GES to Transition Lively Minds Programme Under GALOP Harmonisation From January 2026
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced a major transition of its Lively Minds Programme following the harmonisation of all Early Childhood Education (ECE) interventions under the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP).
In a circular dated 17th November, 2025, and signed by the Director of Schools and Instructions Division, Prince C. Agyemang-Duah, Management of GES explained that the move forms part of efforts to strengthen ECE delivery nationwide and ensure efficiency, coherence and sustainability across the sub-sector.
According to the statement, the harmonisation exercise was undertaken under the GALOP–Additional Financing framework, bringing all ECE-related interventions under a single, coordinated national structure.
Transition Begins January 2026
As part of the new arrangement, the 64 districts currently implementing the GES Lively Minds Programme will formally transition into a streamlined implementation phase beginning January 2026. The transition is expected to prepare the programme for a forthcoming national scale-up and improve learning outcomes at the kindergarten level.
GES noted that a comprehensive Transition Implementation Plan has been developed and approved, outlining key activities and timelines required to successfully integrate all participating districts into the harmonised national ECE programme.
Implementation Schedule Released
To operationalise the transition, GES has released a detailed implementation schedule covering sensitisation, training and capacity-building activities.
The process will begin with a Regional Sensitisation and Preparation Workshop for District Support Team (DTST) training, scheduled to take place in Tamale. Participants include Regional ECE Coordinators and Chief Regional Inspectors of Schools, with reporting on 12th January 2026, the workshop on 13th January, and departure on 14th January 2026.
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This will be followed by DTST and Star Players Training Workshops at Regional Education Offices from 20th to 21st January 2026, after reporting on 19th January. Participants include District ECE Coordinators, Training Officers, Heads of Supervision and selected GES/Lively Minds programme team members.
The final phase involves a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme for Kindergarten teachers and Headteachers, scheduled for 28th to 29th January 2026 at circuit cluster venues across participating districts.
Participating Regions
The transition activities will be carried out in the following regions:
- Bono
- Bono East
- Northern
- North East
- Oti
- Savannah
- Upper East
- Upper West
Directives to Regional and District Directors
GES has directed Regional and District Directors of Education to formally inform all affected staff and ensure strict adherence to the timelines and activities outlined in the implementation schedule.
The Service emphasised that the successful transition of the Lively Minds Programme is critical to strengthening early childhood education delivery and achieving improved learning outcomes for children across Ghana.
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