A monitoring report by Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) shows measurable progress in implementing Ghana's 2025 education policies. The report highlights improvements in capitation grant predictability, the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, school feeding, and menstrual hygiene support. However, it also identified systemic inefficiencies in policy execution.
The study, funded by Oxfam, found inequitable allocation of critical education inputs. This includes infrastructure financing, learning materials, school furniture, and sanitary products. Teacher deployment also shows uneven distribution across the country. Weak regulatory enforcement and institutional execution challenges further hinder progress.
This report fits into Ghana's ongoing efforts to improve its education sector and achieve better learning outcomes. Data from the Ghana Statistical Service and the Ministry of Education frequently show disparities in educational access and quality. Previous reports have highlighted the need for more efficient resource distribution. This study provides timely data on specific policy impacts as Ghana works towards its sustainable development goals.
Mr. Kofi Asare, Executive Director of Eduwatch, presented the findings. He stated that capitation grant disbursement improved significantly in 2025. Nine out of 10 monitored districts received all expected tranches on schedule. However, disparities in disbursement persisted in Ga West.
The School Feeding Programme saw improved coverage and better food quality in several districts. Delays in supplies and inadequate financing still impact its effectiveness. The Free Sanitary Pads Programme positively affected girls' school attendance. Yet, the quality and quantity of distribution varied across districts.
School infrastructure expanded under the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) in 2025. Seventeen new basic school construction projects began. Still, project distribution remained uneven between deprived and urban districts. School furniture provision remains a significant concern, with seven of 10 districts receiving no new desks in 2025. This occurred even with an estimated GHS 600 million allocated for furniture.
Textbook distribution continues to be inadequate and inequitable. Many basic schools lack sufficient core subject textbooks, six years after a new curriculum launched. On teacher deployment, Mr. Asare clarified that the issue is not a shortage of teachers. Instead, it is an uneven distribution of existing teachers. He noted, "The core problem of leaving tens of thousands of classrooms without teachers is primarily about where teachers are posted, not how many teachers exist."
The report also found that financing for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains critically low. This shortfall hinders Ghana's industrialisation and youth employment ambitions. Rising examination malpractice is another growing concern for education quality. WASSCE malpractice increased from 10 per cent in 2024 to 14.8 per cent in 2025. Nearly all cases involved examination room collusion.
Free SHS transition efficiency declined sharply in 2025. This was due to growing infrastructure and placement constraints. Funding for the programme has become more sustainable under the amended GETFund framework. However, increasing diversion of funds to recurrent expenditure threatens long-term infrastructure expansion.
The findings imply that decision-makers must balance policy implementation successes with addressing persistent inequities. A coordinated and holistic approach is vital to improve learning outcomes nationwide. Stakeholders will watch how the government and Ministry of Education respond to these specific challenges. Focused interventions are needed to ensure equitable access and quality in Ghana's education system.