Skip to main content

Gov’t uncaps GETFund, increases funding for Free SHS

 During the presentation of the 2025 Budget Statement and economic policy in Parliament on Tuesday, March 11, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the government is uncapping the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to ensure sustainable funding for free secondary education.

This move aims to address long-standing concerns about the quality and financial sustainability of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

Dr. Ato Forson emphasised that President John Mahama's administration had taken decisive action to resolve the funding challenges that have affected the Free SHS programme since its inception.

By removing the cap on GETFund, the government has secured a dedicated financial source to fully support secondary education and other critical educational initiatives.

Mr Speaker, the overarching concern about free secondary education has been its quality and the absence of a dedicated source of funding. H.E President John Mahama has resolved the funding challenge by uncapping the GETFund. This makes available dedicated funds for the full financing of free secondary education and free tertiary education for Persons with Disability (PWDs),” he stated.

"Mr Speaker, this year the budget for the free secondary education programme is GH¢3.5 billion.
By uncapping the GETFund, we will be making available an additional GH¢4.1 billion to the GETFund, specifically for the financing of the free secondary education programme and other related expenditures."

The minister noted that, aside from uncapping the GETFund, the government has also absorbed the debt service, made up of interest and principal, from the Daakye bond GETFund contracted.

The Minister further assured Parliament that this policy shift would not only enhance the quality of education but also expand access to tertiary education for marginalised groups, particularly Persons with Disability (PWDs).

The government’s commitment to education reform, he noted, aligns with its broader goal of fostering inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all Ghanaians.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

US-Based Doctor Supports Weija Leprosarium, Underprivileged Children In Ankaase With Cash & Food Items

 In a remarkable display of philanthropy, US-based medical practitioner, Dr. Kofi Kyei Sarfo, and the Sarfo family have made significant donations to support vulnerable communities in Ghana. During his visit to Ghana for the Christmas and New Year festivities, Dr. Sarfo and his family donated assorted food items and $5,000 to the Weija Leprosarium in Accra. This generous act aims to improve the lives of the inmates and support the tireless efforts of Rev. Father Andrew Campbell, founder of the Lepers Aid Committee. The donation to the Weija Leprosarium is a testament to Dr. Sarfo's commitment to giving back to his community. He praised Rev. Father Andrew Campbell for his selfless work in integrating cured lepers into society, emphasizing the need for continued support to ensure the well-being of the inmates. Dr. Sarfo encouraged others to follow in his footsteps, stating that every donation, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of the inmates. The don...

Nestlé Ghana Limited Wins Overall Best Industrial Company Of The Year at 13th AGI Industry & Quality Awards

  Nestlé Ghana Limited has been honored with four prestigious awards at the 13th Association of Ghana Industry and Quality Awards ceremony. The event, held in an esteemed setting, gathered prominent figures from Ghana’s industrial sector. Amidst the anticipation, Nestlé Ghana emerged as one of the evening’s notable winners, securing accolades in several key categories. This recognition underscores Nestlé Ghana’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation, marking a significant milestone that highlights the company’s substantial contributions to the manufacturing industry in Ghana. Nestlé Ghana's exceptional performance was acknowledged with the following awards: Overall Best National Quality Award, Diamond Category (Food) Overall Best Practices in Sustainable Manufacturing Best Company (Food Sector) Overall Industrial Company of the Year, affirming its status as a leader not only within the food sector but also across Ghana's entire industrial landscape. This success is a ...

Mfantsiman Girls to Host 65th Speech & Prize-Giving Day

  Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School is set to host the 65th Speech and Prize-giving Day and Homecoming from 14th to 16th March at Saltpond in the Central region. This year’s Speech and Prize-giving day is being hosted by the 2000-year group, and over 5000 old girls and students of Mfantsiman Girls are expected to attend the programme. Under the theme, ‘Leveraging New Media Technology to Optimize Girl Child Education,’ the event will emphasize the importance of harnessing technology to address the unique challenges faced by girls in accessing quality education, particularly in marginalized communities. By leveraging new media technology, we can create inclusive, interactive, and engaging learning environments that empower girls to reach their full potential. The theme will also serve as a call to action, encouraging students, educators, and stakeholders to explore innovative ways to integrate technology into girl child education, ultimately driving positive change and promoting a...