Ghana’s education sector still grapples with significant funding shortfalls despite some improvements in overall financing. The 2025 Annual Education Policy Monitoring Report, released by Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch), reveals these persistent gaps.
A major concern is the continued underfunding of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). In 2025, pre-tertiary TVET received only 2.5 per cent of the main education budget. Eduwatch stressed that this low allocation is worrying, considering TVET's vital role in driving industrialisation and creating youth employment.
This situation comes as Ghana seeks to industrialise its economy and tackle high youth unemployment rates. Robust TVET programmes are essential for equipping young people with practical skills needed by industries. The low budget allocation for TVET directly impacts the country's long-term economic development goals and workforce readiness.
The Africa Education Watch report, launched yesterday in Accra, acknowledged the government's positive strides in education financing. These improvements include enhanced Capitation Grant disbursements and the expansion of the Ghana School Feeding Programme. New basic school infrastructure projects and the Free Sanitary Pads Programme have also contributed to better access and learner participation.
The report also highlighted issues with the allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for basic education infrastructure. While the government directs District Assemblies to allocate 20 per cent of their DACF transfers to basic education, the current formula often fails high-need areas. Districts with severe infrastructure deficits receive comparatively low amounts, averaging about GHS 2 million by December 2025.
For example, areas like Zabzugu, Nabdam, Bongo, and Tatale, with high infrastructure and furniture deficits, received approximately GHS 2 million. Conversely, districts such as Adentan, La Nkwantanang Madina, Ledzokuku, and Ga East, with fewer deficits, received an average of about GHS 4 million over the same period. This allocation pattern risks increasing infrastructure inequality rather than reducing it.
Eduwatch urged the government to revise the DACF allocation formula. They propose including indicators of educational deprivation, such as classroom deficits and furniture shortages. A needs-based mechanism would ensure districts with the greatest deficits receive proportionally higher support. This change would also expedite furniture procurement for basic and secondary schools.
The report recommends a gradual increase in TVET funding to at least 6 per cent of the education budget. This increase should be supported by investments in workshops, equipment, and teacher recruitment. Work-based learning experiences are also crucial for improving TVET quality. These steps are vital for Ghana to fully leverage TVET for economic growth.
Poor ventilation and inadequate lighting in some newly constructed basic schools also caught the report’s attention. Eduwatch advises assemblies to strictly enforce the Ministry of Education’s standardised infrastructure designs. Close collaboration with District Education Offices will enhance technical oversight and ensure quality construction.
Moving forward, timely disbursement of funds and more targeted interventions will be essential. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will ensure that the current gains in education financing are sustained and expanded. Policymakers must address these identified gaps to ensure equitable and high-quality education across Ghana.