GHc31 billion approved by parliament for Ministry of Education

The Parliament of Ghana has approved GHS31 billion as a budget allocation for the Ministry of Education for the year 2025.

The government, through the Ministry of Education, is set to roll out its “No Fee Stress” initiative for first-year tertiary students in public institutions. This move is part of the government’s commitment to enhance access to higher education and alleviate financial barriers for new students. By covering tuition fees, the initiative will provide greater opportunities for those seeking to further their education.

In addition to the “No Fee Stress” program, the government will also implement free tertiary education for individuals living with disabilities. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on families and ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to higher education opportunities.

The GHc31 billion approved by parliament for the Ministry of Education will help the ministry carry out its mandate toward improving access, quskity and efficiency within the education sector for the year.

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Together, these measures reflect the government’s dedication to improving educational inclusivity and addressing the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups. By focusing on both first-year students and persons with disabilities, the initiative will contribute to a more equitable and accessible education system for all.

The Ministry also plans to construct 100 accommodation facilities for basic school teachers under the “Teacher Dabrɛ Initiative”.

During the budget presentation on March 11, 2025, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the government has allocated GH¢3.5 billion to fund the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.

He assured Ghanaians that the government remains committed to continuing with the implementation of the policy and, most importantly, improving upon it.

“The programme has increased access to secondary education for thousands of students, and this funding will ensure that no Ghanaian child is left behind,” he told Parliament.

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He assured the House that the allocation is also expected to address long-standing infrastructure deficits in our various secondary schools.

“The government recognises the infrastructure challenges and is committed to expanding facilities in heavily populated schools.

“To ensure sustainable financing for education, the government is removing the cap on GETFund, allowing more funds to flow directly into the education sector,” Dr Forson stated.