Ghana’s government will allocate GHS 100 million annually to special needs education, starting from 2027. Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, directed the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to make this yearly allocation. This significant financial commitment aims to transform support for students with disabilities across the country.
This initiative will directly benefit more than 9,000 learners in special and integrated schools. The new funding also targets strengthening inclusive education and improving educational conditions for children with disabilities. It responds to persistent challenges, including delays in feeding grant disbursements that have plagued special education.
This decision aligns with Ghana’s broader commitment to educational equity and human capital development. The enhanced funding addresses historical deficiencies in special education financing. Ghana aims to ensure all children, regardless of ability, access quality education. Data has consistently highlighted funding gaps and administrative delays in this critical sector.
Minister Iddrisu announced these measures in Accra during a meeting with leaders from 39 special and integrated schools. He stated that the era of schools constantly appealing for resources to feed students must end. This statement underscores the government’s resolve to ensure timely fund disbursement for feeding programmes.
In addition to the annual allocation, the government has immediately increased the feeding grant for learners in special schools to GHS 15 per learner. It has also earmarked GHS 40 million for the procurement of assistive devices. These devices will enhance teaching and learning by improving access to educational resources for students with special needs. This comprehensive approach signals a new chapter for special needs education within the country’s public finance framework.
These actions are expected to improve academic performance and personal development for children with disabilities. The consistent allocation of funds from GETFund provides a stable and predictable financing mechanism. This shift moves away from a reliance on ad-hoc or often delayed disbursements. Decision-makers and market observers will monitor the effective implementation and impact of these new financial commitments. The successful deployment of funds and devices will be crucial for the initiative's long-term success.