The Ghana Education Service (GES) has released an Academic Intervention Fund to schools across Ghana. This fund includes detailed guidelines to ensure fair and transparent distribution among teaching, non-teaching, and management staff.
GES issued a directive on Monday, June 8, stating that funds will soon transfer to beneficiary schools. The amount each institution receives will vary. School authorities must strictly follow prescribed distribution ratios. These ratios aim to promote equity and recognise all staff contributions in the education sector.
This initiative fits into Ghana's broader public finance management strategy for education. Government expenditure on education remains a significant part of the national budget. Providing these intervention funds directly addresses resource allocation within schools. It also supports staff welfare, which is crucial for educational outcomes.
The guidelines specify how funds are shared based on school type. For day schools, management staff get 5% of the funds. Teaching staff receive 75%, and non-teaching staff get 20%. In boarding schools, management personnel also receive 5%. However, teaching staff receive 70%, with non-teaching staff getting the remaining 25%. This structure acknowledges the extra duties of non-teaching personnel in boarding institutions.
GES clarified that management staff includes heads of schools, assistant heads, senior housemasters, housemistresses, and accountants. This clarification helps ensure consistent implementation across all schools. The directive also requires special attention for kitchen staff during distribution. This acknowledges their vital role, especially in boarding schools, where they support student welfare directly.
To prevent abuse and ensure fairness, GES directs that no employee can benefit under more than one category. Staff members must receive funds under a single classification. School authorities should consult the Acting Chief Accountant at GES Headquarters for guidance on any perceived inequities. This ensures fairness among staff members.
Every Cost Centre Manager must establish a committee to oversee the distribution process. This committee will determine how the allocated amount is shared. It will also document the exact sums assigned to each individual. Schools must submit proposed distribution schedules to the Director-General of GES before fund transfers. This process promotes transparency and accountability in fund usage.
This release of funds and the strict guidelines will impact staff morale and school operations. It will influence how schools manage their finances and allocate resources for academic support. Decision-makers and the public will watch how effectively these funds improve educational standards and staff well-being. The precise allocation structure aims to address long-standing concerns about equitable compensation for school staff.