The inaugural Ghana Academia Summit and Awards 2026 has highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between government, private sector players and education stakeholders to build a more inclusive, innovative and globally competitive education system.
Held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, the event brought together policymakers, education leaders, industry representatives and institutions for an evening of dialogue, recognition and renewed commitment towards improving learning outcomes across Ghana.
Delivering a welcome address, Manager of the American Chamber of Commerce, Jane Okyere-Aduachie, said the summit represents the beginning of a platform aimed at advancing conversations, celebrating excellence and fostering partnerships within Ghana’s education space.
She said the theme, “Setting the Standards for Access and Quality in Formal Education in Ghana,” reflects a national aspiration to create an education system that is inclusive, innovative, relevant and capable of competing globally.
“The quality of education we provide today will determine the future of Ghana,” Okyere-Aduachie stated, stressing that education remains one of the most important investments any country can make.
She noted that improving education outcomes requires a collective effort from government, educators, policymakers, development partners, parents and industry, adding that no single stakeholder can transform the sector alone.
Representing the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, Senior Programme Officer at the Ministry of Education, Richlove Animah Berchie, reaffirmed government’s commitment to reforms aimed at improving access, quality and relevance across all levels of education.
She said government’s priorities include strengthening teacher support, expanding infrastructure, promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, enhancing technical and vocational training, and using technology to improve learning outcomes.
“The Government of Ghana remains committed to building an education system that is accessible, inclusive, relevant and responsive to the demands of the 21st century,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ernest Lartey, Head of National Events at The Business Executive and Team Lead for the Ghana Academia Awards 2026, said the initiative was created to recognise institutions and individuals whose dedication continues to transform education in Ghana.
Lartey expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service for their support, while crediting Dr Baroness Paulette Kporo, Chief Executive Officer of The Business Executive, for championing the concept.
“”I want to thank Dr. Baroness Paulette Kporo, Chief Executive Officer of The Business Executive, for birthing this idea, as well as the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service for their endorsement and support, Tonight, we didn’t just pull off an event, we answered the hope these individuals and institutions have carried quietly for years: to be seen, to be honoured, to matter. Because of the work of the team at the Ghana Academia Awards Secretariat, that hope gets its moment in the light today,” he said.
The Ghana Academia Summit and Awards 2026 seeks to celebrate institutions that are improving educational access, investing in teachers, promoting research, embracing innovation, and developing future-ready skills. Organisers said the platform will also mobilise partnerships to strengthen Ghana’s education ecosystem for future generations.
