Adutwum’s Educational Exploits Recognised …In Los Angeles

Ghana’s former Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has received a prestigious recognition in the United States for his outstanding contributions to education, particularly in South Los Angeles.

The honour highlights his decades-long commitment to transforming the lives of underserved students through innovative and inclusive educational strategies.

Dr. Adutwum was presented with a Certificate of Recognition from U.S. Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who represents California’s 37th Congressional District.

The award was given in appreciation of his remarkable work with New Designs Charter Schools, a tuition-free public charter network he founded more than 20 years ago.

The certificate reads: “On behalf of California’s 37th Congressional District, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum for his exceptional service in education in the inner community of South Los Angeles.”

It continues: “Your unwavering commitment to New Designs Charter Schools has made a lasting impact on my congressional district.”

The presentation took place during the 2025 graduation ceremony of New Designs Charter School in Los Angeles, where the former Minister for Education was the special Guest of Honour and keynote speaker.

The event brought together students, parents, faculty members and educational stakeholders to celebrate academic excellence and achievement.

Located in the heart of urban Los Angeles, New Designs Charter Schools serve students from grades 6 to 12.

The Schools focus on career-based, college-preparatory education that equips young people with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in higher education and the modern workforce. Under Dr. Adutwum’s leadership, the institution has become a symbol of equity, innovation and opportunity.

Dr. Adutwum’s success in the United States eventually caught the attention of Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who at the time was a presidential candidate seeking to transform Ghana’s education system.

Although initially hesitant to leave his work in Los Angeles, Dr. Adutwum accepted the call and returned to Ghana to serve first as Deputy Minister and later as the substantive Minister for Education.

During his tenure in Ghana, the former Minister for Education played a pivotal role in the rollout of the government’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, a flagship initiative aimed at removing financial barriers to secondary education.

To accommodate the surge in student enrollment, he introduced the Double Track System, a policy innovation that allowed schools to run in shifts and maximize existing infrastructure.

He also championed a comprehensive national drive toward Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, along with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Several modern STEM schools were built under his watch, complete with advanced science and computer laboratories.

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum’s recognition in the U.S. reaffirms the global impact of his educational philosophy and leadership.

Whether in Ghana or abroad, his work has consistently demonstrated that quality education is a transformative tool for personal and national development. His legacy continues to inspire educators and policymakers across borders.

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