Govt Allocates Historic Education Budget Worth GH₵9.1 Billion in 50 years

The Government of Ghana has announced the largest education budget in 50 years, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening the country’s educational foundation. President John Mahama and the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, have emphasized their focus on restoring quality education at the basic level while expanding support for Free SHS and other critical interventions.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has openly welcomed this development. In their response, GES leadership stated: “It is fulfilling for us at GES to see genuine government interest in foundational learning again. As an implementing agency, we commit to ensuring every Ghanaian child receives the best early years’ education.”

Record GH₵9.1 Billion Allocation to Basic Education

For the first time in five decades, basic education has received a record GH₵9.1 billion in the 2025 national budget. This allocation, the largest in Ghana’s recent history, reflects government’s understanding of the importance of early learning.

GES noted: “Foundational learning remains the most crucial stage in every child’s education. However, in recent times, this level was almost neglected.”

GH₵564 Million for Textbook Procurement

Another landmark intervention is the GH₵564 million budget for textbooks, including GH₵415 million from GETFund. This represents the largest single investment in teaching and learning materials under the new curriculum.

GES emphasized: “This will go a long way to support learners with resources to complement classroom activities.”

Free Distribution of Sanitary Pads for Girls

To improve retention and equity, the government has launched the nationwide distribution of sanitary pads to school-going girls. Districts such as Ada West, Gushegu, Ga East, Ejura, Ga West, and Ledzokuku have already begun receiving supplies.

GES praised the initiative, noting: “Attracting and retaining our young girls in school is not a luxury, not a privilege, but a necessity. Our girls deserve equal opportunities and access to education like everyone else.”

Free SHS Secures GH₵3.5 Billion in GETFund Support

The government has also increased funding for the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, allocating GH₵3.5 billion under GETFund — the highest since the policy’s inception.

GES highlighted: “The goal to not only maintain but also improve the Free SHS policy is on course. This allocation enhances feeding and related services for students while strengthening efforts to abolish the double-track system.”

Improved SHS Feeding Programme

The budget has also led to reforms in the SHS feeding programme. According to reports from students, teachers, and parents, food quality and consistency have improved significantly.

GES reaffirmed: “We continue to solicit feedback from stakeholders as we strive to improve both feeding and teaching in our second-cycle schools.”

Barely five months into the implementation of the 2025 Education Budget, encouraging progress is already visible. The largest investment in 50 years — from basic education to textbooks, Free SHS, and girls’ education — signals government’s prioritization of education as a driver of national transformation.

As GES emphasized: “These developments reflect the continued prioritization of education as a driver of growth and social transformation. We remain committed to making education better.”

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