Dr. Apaak launches National School Awards-GALOP Edition to drive accountability in education

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has launched the National Schools Awards (NSA)–GALOP Edition to promote accountability and improve learning outcomes across Ghana’s education system.

Delivering the keynote address at the launch in Accra on Wednesday, Dr. Apaak said the awards programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening accountability while recognising excellence in schools.

He explained that the initiative, introduced by the National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA) under the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP), forms part of broader efforts to improve education quality nationwide.

“This occasion is more than the launch of an awards programme. It is a bold statement of our national commitment to improving learning outcomes, strengthening accountability, and recognising excellence within our schools,” he said.

Dr. Apaak noted that while Ghana has made significant progress in expanding access to education, the country’s priority has now shifted towards ensuring every child receives quality learning that equips them with the knowledge and skills needed for national development.

He stressed that the awards scheme would recognise schools based on measurable improvements rather than public perception.

“Recognition will therefore be based not on perception, but on demonstrated results. This aligns directly with Government’s commitment to data-driven reforms and targeted interventions that strengthen foundational literacy, numeracy, and overall learning outcomes,” he stated.

According to the Deputy Minister, the National Schools Awards will encourage continuous improvement by rewarding schools that demonstrate excellence in instructional leadership, teaching effectiveness, school management and learner achievement.

“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,” Dr. Apaak said.

He commended NaSIA for its role in strengthening quality assurance across the education sector, saying the authority has transformed school inspections into a tool for meaningful educational improvement.

Looking ahead, Dr. Apaak announced that the government intends to expand the National Schools Awards beyond the GALOP programme to include all public and private pre-tertiary institutions across the country.

He urged teachers, headteachers, education directors and other stakeholders to embrace the initiative and work collectively to ensure accountability, continuous improvement and better learning outcomes for every Ghanaian child.