Ghana Commits Over GH₵340 Million to Education Amid Transition – Deputy Minister

Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak has reaffirmed the government’s pledge to allocate no less than GHC 340 million to support educational initiatives as schools reopen for the academic year.

Speaking on Joy FM, Dr. Apaak emphasized that financial provisions are secured to fulfill commitments initiated under former President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, despite ongoing transitional processes.

“The commitment is being fulfilled,” Dr. Apaak stated, clarifying that budgetary allocations were prioritized even before the current government formalized its budget. “As of the time students were reporting to school, the John Dramani Mahama-led NDC government had not yet presented a budget. But the necessary resources have been allocated.”

The deputy minister noted that the projected GHC 340 million expenditure represents a baseline figure, subject to adjustment based on student enrollment rates. “You heard the Minister clearly: we expect to spend not less than 340 million Ghana cedis. It could be more or less depending on enrollment,” he explained.

Dr. Apaak assured the public that funds are available to sustain critical programs, including infrastructure upgrades and learning materials distribution. “The allocation has been made, and we expect the resources will be available to undertake the commitments,” he said, dismissing concerns about delays in disbursement.

The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of education funding during Ghana’s political transitions. While the government has intensified efforts to curb illegal mining and other fiscal drains, stakeholders urge sustained focus on equitable resource allocation to address systemic gaps in school access and quality.

Historically, education budgets have faced challenges during administrative shifts, with delays occasionally hampering service delivery. Dr. Apaak’s assurances aim to preempt such gaps, aligning with broader calls for policy continuity to safeguard gains in literacy and enrollment rates. As debates over funding transparency persist, this allocation signals a prioritization of education as a pillar of national development, even as advocates push for stricter oversight to ensure funds reach underserved communities.