GES Declares January 23, 2026 as National CPD Day; Learners Given a Day Off
GES declares January 23, 2026, as National CPD Day for teachers in Ghana. Learners at basic and second cycle schools get a day off as teachers undergo cybersecurity training.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially declared Friday, January 23, 2026, as a National Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Day for teachers across Ghana.
As part of the directive, learners at both basic and second cycle institutions will have the day off, allowing teachers to fully participate in scheduled training activities.
The announcement highlights GES’s strong commitment to improving teaching quality and strengthening professionalism within the Ghanaian education system.
Why GES Introduced a National CPD Day
According to a directive signed by the Acting Deputy Director-General in charge of Quality and Access, Dr. Munawaru Issahaque, the decision is rooted in the critical role continuous professional development plays in improving teaching and learning outcomes in schools.
GES explained that modern education requires teachers to constantly update their skills, especially in areas related to technology, data protection, and digital safety.
Focus on Cybersecurity and Data Protection Training
The National CPD Day will allow teachers to take part in Phase Two of the Cybersecurity and Data Protection training programme.
This initiative is designed to equip educators with essential skills for protecting digital data and responding to emerging cybersecurity threats in schools.
With schools increasingly relying on digital platforms for teaching, assessment, and administration, GES believes training teachers in cybersecurity and data protection is no longer optional but necessary.
January 23 Declared a Holiday for Learners
“To ensure uninterrupted participation in the training exercise,” GES announced that January 23, 2026, will be observed as a holiday for learners at all basic and second cycle institutions nationwide.
This move is expected to create a peaceful and distraction-free environment, allowing teachers to focus entirely on the training without classroom responsibilities.
Nationwide Implementation and Compliance
GES has communicated the directive to all Regional Directors of Education, who have been instructed to inform Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Directors of Education, as well as heads of schools across the country.
The Service has emphasized that strict adherence to the directive is expected at every level of the education system.
Supporting Modern Teaching Practices in Ghana
GES has appealed to education managers and school leaders to cooperate fully to ensure the successful implementation of the CPD Day.
According to the Service, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernize teaching practices, improve digital literacy, and promote the responsible use of technology in schools.
Reiterating its quality assurance strategy, GES noted that continuous professional development remains a cornerstone of its vision to deliver quality education in Ghana.
The Service expressed confidence that the National CPD Day will help build a more informed, resilient, and digitally responsible teaching workforce, ultimately benefiting learners and strengthening Ghana’s education sector.
Conclusion
In declaring January 23, 2026, as National CPD Day, the Ghana Education Service has reaffirmed its commitment to building a highly skilled and digitally responsible teaching workforce.
By giving learners the day off, GES has created the space teachers need to focus fully on vital cybersecurity and data protection training.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. Why did GES declare January 23 as National CPD Day?
GES declared the day to allow teachers to participate fully in cybersecurity and data protection training without classroom distractions.
2. Will students go to school on January 23, 2026?
No. Learners at basic and second cycle institutions will have the day off.
3. Who signed the GES CPD Day directive?
The directive was signed by Dr. Munawaru Issahaque, Acting Deputy Director-General in charge of Quality and Access.
4. What training will teachers receive on CPD Day?
Teachers will undergo Phase Two of the Cybersecurity and Data Protection training programme.
5. Is compliance with the directive compulsory?
Yes. GES has stressed that strict compliance is required at all levels nationwide.
Source: quarmsmedia.com