The Ministry of Education wants GH¢300 million from the Ministry of Finance. The money will expand infrastructure in Category A senior high schools. The move aims to ease pressure on the country’s most sought-after institutions.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu made the request at the opening of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)’s 22nd Biennial Congress in Aburi. He said the funds would appear in the 2026 Budget Statement.
“Every parent wants their child in the best schools. But are we investing enough to expand the infrastructure of Category A schools?” Mr. Iddrisu asked.
He listed Achimota School, Wesley Girls’ SHS, Mfantsipim School, Adisadel College, Presbyterian Boys’ SHS, and Tamale SHS.
He said these schools already have strong foundations. However, they need more classrooms, dormitories and teachers to admit more students.
“With an extra GH¢300 million, many of these schools can double their intake,” he added.
Category A schools need stronger infrastructure investment
Mr. Iddrisu stressed that investment should not only focus on elite schools. He promised between GH¢500 million and GH¢1 billion for other schools nationwide. The goal, he said, is fairness and access for all students.
“Government must invest across the country. We need equity and quality in education,” he said.
The minister also announced plans for a Scholarship and Bursaries Authority. The body will manage scholarships and bursaries fairly.
He said it would strengthen Ghana’s “No-Fee Stress” program, which helps first-year tertiary students who face financial challenges.
Recruitment and funding for higher education
The minister said Ghana’s education sector needs 93,000 new recruits. The vacancies include roles in higher learning institutions, commissions and the Ghana Education Service. He is seeking clearance from the Ministry of Finance to fill them.
He also confirmed GH¢610 million for the Book and Research Allowance, up almost 50 percent from last year’s GH¢408 million. “We will honor the allowance,” he said.
A $5 million National Research Fund has also been set up. In addition, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) will allocate GH¢5 million every two years to the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences.
At the congress, experts also discussed the future of education. Dr. Collins Yeboah Afari of the Kofi Annan Centre said artificial intelligence can help personalize learning. Prof. Joshua Abor of the University of Ghana Business School called for eco-friendly university projects.
University of Ghana Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Amfo confirmed that research allowances had already been processed.
Prof. Ahmed Jinapor of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission urged lecturers to embrace their roles as “architects of Ghana’s future.”
