Basic education receives highest GETFund allocation in 7 years

In a significant move for the education sector, the Ghanaian Parliament has recently approved an unprecedented allocation to basic education from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), setting a new high in the fund’s distribution history.

For the year 2024, a whopping GH¢800 million has been earmarked for basic education, making up 20% of the total GETFund Formula.

This represents a substantial increase from the 12% allocated in 2023 and is nearly three times the GH¢270 million provided last year, indicating a 196% rise.

This financial boost is targeted at enhancing the infrastructural backbone of basic education in Ghana.

Specifically, GH¢370 million is allocated towards the development of new and the continuation of existing basic school projects, with GH¢270 million dedicated to these projects and an additional GH¢100 million for furnishing schools with necessary furniture.

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This development has been lauded by the Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch), a leading education think tank, which has recognized it as a monumental stride forward.

This increase in funding comes on the back of a year-long advocacy by Eduwatch, alongside its donors and partners, focused on improving basic school infrastructure and the provision of desks.

Their concerted efforts, including engagements with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education and the Minister of Education, have been instrumental in achieving this funding milestone.

Eduwatch has extended its gratitude to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education and the Minister of Education for their support in this cause.

However, the think tank continues to press for more efficient fund release mechanisms by the Ministry of Finance to ensure the timely completion of projects.

Additionally, Eduwatch is advocating for an increased allocation for desks to GH¢60 million in the 2024 GETFund formula and calls for more accountability in fund disbursement.

In an ongoing commitment to enhance basic education, Eduwatch is planning further discussions with key stakeholders, including the Ministers of Education and Finance, to ensure that the allocated funds are utilized effectively and efficiently.

This initiative is part of Eduwatch’s broader SERVE III project, aimed at strengthening education in Ghana with the support of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and in partnership with the STAR-Ghana Foundation.

This increased funding is a hopeful step toward substantially improving the quality and accessibility of basic education in Ghana, promising a brighter educational future for its young learners.

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