Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Minister for Education under the immediate past Akufo-Addo administration, has been recognized in the United States for his remarkable contributions to education in South Los Angeles.
The honour was bestowed on him on Wednesday, 11th June, 2025.
A distinguished Ghanaian educationist, Dr. Adutwum received a Certificate of Recognition from U.S. Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California’s 37th Congressional District, commending his decades-long service and dedication to improving educational opportunities for underserved communities.
The certificate reads in part: “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 states, “Your unwavering commitment to New Designs Charter Schools has made a lasting impact on my congressional district.”
The certificate of recognition was presented to Dr. Adutwum during the graduation ceremony of the 2025 graduating class of New Designs Charter School in Los Angeles.
He was the special guest of honour and keynote speaker at the event, which brought together students, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to celebrate the academic achievements of the graduating class.
Dr. Adutwum is the founder of New Designs Charter Schools, a tuition-free public charter school network established over 20 years ago to serve students in grades 6 through 12.
Located in the heart of urban Los Angeles, the school offers a career-based, college-preparatory curriculum that has transformed the academic journeys of thousands of students from underserved communities.
Under his leadership, New Designs Charter Schools have grown into a thriving educational model focused on equity, innovation, and excellence.
The recognition by Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove serves as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of his vision and leadership in American education.
It was this same passion and proven success in educational reform that caught the attention of then-candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who later invited Dr. Adutwum to contribute to the transformation of Ghana’s education sector.
Initially hesitant, Dr. Adutwum eventually accepted the call to serve, first as Deputy Minister for Education, and later as the substantive Minister.
During his tenure in Ghana, Dr. Adutwum was instrumental in the successful implementation of the Free Senior High School Policy, one of the flagship initiatives of the Akufo-Addo administration.
He is widely credited with introducing the Double Track System, a strategic innovation that allowed Ghana’s education system to accommodate the significant increase in student enrollment brought about by the policy.
As Minister, Dr. Adutwum championed a bold and ambitious agenda to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Under his leadership, several new STEM schools equipped with cutting-edge science and computer laboratories were established across the country.
These institutions are designed to prepare Ghanaian students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, positioning them for success in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Dr. Adutwum’s legacy in both the United States and Ghana underscores his enduring belief in education as a powerful tool for social mobility and national development.
His recognition in the U.S. reaffirms the global relevance of his work and the far-reaching impact of his dedication to educational transformation.
