Foundations For The Future

Dear Lead For Ghana Community,

Welcome to this week’s edition of Briefings From Lead For Ghana, brought to you by ECOM. Here’s what to expect:

1. National Integrity Writing Competition: Forum Recap & Appreciation

2. School Spotlight: Denyase D/A Primary School: Building Foundations, Unlocking Potential

3. Alumni Spotlight: Isaac Ayibor - Service to Impact

4. Education News in Africa: A new Ghanaian digital platform, SLOAS and RASS, has been launched to improve data-driven monitoring of basic school outcomes, while a continental review shows most African countries are still falling short of agreed education funding commitments despite education ranking among citizens’ top priorities

National Integrity Writing Competition: Forum Recap & Appreciation

The National Integrity Forum 2026, an initiative by The Leadership Network, brought together students, educators, alumni, civic leaders, and partners to celebrate the National Integrity Writing Competition. The competition was created to inspire young people to reflect on the theme “Cheating In School, Corruption In Society; The Cost Of Lost Integrity,” encouraging them to explore how dishonesty and lost values shaped communities, relationships, and personal growth. Through essays, short stories, and poems, participants examined ethical behavior and its consequences. Held at the ALX Auditorium, the forum celebrated outstanding entries and acknowledged team members whose contributions strengthened its impact.

The Leadership Network extends its deep appreciation to the partners, supporters, and donors, MEST Africa, National Commission for Civic Education, Crusaders Against Corruption Ghana, Blow Group of Companies, The SEHP, and ALX Ghana, whose commitment made this initiative possible.

Special appreciation also goes to the speakers: Mr. Daniel Dotse (CEO, Lead For Ghana), Mr. Michael Ohene-Effah (Co-Founder, LeadAfrique International), Mr. Emmanuel Wilson Jnr (Chief Crusader, Crusaders Against Corruption Ghana), Senyo Tettegah (Country Lead, Luminos Fund), Lolo Amevinya (Associate Manager, Lead For Ghana) and Sharp Owusu (Civic Education Officer, NCCE), whose insights and practical solutions enriched the dialogue on addressing corruption in schools.

School Spotlight: Denyase D/A Primary School - Building Foundations, Unlocking Potential

A School Rooted in Community and Resilience

Denyase D/A Primary School has grown from humble beginnings in 1962, when just eight pupils attended lessons under the leadership of Headteacher Mr. G.E. Gyau, to a thriving institution serving over 200 students from Denyase and neighboring communities such as Yaayaano, Yaayaasu, Oseikrom, Kokokrom, Koduakrom, Brahabebumi, Acheampongkrom, Kansha, Policekrom, Ohenaku, and Maaboa. The school’s journey has been defined by resilience: from teaching under a cocoa shed to receiving its first major infrastructure boost in 2007 with a three-unit classroom block (now the JHS block) and a six-unit classroom block in 2014 for the primary section. Under the current leadership of Mr. Daniel Asamoah Boateng, Denyase D/A Primary serves as an educational hub for a predominantly cocoa-farming community.

Despite these advancements, the school faces significant challenges. Academically, many learners struggle with foundational literacy and numeracy. Structurally, the primary classrooms have not been renovated since 2014, with potholes in classroom floors and tent-like conditions that make learning uncomfortable. The students come from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, requiring tailored teaching strategies, while the rural setting limits access to modern educational tools and technology, widening the learning gap.

Chrisantus Sangna: Transforming Basic Three

Chrisantus Sangna, a class tutor for Basic Three, stepped into a classroom where students struggled to identify letters, sounds, and numbers, despite being able to recite them. Recognizing that limited resources and varying abilities could hinder progress, Chrisantus introduced activity-based learning, incorporating visuals, videos, pictures, and group exercises to make lessons interactive and accessible. By differentiating instruction for individual learners and conducting home visits, he ensured that students received both academic and emotional support.

One memorable moment came when a student who previously could not identify numbers confidently solved a math problem on the board after a fun, activity-based lesson. The class erupted in cheers, and the student’s beaming smile was a testament to the impact of tailored teaching. These strategies not only improved academic outcomes but also strengthened the sense of community among learners and parents. For Chrisantus, this journey has reinforced the importance of adaptability, creativity, and empathy, shaping his personal leadership while unlocking each child’s potential.

Richmond Ntasen Mensah: Building Confidence from the Ground Up

Richmond Ntasen Mensah, teaching Basic One, encountered learners who could recite the English alphabet and count numbers from one to twenty but could neither write them nor identify them visually. High absenteeism compounded the challenge. Richmond began by focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy, creating a classroom environment conducive to self-expression. This safe and supportive setting enabled learners to articulate their understanding of lessons, building both confidence and competence.

Over time, about 75% of his students can now blend and read decodable words and some sight words, while the remaining learners continue to progress at an adaptable pace. Richmond credits the program with enhancing his tolerance and inclusive mindset, reinforcing his belief that today’s foundational efforts are shaping tomorrow’s leaders. He sees a future filled with confident, academically successful learners ready to excel in upper primary and beyond.

Lilian Tetteh: Nurturing Potential in Basic Two

Lilian Tetteh, responsible for Basic Two and six subjects including Literacy, Numeracy, Science, R.M.E., History, and Creative Arts, describes her learners as intellectually gifted, despite the challenges posed by under-resourced classrooms and inconsistent staff engagement. Initially, her pupils struggled to identify letters, write numbers, or form simple sentences.

