Ghana’s government will spend GHS 2.8 billion on secondary education infrastructure. This funding comes from the US$300 million STARR-J facility. The investment aims to expand access to secondary education across the country.
This significant allocation addresses the growing demand for secondary school places. The Ministry of Education will use other parts of the STARR-J facility for quality assurance and textbooks. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has directed his team to ensure transparent and competitive procurement processes for all projects.
This investment fits into Ghana’s broader efforts to improve its educational system. The government has faced pressure to enhance both access and quality at all levels. Previous initiatives like the Free Senior High School policy have increased enrollment. However, concerns remain about the foundational skills of students entering secondary education.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu highlighted the importance of basic education. He stated that greater attention and investment must go into foundational learning. He specifically mentioned literacy and numeracy as critical areas for improvement. Mr. Iddrisu made these remarks at the Ghana and Regional Foundational Learning Evidence and Implementation Support Day.
Mr. Iddrisu stressed that foundational learning is key to any successful educational system. He believes education outcomes should reflect students' acquired competencies. This is more important than just providing physical infrastructure. He cited an Auditor General’s report revealing significant deficiencies in basic school facilities.
The report indicated that about 10,700 public basic schools in 13 regions lack classrooms. These schools serve over 3 million pupils. This situation demands an urgent government response. Ghana’s Constitution guarantees free, compulsory, and universal basic education. The Minister questioned the focus on free secondary education when basic education still faces such challenges.
Mr. Iddrisu also emphasized evidence-based policy and resource allocation. He referenced the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP). This project used evidence to identify approximately 10,579 low-performing basic schools. GALOP then directed additional resources and technical support to these schools.
The Minister announced a revised curriculum for kindergarten to Primary Six. This curriculum will strengthen digital and technical skills. It will introduce robotics, coding, electronics, and artificial intelligence. These subjects will become part of foundational learning. The Ghana Education Service is reviewing the curriculum before presenting it to Cabinet for policy guidance. This comprehensive approach seeks to prepare students for a modern economy. The government's dual focus on secondary infrastructure and basic learning reflects a strategic shift. It aims to build a stronger educational foundation for Ghana's future workforce. The GHS 2.8 billion investment signals a clear commitment to educational development.