President John Dramani Mahama has announced a sweeping package of reforms to expand access to senior high schools, strengthen technical and vocational education, and increase tertiary opportunities across Ghana.

He made the announcement during his 2026 State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Friday, 27 February.

Upgrading Senior High Schools

To decongest senior high schools and ensure parity in educational opportunities, President Mahama said the government will convert and upgrade 30 Category C secondary schools to Category B, and 10 Category B schools to Category A.

“In addition, facilities in Category A schools are going to be upgraded and expanded to be able to take in more children,” he added.

Expansion of TVET

Describing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a critical pillar in tackling youth unemployment, the President announced plans to construct six new regional TVET centres of excellence nationwide.

“Technical and vocational education and training remain a critical pillar of our strategy to address youth unemployment and accelerate skills development. The government will construct six brand-new regional TVET centres of excellence across the country to equip our young people with practical, industry-relevant skills aligned with the demands of the evolving job market,” he said.

On curriculum reforms, he stated: “We are undertaking a review of the national curriculum to align with the OECD Future of Education and Skills Framework. This will make TVET education more adaptive and resilient.”

New Public Universities

To expand access to higher education and support balanced regional development, President Mahama disclosed that the government has entered international partnerships to establish two new public universities — one in Kintampo in the Bono East Region and another in Jasikan in the Oti Region.

He further announced that a grant from China has been secured to establish a new public university in Damango in the Savannah Region.

Establishment of Technical Universities

Highlighting the role of technical universities in bridging the skills gap, the President said three new technical universities will be established.

“Technical universities play a critical role in closing the skills gap and reducing youth unemployment by delivering high-quality, industry-aligned, and practice-oriented training within a broader policy framework that stimulates labour demand. In this regard, the government is going to establish three new technical universities to strengthen skills development, enhance innovation, and support national industrialisation efforts,” he said.

Teachers’ Housing Initiative

On teacher welfare, President Mahama announced a major housing initiative aimed at improving living conditions and boosting retention, particularly in rural and remote areas.

“The teachers' housing initiative is a joint effort involving district assemblies, Common Fund, GETFund, GNAT and others, and the aim is to build 50,000 housing units for teachers. This partnership demonstrates our collective dedication to enhancing teachers' living conditions and boosting the retention of teachers, especially in rural and remote areas, and ensuring that teachers can live, work, and retire with dignity and security,” he said.

Linking the measures to the government’s broader education vision, the President concluded:

“By prioritising equitable access and expanding infrastructure while investing in human capital, we are laying the foundation for a Ghana where every child can learn, grow, and succeed.”

Read Also: Mahama announces 600 new classroom blocks nationwide to strengthen basic education

President Mahama also announced plans to construct 600 new classroom blocks across the country as part of a renewed focus on strengthening basic education.

The intervention includes 200 kindergarten blocks, 200 primary school blocks and 200 junior high school blocks.