The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) will allocate GHS 250 million this year to expand infrastructure in Category A senior high schools. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu confirmed this directive, aiming to bolster facilities in the nation's most sought-after institutions. This significant investment addresses growing capacity challenges within Ghana's education system.
This substantial allocation directly responds to the sharp rise in student numbers under the government's Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme. The increased enrolment has placed immense pressure on Category A schools, leading to difficulties in accommodating all qualified students. The funds will specifically target the expansion of classrooms and dormitories in these high-demand schools.
This investment forms part of the government's broader strategy to manage the strain on educational infrastructure, a critical component of Ghana's human capital development. The Free SHS policy, while expanding access, has highlighted existing infrastructure deficits across the secondary education landscape. This targeted funding aims to alleviate immediate bottlenecks in the most popular schools, which often serve as benchmarks for academic excellence.
Minister Iddrisu stated, “I requested, and I had a discussion with the administrator of GETFund, that he should make an allocation of 250 million this year.” He further explained that this funding would allow for the expansion of facilities in Category A schools, while other infrastructure needs would be addressed through a separate World Bank-funded programme. This dual approach signals a concerted effort to tackle educational infrastructure challenges.
The immediate implication of this funding is the potential for increased intake capacity at schools like Achimota School, Wesley Girls' High School, Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School (PRESEC), and Prempeh College. Decision-makers will closely monitor the implementation of these projects and their impact on future Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) exercises. This move also signals the government's commitment to supporting the Free SHS programme's long-term sustainability.
The minister's announcement comes amid widespread concerns regarding the ability of some Category A schools to accommodate the influx of students. These pressures have contributed to the challenges faced by students and parents during the annual school placement process. The demand for places in these elite institutions consistently far exceeds available capacity, creating significant competition.
Beyond this immediate intervention, Minister Iddrisu also defended the government's strategy to increase investment in community-based secondary education. He noted President John Mahama directed him to pursue the construction of model community day schools in selected areas. This initiative aims to decentralise access to quality secondary education and reduce over-reliance on traditional boarding schools.
The minister cited plans for a model community day school in Nima, Ayawaso, as an example of this broader strategy. This project will form part of a larger infrastructure plan, with President Mahama expected to cut the sod for a $300 million project once procurement processes conclude. These long-term investments aim to create a more equitable distribution of educational opportunities across the country.
Mr. Iddrisu also highlighted the need for Ghana to reconsider resource distribution across the entire education sector. He suggested that Ghana spends too much on secondary education at the expense of foundational learning at the basic level. He advocated for directing more resources towards literacy and numeracy at the primary school level, which he believes is crucial for long-term educational success.
Despite these broader concerns, the government continues to invest significantly in basic education programmes. The school feeding programme, for instance, currently costs the government about GHS 3.4 billion annually. This programme aims to improve nutrition and attendance at the pre-senior high school level, demonstrating ongoing commitment to foundational education.