Special and Inclusive Education (SIE) programme.
- Pre-tertiary Education Management programme
Challenges, Prospects and Achievements
- Approximately 82% of the total GES budget is allocated for the payment of salaries crowding out other expenditures.
- Inadequate furniture, especially at the basic school level.
- Inadequate supply of sanitation facilities such as gender-friendly toilets/urinals, especially at the basic school level.
- Inadequate infrastructure in over-subscribed Senior High Schools.
- Inadequate logistics for effective monitoring and supervision.
- Inadequate TLMs and core textbooks.
- Lack of teachers to handle key subject areas like Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
- Inadequate facilities for In-service Education and Training.
- Inadequate Language experts and facilities for implementing the Language Policy.
- Lack of science equipment in basic schools
- Non-release of transfer grant for the Staff Rationalisation Policy.
- Delayed payment of salary arrears due to the Ministry of Finance’s policy on payment of three (3) months of salary arrears and which affects staff motivation.
- To reduce the attrition rate through teacher motivation and increase the number of trained teachers through on-going programmes, such as the UTDBE.
- To deploy more teachers to deprived areas, such as the three Northern regions of Ghana, to reduce the disparity in Pupil-Teacher Ratios (PTR).
- To resource the newly created districts with office and residential accommodation facilities, including vehicles, for District Directors.
- To strengthen School Performance Appraisal Meetings in communities and to promote quality preparation of School Performance Improvement Plans (SPIPs).
- To introduce measures to reduce cost of utilities for second cycle institutions.
- To enforce the implementation of staff establishment norms so as to ensure that teachers in JHS/SHS cover a minimum of 24 periods a week.
- There has been a successful implementation of the Government’s Free SHS programme.
- There has been access to CBE classes for 182,652 out of school children over the last four-year period (2013/14-2016/17) with over 49.4% female participation.
- There has been significant success in the project targets of the SEIP programme.
- There has been 100 per cent increase in the Capitation grant for schools and the releases have been timely.
Administration Division
- The Administration Division of the Ghana Education Service (GES) plays a pivotal role in managing and coordinating various administrative functions within the education sector. This division is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of educational institutions across the country, ensuring effective implementation of policies, and maintaining a conducive environment for teaching and learning. From personnel management to resource allocation, the Administration Division works to enhance the overall efficiency and functionality of Ghana’s education system.
- One of the key responsibilities of the Administration Division is human resource management. This involves the recruitment, deployment, and management of qualified teaching and non-teaching staff. The division strives to ensure that schools are adequately staffed with competent professionals who contribute to the quality of education delivered to students. Additionally, it addresses matters related to staff welfare, professional development, and performance evaluation, fostering a positive and motivated educational workforce.
- Resource allocation and financial management are also within the purview of the Administration Division. This involves budgeting, disbursing funds, and overseeing the efficient use of resources in educational institutions. By strategically managing financial resources, the division aims to address infrastructural needs, provide necessary teaching materials, and support the overall improvement of educational facilities. In doing so, the Administration Division plays a crucial role in advancing the objectives of the Ghana Education Service and promoting a conducive learning environment for students and educators alike.
The division ensures that the following Relevant Legislations are complied with in the performance of its duties:
- The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
- Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) (PFMA).
- Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378) (PFMR).
- The Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) (As Amended).
- Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584).
- Internal Audit.
Human Resource Management Division
- The Human Resource Management Division (HRMD) of the Ghana Education Service (GES) plays a pivotal role in overseeing and managing the human capital within the education sector of Ghana. This division is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies related to the recruitment, deployment, and welfare of educators and staff across the country.
- In the realm of teacher recruitment, the HRMD ensures a fair and transparent process, attracting qualified individuals to join the teaching profession. This involves coordinating recruitment exercises, evaluating candidates, and assigning successful applicants to various educational institutions based on their qualifications and the needs of the schools.
- Beyond recruitment, the HRMD focuses on the overall well-being and professional development of educators. This includes the administration of employee benefits, handling personnel matters, and organizing training programs to enhance the skills and effectiveness of teaching staff. By fostering a supportive and conducive working environment, the HRMD contributes to the continuous improvement of the education system in Ghana.
