By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
Tema, March 13, GNA – The Campaign Against Privatisation and Commercialisation of Education (CAPCOE) has expressed satisfaction with the government’s budgetary allocation to the education sector, describing it as a step in the right direction.
The Association, however, urged the government to ensure the timely release of funds to maximise the benefits of the allocation.
Mr Richard Kwashi Kovey, the Convener of CAPCOE, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said that delays in fund disbursement had previously hindered the effective implementation of key educational programmes.
“Just like the way the budget looks very good we also expect that the release is done accordingly and on time because if the release is not done at the time they need the money, its purpose is defeated,” he stated.
Mr Kovey called for a structured system that would ensure the smooth flow of resources to various educational initiatives, particularly those under the GETFund.
He expressed optimism that the funds allocated for the GETFund, if released, would solve the infrastructural deficit in schools across the country, noting that many public schools, particularly in rural areas, lack adequate classrooms, dormitories, and learning materials.
“The only reason they are running a double-track system is because of lack of infrastructure; if we use a chunk of the money to avert that challenge, then we’ll be doing a lot of good,” he stated.
He said that improving infrastructure would also contribute to better discipline among students, as overcrowding and poorly maintained school facilities often led to challenges in managing student behaviour.
The CAPCOE Convener stressed the need for sustained funding for the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, suggesting that schools embark on farming projects to produce some of their food to help reduce pressure on the government.
He also suggested the use of technical and vocational students to produce furniture for schools, saying that many technical schools have the capacity to manufacture desks, chairs, and other essential classroom furniture if provided with the necessary logistics.
Mr Kovey added that by engaging students in these activities, schools could reduce expenditure on furniture procurement while providing practical training for students in carpentry and related fields.
He welcomed the government’s decision to offer free university education for first-year students, describing this as a positive step in improving access to higher education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He also urged the government to extend support to fee-paying students who might struggle financially.
GNA
LS/CAA