The Ghana Education Service (GES) has hailed the government’s GH₵9.1 billion allocation to basic education in the 2025 academic year, describing it as the largest single investment in foundational learning in the past half-century.
According to GES, the allocation is not just a financial commitment but also a clear demonstration of the Mahama administration’s renewed focus on restoring quality education at the foundation level, which remains the bedrock of every child’s academic journey.
“For many years, basic education was almost neglected, despite being the most crucial stage in every child’s development. The government’s historic allocation signals a shift towards genuine prioritisation of foundational learning, and we at GES are fully committed to ensuring that every Ghanaian child receives quality early years’ education,” the Service said in a statement issued on its official social media handles.
Record-breaking budget for foundational learning
The GH₵9.1 billion allocation to basic education is the highest in 50 years and, according to GES, a reflection of the government’s recognition that no educational system can thrive if its foundation is weak.
With this funding, the Service believes schools at the kindergarten, primary, and junior high levels will be better resourced to support effective teaching and learning, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
GES emphasised that this investment comes at a time when concerns had grown about deteriorating conditions in many basic schools, ranging from inadequate classrooms to shortages of textbooks and teaching aids.
It expressed optimism that the new injection of funds would address some of these challenges.
Largest-ever investment in textbooks
GES also noted another historic intervention in the 2025 education budget — the provision of GH₵564 million for textbooks under the new curriculum.
Out of this amount, GH₵415 million will be sourced from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
“This is the largest single investment in teaching and learning materials in the country’s history,” the Service said, adding that it will significantly boost the availability of textbooks in schools, reduce teacher burden, and give learners the tools to complement classroom activities.
Free sanitary pads for schoolgirls
To address menstrual-related absenteeism, the government has also committed to the free distribution of sanitary pads to school-going girls.
GES stressed that ensuring girls have uninterrupted access to education is “not a luxury or privilege, but a necessity.”
The initiative has already begun in districts such as Ada West, Gushegu, Ga East, Ejura, Ga West, and Ledzokuku, with a nationwide rollout planned for the coming months.
Education officials believe this intervention will help improve retention, especially among adolescent girls in deprived communities.
Boost for Free Senior High School
Another significant allocation in the 2025 budget is GH₵3.5 billion earmarked for the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme under GETFund.
GES confirmed that this is the highest-ever allocation to the policy since its inception.
The funding will support student feeding and related services while also backing government’s commitment to gradually abolish the controversial double-track system, which was introduced to accommodate large student enrolments but drew concerns over its impact on quality learning.
Reports gathered from stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students, suggest noticeable improvements in school feeding following adjustments in its management.
GES indicated that it continues to welcome feedback as part of efforts to enhance both teaching and student welfare in second-cycle schools.
Transformation
Though the 2025 Education Budget was approved just five months ago, GES says there is already “encouraging evidence of appreciable progress across the sector.”
It believes the developments underscore education’s central role in driving Ghana’s growth and social transformation.
“These investments show a clear prioritisation of education as a tool for national development. GES remains committed to ensuring that these resources translate into real improvements in the classroom and in the lives of learners across the country,” the Service added.
The announcement comes on the heels of President John Mahama’s media encounter on September 10, during which he reaffirmed his administration’s determination to revitalise the education sector.
The President highlighted the budgetary allocations as part of broader reforms aimed at improving quality, access, and equity in education.
Education analysts have largely welcomed the government’s budget commitments, but some have called for transparent monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure that funds are used efficiently.
Civil society groups have also urged government to ensure that the allocations to textbooks and sanitary pad distribution are sustained beyond 2025 to avoid a situation where the gains achieved are reversed.
Meanwhile, GES has reassured stakeholders that it will continue to track progress and provide updates on how the historic budget is transforming teaching and learning outcomes.
No comment yet, add your voice below!