The recent approval of the highest-ever allocation from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to basic education by Parliament signals a significant advancement in educational investment under the current government. The allocation of GH₵800 million, representing 20 percent of the total GETFund formula for 2024, marks a substantial increase from the 12 percent allocated in 2023, highlighting the government's heightened recognition of the pressing need for infrastructure development at the basic education level.
A breakdown shows GH₵370 million for new and ongoing basic school projects, GH₵270 million for procurement, and GH₵100 million for furniture, underscoring a comprehensive approach towards addressing the challenges faced by the basic education sector. This progress is a significant step forward, following years of advocacy efforts led by STAR-Ghana Foundation through its partnership with Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), and collaborations with civil society organizations (CSOs), including the Ghana National Education Campaign (GNECC), CSOs Platform on SDGs and Africa Education Watch.
The Foundation in an appreciation letter to parliament expressed gratitude to Chairman and members of the Education Committee for their “unwavering support to equitable and quality access to education”.
A critical aspect of STAR-Ghana Foundation's engagement involved fruitful interactions with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education and consistent dialogue with the Minister of Education, ensuring that the voices of stakeholders were heard and considered in the decision-making process. This collaborative approach facilitated productive discussions, which ultimately led to the approval of this historic allocation for basic education.
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