The Ministry of Education has officially launched the maiden edition of the National Schools Awards – GALOP Edition, an initiative aimed at recognising schools that demonstrate measurable improvements in learning outcomes, instructional leadership and overall performance.
Launching the awards in Accra on Wednesday, July 1, Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, described the initiative as a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to improve educational quality and strengthen accountability across the school system.
He said the awards build on the gains made under the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP), which has strengthened school leadership, supported teachers, improved instructional practices and enhanced learning outcomes, particularly in underserved schools.
“Through targeted interventions, GALOP has strengthened school leadership, supported teachers, improved instructional practices, and enhanced learning outcomes, particularly in underserved schools. Building on these achievements, the National Schools Awards – GALOP Edition introduces a credible and transparent framework for recognising schools that demonstrate measurable improvement and excellence,” he said.
The awards programme, being implemented by the National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA) under GALOP, seeks to reward schools based on verifiable evidence of improvement rather than perception.
According to the Deputy Minister, the initiative reflects government’s commitment to shifting the focus of education reforms from access and enrolment to measurable learning outcomes and achievement. He noted that while Ghana has made significant progress in expanding access to education, greater attention must now be paid to tackling learning poverty, reducing educational inequalities and ensuring quality education for every learner, regardless of location or background.
He explained that participating schools will be assessed on improvements in instructional leadership, teaching effectiveness, school management and learner achievement, adding that the awards are intended to promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and accountability across the education sector.
“This initiative is not merely about rewarding success. The Awards reinforce an important principle: excellence must be recognised, celebrated, and replicated. Under this framework, schools will be assessed and recognised based on verifiable evidence of improvement in instructional leadership, teaching effectiveness, school management, and learner achievement,” he said.
The National Schools Awards have been launched under the theme, “Resetting Education for Improved Learning Outcomes.” Dr. Apaak commended NaSIA for its role in advancing quality assurance, saying the Authority continues to generate critical evidence to support school improvement and guide education policy.
He also acknowledged the support of the World Bank and other development partners through GALOP, noting that their contributions have helped strengthen school leadership, improve instructional practices and enhance learning outcomes, especially in underserved communities.
The Deputy Minister disclosed that government intends to expand the awards programme beyond the GALOP framework to cover all public and private pre-tertiary schools across the country.
