The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has allocated GHS 100 million to support free education for persons with special needs across the country. This significant financial commitment aims to bolster inclusive education initiatives nationwide.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced this funding at the Government’s Accountability Series on Monday, July 20. The allocation stems from recent amendments to the GETFund Act, which now mandates specific financial support for inclusive education. These amendments also dedicate funding for the feeding component of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) programme.
This development aligns with Ghana's broader commitment to equitable education, a key pillar of its human capital development strategy. The government has consistently emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities for all citizens, including those with disabilities. This funding addresses a long-standing need for dedicated resources in special education, reflecting a policy shift towards more direct financial interventions.
Minister Iddrisu explained that the GETFund Amendment Act specifically introduced provisions for annual support for free education for persons with special needs. He stated, “When the GETFund Amendment Act was presented before Parliament, it was to amend the GETFund Act. One was to dedicate the financing of Free Senior High School feeding to GETFund. The second was also to dedicate fees for persons with disabilities to GETFund.” This legislative change underscores a deliberate effort to institutionalize support for this vulnerable group.
Looking ahead, this allocation is expected to significantly improve educational outcomes for students with special needs. The funds will facilitate the procurement of essential assistive devices for learners with difficulties, a critical step towards creating accessible learning environments. Decision-makers will monitor the effective deployment of these resources and their impact on student enrollment and academic performance in special education institutions.
Beyond direct financial aid, the government is preparing to undertake crucial rehabilitation works at key special education institutions. These include the School for the Blind in Akropong and the School for the Deaf in Savelugu. Another special needs school in the Upper West Region will also benefit from these infrastructure upgrades. These improvements are vital for providing conducive learning environments.
The initiative also includes a substantial increase in feeding grants for students with special needs. These grants have risen from GHS 8 to GHS 15, providing much-needed relief for families and institutions. This increase directly addresses the daily welfare of students, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition to support their learning.
Furthermore, the government is actively working to enhance learning materials and curricula for learners with disabilities. This includes developing a Mathematics curriculum specifically for learners with visual impairment. A standardized sign language curriculum for hearing-impaired learners is also under development. These curriculum reforms aim to tailor educational content to meet diverse learning needs effectively.
Minister Iddrisu reiterated the government’s commitment to building an education system that offers equal opportunities for all learners. He emphasized that these measures demonstrate a clear pledge to promote inclusive and equitable education across Ghana. The success of this initiative will depend on robust implementation and continuous evaluation of its impact on beneficiaries.