BACKGROUND
Education remains the backbone of the future of every nation all around the globe. Throughout the history of humanity and nations, education has been a tool for nurturing talents, shaping future and instilling the essential attributes of national pride, integrity and loyalty. It has proven to be a tool capable of placing almost every child around the world on a levelled field, positioning everyone to attain their aspirations regardless of their background. This is very important for a developing country as Ghana, striving to reduce poverty and inequality.
It is of no dispute that developed economies are educated people. Majority of countries of the world channel a chunk of their national budget to resourcing and improving education. In the past, African countries in pursuit of development have often allocated a chunk of their national budget on education. Ghana is no exception to this. In 2024 alone, Ghana allocated a 14.5% of its total budget to the education sector. In the 2026 Budget, this figure has further increased to a 16.2% forming a total of GH¢49 billion.
WHAT IS IN THE BUDGET?
With the 2026 Budget been read in Parliament and Members debating over it towards its review and approval, the budget promises to focus keenly on education in the country. An amount of GH¢33.3 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Education alone. GETFund also received a GH¢9.9 billion allocation.
These amounts will go into procuring and publishing four (4) sets of books and workbooks for about 200,000 KG learners, four (4) sets of primary textbooks for 2 million learners, and nine (9) sets of JHS 3 textbooks for 500,000 learners. To further bridge the educational infrastructure gap in the country, the Government has allocated an amount of GH¢2 billion for the construction of 200 new Junior High Schools, 200 new primary schools, 200 kindergartens, 400 number 4-unit teachers’ bungalows. These are important in the journey towards eliminating schools under trees, expanding access and replacing dilapidating schools infrastructure. To build on the successes attained by the School Feeding Programme by increasing school enrolment since its first introduction in 2005, the 2026 budget has seen an allocation of GH¢1.98 billion towards the programme. This builds up on an increment from GH¢1.78 billion in the 2025 Annual Budget. Hopefully, this increment should pave way for the expansion of the programme to cover some additional schools in dire need of the programme.
Secondary cycle institutions across the country will receive over 2 million pieces of metal mono-desks and chairs, 200 units 66-seater buses and 200 double-cabin pick-ups for distribution. Thus, further strengthening the Free Senior High School Policy in the country. 30 E-Blocks started by the Mahama government in his first term have been budgeted for to see its completion in order to expand second cycle institutions access as well as reduce overcrowding in Category A and B schools. This will also help eliminate the double-track system in SHS. The free sanitary pad to girls in basic and secondary schools was a policy introduced by the Mahama administration in his first year of his second term, 2025.
The policy sought to curb challenges of absenteeism faced by girls who struggle to afford sanitary products monthly. Many girls have had to absent themselves from school during this period, with most of them missing a week to two every month. Some have had to resort to unconventional means to afford these products every month. The Government in ensuring the continuity of this program has allocated a total sum of GH¢292 million towards this programme. This add ups to Ghana’s wins towards educating the girl-child. Again, this programme promises to strengthen gender equality in the pursuit of education in Ghana.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR GHANA?
Ghana is racing against time to fully implement the Sustainable Development Goals which expire in 2030. Education remains one of the most important goals in SGD Agenda. The Government’s commitment towards ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all is praiseworthy. However, these commitments must be guided by real-time-accurate data that serves as guidance in the allocation of resources in order to attain a holistic development and realization of goals in the educational sector.
A well-educated population is an insurance for sustainable development.
Article by
ISAAC ELI ASAMOAH
He is a Development Planning professional. He holds a Bachelor degree from KNUST in Ghana. He shares in the ideals of YAFO Institute including free market and civil liberty. He is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness and climate change mitigation interventions.
