EDUCATION MINISTER ANNOUNCES INCREASED INVESTMENT IN BASIC SCHOOLS

Ghana’s newly appointed Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has unveiled a bold and comprehensive agenda aimed at revamping the country’s basic education system. Speaking at various engagements, the Minister emphasized the urgent need to address infrastructure deficits and improve teaching and learning conditions, especially in underserved communities.

Key Highlights of the Minister’s Plan:

1. Uncapping the GETFund to Finance Infrastructure Development
Minister Iddrisu revealed that the government intends to uncap the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), a move that could nearly double available resources from GHS 3.2 billion to approximately GHS 7.9 billion. This expanded funding will be directed towards building new schools, renovating existing structures, and providing essential learning materials across the country.

2. Tackling the 'Schools Under Trees' Crisis
In a candid admission, the Minister noted that around 5,000 basic schools across Ghana are still operating under trees and in makeshift structures. To address this, the government plans to invest heavily in building permanent classroom facilities, prioritizing the most affected rural areas.

3. Creating an Emergency Fund for Disaster-Struck Schools
In light of recent disasters, including a fire at Labone Senior High School, Haruna Iddrisu called for the establishment of an emergency education fund. This fund would allow for rapid response and reconstruction efforts when schools are damaged by events such as fires, floods, or storms.

4. Incentives for Teachers in Rural Areas
Recognizing the difficulty of staffing schools in remote regions, the Education Ministry is preparing to roll out a 20% allowance for teachers who accept postings in rural areas. This incentive aims to attract skilled educators to where they are most needed and improve the quality of education in those communities.

5. Expanding Access to STEM Education
To prepare students for a rapidly evolving, tech-driven global economy, the government plans to establish at least one model STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) school in each of Ghana’s 16 regions. These schools will cater to students from kindergarten through senior high school, offering modern curricula and facilities to nurture innovation and critical thinking.

These initiatives form part of the government’s broader effort to ensure that every child in Ghana, regardless of location or background, has access to a quality education in a safe and supportive environment. Minister Iddrisu’s plans signal a new era of reform and investment in Ghana’s education sector.