- In summary, the Human Resource Management Division of the Ghana Education Service serves as a central entity overseeing the recruitment, deployment, and welfare of educators. Through its strategic initiatives and policies, the HRMD plays a crucial role in ensuring a skilled, motivated, and well-supported teaching workforce that positively impacts the quality of education in the country.
School and Instructions Division
The Schools and Instructions (S&I) Division is a merger of the Secondary Education Division and the Basic Education Division. The major functions of the Schools and Instructions Division includes.
- Monitoring and supervision of teaching and learning in Basic and Second Cycle Schools.
- The Division oversees the implementations of POLICY GUIDELINES for all Basic Schools and Second Cycle Institutions in collaboration with the relevant authorities and key stakeholders.
- The Division also liaise with the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) in the administration, conduct and monitoring of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), supervision of placement of BECE graduate into the Second Cycle Institutions and analysis of the BECE and the WASSCE results nationwide.
- Ensure adequate and timely supply and distribution of essential teaching and learning materials to schools.
- Support the implementation of key interventions for increasing access, equity and improving quality. Demand accountability at the district and school level.
The Schools and Instructions Division has the following Units under its supervision.
- Science Education Unit
- Guidance and Counselling Unit
- Culture Unit
- School Health Education Program (SHEP) Unit
- Girls Education Unit
- Early Childhood Unit
- Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS)
- Partnership and Affiliations Unit
Finance Division
Finance Division has two units, namely, Budget and Accounts. The Division is responsible for budget preparation and daily financial transactions of the service.- Advises management on all financial matters relating to the service.
- Collates estimates from the various Regions/Districts and Divisions for the preparation of the annual budget estimates.
- Allocates funds to cost centers for preparation of budget.
- Facilitates meeting with Parliamentary Select Committee on Education to defend the GES Budget for approval.
- Prepares of cash plans.
- Monitors the release of funds and disbursement of funds.
- Supports implementation of donor funded projects
- Monitors, evaluates and reports on budget performance
- Assists management to control expenditure within the approved budget
- Ensures adequate stock of Value books are kept for the office and keeps register for the value books in safe custody.
- Collects all revenue due and bank same timely and undertakes all other banking activities
- Keeps proper records of all transactions and produces same for verification by both Internal and External Audit when required
- Keeps records of all receivables and payables in the ledgers
- Ensures that all payments are duly authorized
- Prepares, presents financial statements and other financial reports timely as required by the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) and Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378). That is on monthly, quarterly and on yearly basis.
- Ensures that adequate records are kept for fuel purchased
- Facilitates routine Audit.
- Supports management to address all audit observations and issues
- Ensures that all payments are properly acquitted
- Ensures management of Taxes
- Keeps records of all receivables and payables in the ledgers
- Ensures that all payments are duly authorized
Special Education Division
The Special Education Division of the Ghana Education Service, aside the management of Special and unit’s schools, has the mandate of promoting the Inclusive Education policy in tangent with the SDG Goal #4 which seeks to bring all category of learners (those with and those without disabilities) under one umbrella of a safe and conducive teaching and learning environment. The Division operates with seven (7) units under it to harmonize the different categories of disabilities. SPED organizes distinct programs through its 7 units below to promote Inclusive Education.
- Inclusive education (ie) unit
Championing all issues under inclusion and currently building the capacity of national trainers and master trainers to support the implementation of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and provision of concessions for various assessments, exams and placements. - Education for the visually impaired (EVI) unit
Building capacity of teachers and teaching assistants with support from partners on innovative classroom management strategies. - Braille press unit
Production of braille materials for learners with visual impairment (partially sighted & the blind). - National assessment and resource center
Routine screening and assessment of learners with disabilities and recommendation for appropriate placement of learners in Schools. - Education for learning disability (ELD) unit
Capacity building for teachers on how to manage and support learners with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD). - Education for the intellectual and developmental disability (EIDD) unit
Building the capacity of teachers on skills development and strategies for transiting learners into the larger community. - Education for the hearing impaired (eHi)
Production of sign language dictionary for learners with deafness and the general public.
