The Government of Ghana has launched a new initiative under the amended Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Act, committing GHS 4.2 billion towards supporting learners with special educational needs. This dedicated financial support will directly address feeding costs for students in public special schools and integrated schools across the country.
Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, announced this initiative on July 2, 2026. He described it as a critical step towards strengthening inclusive education and ensuring equitable access to quality learning opportunities. The minister highlighted the government's resolve to remove financial barriers that often hinder education for children with disabilities.
This initiative builds upon recent amendments to the GETFund Act, originally designed to secure consistent funding for the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme. The amendment ensures uninterrupted funding for academic activities and addresses persistent challenges related to delayed feeding grant releases. By expanding the act's scope, the government now directly addresses the specific financial needs of vulnerable learners, acknowledging the importance of inclusive education within its broader educational strategy.
Mr. Iddrisu stated that the government has specifically broadened the amended legislation to include targeted interventions. These interventions directly benefit learners with special educational needs. He stressed that access to education must not be determined by physical ability or socio-economic background, advocating for equal opportunities for every child.
The Minister explained that the new funding arrangement will eliminate the uncertainty surrounding meal provisions in these institutions. Previously, delays in fund releases often disrupted school operations. Heads of public special and integrated schools will no longer need to await government warrants before providing meals to students. This ensures uninterrupted nutritional support throughout the academic year for these learners.
This intervention is part of larger governmental efforts aimed at improving educational outcomes for children with special needs. It also promotes equality, dignity, and social inclusion. The amended GETFund Act, with its expanded focus, remains central to the government's strategy for the long-term sustainability of the Free SHS program. Free SHS continues to be one of Ghana's flagship education policies.
The commitment of GHS 4.2 billion for this initiative underscores a significant financial investment in inclusive education. This move reflects the government's dedication to supporting all learners. It also signals a more streamlined approach to funding essential services within the education sector.
Education officials and school administrators will closely monitor the implementation of this new funding mechanism. Its success will depend on timely disbursements and effective oversight. The move is expected to alleviate financial burdens on special schools and improve the overall learning environment for thousands of students. Decision-makers will observe how this dedicated funding impacts educational outcomes and attendance rates in the coming academic year.