GES Declares January 23 National CPD Day: Schools to Close for Learners
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially declared Friday, January 23, 2026, as a National Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Day for all teachers across the country. To facilitate this essential training, the management has further declared the day a holiday for all learners in basic and second-cycle institutions.
The directive, signed by Munawaru Issahaque (PhD), Acting Deputy Director-General, emphasizes the service’s commitment to the professional growth of its workforce as a cornerstone of quality education.
Focus on Cybersecurity and Data Protection
The primary objective of this dedicated day is to provide teachers with the necessary institutional support to participate in Phase Two of the Cybersecurity and Data Protection training.
By dedicating a specific day to this training, the GES aims to:
Build the digital capacity of teachers nationwide without classroom disruptions.
Ensure that educators are equipped to handle modern data challenges in the school environment.
Recognize the vital role that continuous learning plays in the modern teaching profession.
Impact on the Academic Calendar
Regional Directors of Education have been instructed to inform all Metro, Municipal, and District Directors, as well as Heads of Schools, to adhere strictly to this directive. While learners will enjoy a day off, all teachers are expected to use the dedicated time to engage fully with the training modules.
Ensuring Academic Integrity: A Broader Effort
This professional development initiative comes on the heels of other major GES directives aimed at tightening academic standards. Just last week, the service issued a stern warning against the unauthorised registration of WASSCE candidates, specifically targeting the illegal registration of SHS 1 and 2 students.
READ: Importance of Ghana’s First Continuous Professional Development Day for Teachers
The GES management continues to stress that academic progression must be traceable and transparent. The focus on Cybersecurity training on January 23rd further supports this goal by ensuring that student and teacher data within the National Student Information System (SIS) is managed with the highest level of security and professional competence.
📊 Stakeholder Guidance & Contextual Analysis
As developments continue to unfold regarding GES Declares January 23 National CPD Day: Schools to Close for Learners, educational administrators, teachers, and candidates across Ghana are advised to follow established guidelines. Aligning school operations with official Ghana Education Service (GES) circulars and Ministry directives remains essential for institutional coherence and academic planning.
Key Directives for Schools and Educators:
- Administrative Alignment: School management and district directorates should cross-check official announcements before adjusting operational schedules.
- Stakeholder Transparency: Maintain active communication channels across Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), teaching staff, and student bodies.
- Continuous Oversight: Stay updated on supplementary directives issued by authorized public education authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How does this update impact academic calendars and school operations?
A: School administrators are advised to incorporate official directives into current term plans while awaiting further formal clarifications. Refer to official channels for exact timelines.
Q: Where can educators verify authentic announcements?
A: Notices can be verified through official Ministry of Education releases, GES headquarters circulars, or accredited national education portals like GhanaEducation.org.
