By Von Cofie
Ghana’s Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has outlined a far-reaching vision for the country’s education sector while addressing journalists at a ‘Meet the Press’ session to break down allocations in the 2026 National Budget.
The Education Minister announced that Cabinet has given clearance for the recruitment of 6,100 teachers, signaling government’s commitment to strengthening the workforce. He added that issues concerning the 2023 striking teachers have been fully captured in the 2026 budget, making provisions to resolve their outstanding concerns.
₵4.2 Billion to Power Free SHS and TVET
A major highlight of the briefing was the confirmation that the GETFund will provide ₵4.2 billion to support the Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative, feeding programmes, TVET education, and free tertiary education for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Funding will also cover allocations to the Ghana Scholarship Authority, which is expected to receive presidential assent.
“This investment ensures that every Ghanaian child, regardless of circumstance, gets the chance to be educated,” the Minister emphasised.
In a landmark welfare initiative, government plans to deliver 50,000 housing units for teachers under a new partnership with Morocco—a project intended to boost morale, retention, and living standards within the teaching profession.
Rewarding Excellence
Mr Haruna Iddrisu further revealed plans to reward Kade Senior High School, which produced the nation’s best science student. The school will be provided with a fully equipped science laboratory, addressing a longstanding infrastructural need.
Revamping Libraries to Restore Reading Culture
With concern over Ghana’s declining reading culture, the Minister pledged to strengthen the prominence of budgetary allocations for the Ghana Library Authority, PWD-focused programmes, and distance learning initiatives.
He disclosed that government will build and revamp libraries nationwide, including a comprehensive upgrade of the Sunyani Library.
Ghana’s reading culture is at an all-time low, and we must act now,” he said. “Our libraries will once again become vibrant centers of learning.”
