The government has announced an unprecedented GH₵9.1 billion investment in basic education, the single largest allocation in 50 years.
This was made known by President John
Dramani Mahama during his media encounter on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
President Mahama in his remarks noted that his administration prioritizes foundational learning as part of efforts to transform the country’s education system.
On his part, Education Minister Honourable Haruna Iddrisu also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening quality at the earliest stages of learning.
According to the Ghana Education Service (GES), the allocation marks a turning point in education financing.
“Foundational education is the backbone of learning, and this bold step shows genuine interest in building a strong base for every Ghanaian child,” a GES statement noted..
The GH₵9.1 billion budget for basic education is expected to address longstanding challenges such as inadequate resources and neglected infrastructure.
Officials say the move will ensure that every pupil receives a stronger start in life, helping to reduce inequalities in the education system.
Beyond the focus on basic education, the government has also made its biggest-ever investment in textbooks.
A total of GH₵564 million, including GH₵415 million from GETFund, has been earmarked for textbook procurement under the new curriculum. The initiative aims to end the shortage of learning materials across schools.
To further promote inclusivity, the government has introduced a programme for the free distribution of sanitary pads to schoolgirls.
Districts including Ada West, Gushegu, Ga East, Ejura, and Ga West have already begun receiving supplies, with a nationwide rollout ongoing.
The intervention is designed to reduce absenteeism among girls and keep them in school.
GES has assured stakeholders that it will effectively implement the initiatives to deliver results.
Below is the statement from GES
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The goal and commitment of President John Mahama and the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, to restore the long-desired quality of education, especially at the basic and foundational levels, have been received with deep appreciation by the leadership of the Ghana Education Service.
In the President’s media encounter last Wednesday, September 10, education once again gained its deserved importance in the conversation. The encounter threw light on some significant developments in the education sector and reaffirmed the central role of education in national development.
????????????????????, ???????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????. Basic education received ???????????? ????.???? ???????????????????????????? in the 2025 budget — the highest allocation in the past 50 years. Foundational learning remains the most crucial stage in every child’s education. However, in recent times, this level was almost neglected. It is fulfilling for us at GES to see genuine government interest in foundational learning again. GES, as an implementing agency, commit to ensuring every Ghanaian child receives the best early years’ education.
????????????????????????, ???????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????????????????????????. It is heart-warming to note the historic allocation of ???????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????????? — including ???????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????????????? — for the procurement of textbooks under the new curriculum. This represents the largest single investment in textbooks so far, aimed at strengthening teaching and learning materials across schools. This will go a long way to support learners with resources to complement classroom activities.
????????????????????, ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????. Attracting and retaining our young girls in school is not a luxury, not a privilege, but a necessity. Our girls deserve equal opportunities and access to education like everyone else. In this 21st century, the nation cannot afford to keep girls out of school due to menstrual-related issues. This is why the free distribution of sanitary towels to school-going girls is paramount. The distribution has already begun in districts such as Ada West, Gushegu, Ga East, Ejura, Ga West, Ledzokuku, etc. Others will follow as the nationwide rollout continues. This intervention supports girls’ education and reduces absenteeism.
????????????????????????, ???????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????????? (????????????). The goal to not only maintain but also improve the Free SHS policy is on course. The programme has been allocated ???????????? ????.???? ???????????????????????????? under GETFund in 2025 — the highest ever since the programme started. This has enhanced feeding and related services for students. There’s also the established commitment to abolish the double-track system that has challenged the programme.
????????????????????, ???????????????????????????? ???????? ????????????????????????. Adjustments in the management of SHS feeding have led to noticeable improvements. Reports from students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders point to a better feeding system. We continue to solicit feedback from stakeholders as we strive to improve both feeding and teaching in our second-cycle schools.
Though the 2025 Education Budget was appropriated barely five months ago, there is already encouraging evidence of some appreciable progress in the sector. These developments reflect the continued prioritisation of education as a driver of national growth and social transformation. GES remain committed to making education better.
THANK YOU
Daniel Fenyi
Head of Public Relations, GES
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana