The President of the Old Achimotan Association (OAA), Joel Edmund Nettey, has urged the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Ministry of Education to implement clear incentives for individuals and organizations investing in public schools. This appeal comes as Ghana faces a growing infrastructure deficit in its education system. Mr. Nettey believes that goodwill alone is insufficient to sustain the necessary level of investment.
This call was made during a sod-cutting ceremony for a 250-bed dormitory block at Achimota School. The facility is a donation from alumnus Ebenezer Saka Addo-Mensah, in partnership with GETFund's new Education Financing and Partnership Initiative (EFPI). Mr. Nettey highlighted that alumni frequently question the tangible benefits of contributing beyond their emotional attachment to their alma mater. He argued that formal benefits, such as tax rebates or discounts, would significantly boost contributions to public education.
Ghana's public education system has long struggled with inadequate infrastructure, a challenge exacerbated by rising student enrolment. For instance, Achimota School's student population surged from approximately 2,000 in 2018 to over 4,900 currently. This rapid growth places immense pressure on existing dormitories, classrooms, and laboratories. The proposed incentives aim to create a sustainable funding model, reducing the burden on public finances and accelerating infrastructure development across the country.
Paul Adjei, the GETFund Administrator, confirmed the Fund's support for such measures. He stated that GETFund is actively considering ways to reward private investment in education. Mr. Adjei appealed to the Ministry of Education for policy support to facilitate these incentives. He described the EFPI as a strategic platform designed to mobilize additional resources and attract greater private-sector participation in education funding.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu commended GETFund's new approach to education financing. He subsequently directed GETFund to allocate a minimum of US$250 million in its 2027 formula for infrastructure intervention in Category 'A' schools. This allocation will support the expansion of classrooms, dormitories, and laboratories. The government also anticipates receiving up to US$300 million in World Bank funding to further expand access to education. This funding will establish 10 new senior high and technical/vocational schools, four model district schools, rehabilitate 150 schools, and upgrade 50 existing schools.
The implications of these proposed incentives are significant for Ghana's educational landscape. A formal framework for tax rebates or other recognized benefits could unlock substantial private capital. This would complement government efforts to address the infrastructure gap, which is critical for improving educational outcomes and ensuring access for all students. Decision-makers will need to carefully design these incentives to ensure transparency and effectiveness, encouraging sustained philanthropic engagement.
The success of this initiative hinges on strong collaboration between government agencies, alumni associations, and the private sector. The OAA believes this partnership is crucial for closing the infrastructure gap in second-cycle institutions. The proposed policy changes could set a precedent for other sectors seeking private investment to bolster public services. This strategic shift towards incentivizing private contributions marks a pivotal moment for Ghana's education financing model.
Ebenezer Saka Addo-Mensah, the donor of the new dormitory block, urged other well-resourced Ghanaians to support public institutions. He emphasized the benefits gained through such initiatives. Professor Emeritus Ernest Aryeetey, Board Chair of Achimota School, echoed this sentiment, challenging Ghanaians to emulate Mr. Addo-Mensah's gesture. The increased enrolment across public schools underscores the urgent need for these collaborative funding approaches.