- Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum receives a Certificate of Recognition from U.S. Congresswoman
- His success in the U.S. led to his appointment in Ghana, where he served as Education Minister
- His legacy highlights education as a tool for both social mobility and national progress
Former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has been honored in the United States for his outstanding contributions to education, particularly in South Los Angeles.
Dr. Adutwum, a respected Ghanaian educationist, received a Certificate of Recognition from U.S. Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California’s 37th Congressional District. The award commends his decades of dedication to expanding educational opportunities for underserved communities.
The certificate states: “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 further highlights his significant impact on New Designs Charter Schools, an institution he founded over 20 years ago.
The recognition was presented during the 2025 graduation ceremony of New Designs Charter School in Los Angeles, where Dr. Adutwum served as the special guest of honor and keynote speaker. The event brought together students, parents, educators, and community members to celebrate the graduating class.
New Designs Charter Schools, established by Dr. Adutwum, are tuition-free public schools for grades 6–12, offering a college-preparatory, career-focused curriculum. Situated in urban Los Angeles, the schools have empowered thousands of students from marginalized backgrounds, fostering academic excellence and future readiness.
Under Dr. Adutwum’s leadership, the school network has become a model of innovation, equity, and achievement in U.S. urban education.
His work in Los Angeles drew the attention of then-presidential candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who later invited him to help reform Ghana’s education system. Though initially reluctant, Dr. Adutwum accepted the role—first as Deputy Minister, and later as Minister of Education.
During his tenure, he played a key role in rolling out the Free Senior High School Policy, one of the Akufo-Addo administration’s flagship programs. He is also credited with introducing the Double Track System, which significantly increased enrollment capacity across senior high schools.
Dr. Adutwum also spearheaded a major drive to enhance STEM and TVET education in Ghana. Under his leadership, several state-of-the-art STEM schools with modern laboratories were built nationwide, equipping students with the skills needed for a 21st-century economy.
His legacy, both in the U.S. and Ghana, reflects a lifelong commitment to using education as a tool for empowerment and national development. The recognition by Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove reaffirms the global impact of his vision and leadership in educational transformation.
