Ghana’s education minister requests 250 million cedis to expand schools
Ghana’s Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, said he had asked the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to allocate 250 million Ghanaian cedis this year to expand the infrastructure of Category A senior high schools. According to him, this should help reduce overcrowding at the most sought-after educational institutions, where student numbers have increased under the Free SHS free senior high school programme.
As MyJoyOnline reports, Iddrisu has already discussed the matter with the GETFund administrator. The funds are planned to be used to expand facilities at Category A schools, while other infrastructure needs are to be covered by a planned programme supported by the World Bank.
Classrooms and dormitories
Among the leading senior high schools the minister mentioned in the context of expansion are Achimota School, Wesley Girls' High School, Wesley College, Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School (PRESEC), and Prempeh College. According to Iddrisu, the government intends to provide additional classrooms and student accommodation.
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He separately named Achimota School, Wesley Girls' High School, Holy Child, PRESEC, and Prempeh College while discussing the possibility of starting construction of classrooms and two dormitories — one male and one female. The minister linked the need for additional places to difficulties during the operation of the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), when demand for admission exceeds the institutions’ capacity.
Day and special schools
As a long-term solution, Iddrisu also supported investment in community-level secondary education. According to him, President John Mahama has instructed the development of model day schools in certain districts, including Nima and Ayawaso.
The minister added that after procurement procedures are completed, the president is expected to launch a $300 million project. He also reported plans to establish special education institutions in Ho and Sunyani and said that such a project is being considered for Kintampo. Iddrisu stressed that educational resources should be directed primarily towards basic education, literacy, and mathematics skills.