To address these gaps, Lilian dedicated an entire term to teaching letters, their sounds, numbers, and their representations. She also incorporated rhymes and poems to strengthen spoken English and diction, creating a lively, engaging classroom culture. One notable impact has been the adoption of her teaching approach by fellow staff, with other teachers now beginning lessons with songs and recitations. The experience has tested her patience and strengthened her resilience, reinforcing her ability to guide and nurture students effectively.

Like Chrisantus and Richmond, Lilian is also committed to completing the school canteen, an initiative aimed at improving student welfare. Her hope for the school stems from witnessing her pupils’ eagerness to learn and their determination to develop themselves, proving that with the right support, these children can achieve remarkable success.

Looking Ahead: Foundations for the Future

Together, Chrisantus Sangna, Richmond Ntasen Mensah, and Lilian Tetteh are tackling the multifaceted challenges of Denyase D/A Primary with patience and dedication. From building foundational literacy and numeracy skills to fostering self-confidence and completing key infrastructure projects, they are shaping a school culture that values both academic excellence and personal growth.

Despite structural limitations, absenteeism, and resource constraints, Denyase D/A Primary stands as a beacon of possibility and community-driven education. Each small victory, be it a student identifying a letter, reading a word, or confidently solving a problem, is proof of what is achievable when Associates, students, and parents collaborate. With these foundations, the school is poised for a future where learners are not just academically competent, but confident, resilient, and ready to lead.

Alumni Spotlight: Isaac Ayibor - Service to Impact

Isaac’s path into the development sector began long before he entered the classroom. A graduate of the University of Professional Studies with a degree in Business Administration, he discovered the Lead For Ghana fellowship online and applied in 2018. Although initially unsuccessful, he reapplied the following year and joined the 2020 cohort as a Mathematics Teaching Fellow at Bonwire M/A JHS. The fellowship offered the clarity he needed: a clear path into international development and a deeper understanding of the sharp disparities between Ghana’s urban and rural educational realities.

During his fellowship, Isaac became known for his problem-solving ability, creativity, and deep attentiveness to community needs. It was this awareness that birthed his capstone project, the Book Bank. After observing that many parents could not afford exercise books for their children, he mobilized resources to establish the first book bank in Bonwire. That initiative supported over 500 learners with more than 6,000 exercise books, setting the foundation for what would become a multi-school impact project.

Isaac credits the fellowship with shaping the leader he has become. One grounded in empathy, strategic communication, and community engagement. His experience working closely with teachers and learners gave him the contextual understanding he now draws upon when designing programs, coordinating with stakeholders, and communicating with funders. This foundation also opened doors to leadership roles in other education-focused organizations, affirming his growing expertise in the development space. Today, Isaac serves as the Communication & Digital Skills Manager at EduSpots.

Looking ahead, Isaac’s vision is ambitious yet deeply rooted in the needs of underserved communities. He hopes to drive digital transformation across Ghana’s educational system by designing interventions that upskill teachers and equip learners with the digital tools required to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. His goal: to narrow the digital divide and ensure that children, regardless of geography, are equipped for the future of work.

When offering advice to current Associates, Isaac is warm, honest, and reflective: “Lead with service and think beyond yourself.The fellowship may not be your final destination, but it can reveal the path to where you are truly meant to go.”

Education News In Africa

Africa: Education funding in Africa falls short of continental targets

In 2015, all 54 African countries committed to raising education spending to at least 4 to 6 percent of GDP and/or 15 to 20 percent of total public expenditure, in line with international pledges tied to the Sustainable Development Goals. Most, however, have fallen short of that target, even as education emerges as one of citizens’ top concerns across the continent. Education now ranks among citizens' top priorities in Africa, though governments' performance in the sector remains mixed, according to a pan-African profile report from Afrobarometer published on January 22, 2026. The sector ranks third among the priorities cited by Africans, just after employment and health, based on a survey conducted in 2024/2025. (Source: IPPMedia)

Ghana: New digital platform targets improved monitoring of basic school outcomes

Keep Premium Solutions (KPS), a Ghanaian tech developer, has outdoored a purpose-built, cloud-based educational management and analytics platform designed specifically for the education sector to support data-driven decision-making across the country. The   software, known as the Schools’ Learning Outcome Analysis System (SLOAS) and the Regional Accountability System  Software (RASS), is tailored for use at both the Ghana Education Service (GES) school and administrative levels. Speaking at a day’s stakeholder online adoption forum, David Holy Mensah-Aidams, Board Chairman of KPS, said educational managers, including Directors, continued to face significant challenges in collecting, analysing and using data effectively. (Source: Citinewsroom)

Announcement

Connect With Us
For all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes scoops that don’t always make it into our newsletter, be sure to follow us on our social media platforms. By connecting with us, you'll receive regular updates, gain insights into our initiatives, and get a closer look at the impact we're making. Plus, it’s a great way to engage with our community and share your thoughts and ideas. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, WhatsApp Channel, and LinkedIn to ensure you never miss out on any of the action!

Join The Movement

The work we do is made possible by generous donations and grants from well-wishers and individuals who strongly want to see Ghana and Africa thrive. For us to continue the work we do and expand educational opportunities to all children in Ghana, we are counting on you to support our work by becoming a donor to our cause. Thank you so much, and we look forward to you joining our donor community.

About Lead For Ghana:
Lead For Ghana is a movement of solution-driven leaders expanding educational opportunities to all children in Ghana. We are a Ghanaian not-for-profit organization with a firm conviction that education is the most powerful solution to all societal problems and the medium to provide equal opportunities. So we commit people, funds, and ideas to ensure that all children in Ghana can attain an excellent education.

_____________________