By Jesse Ampah Owusu
Accra, Mar. 11, GNA – Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, Tuesday said the government had allocated GH¢3.5 billion for this year’s Free Senior High School programme.
He explained that an additional GH¢4.1 billion could be made available for the programme and other related expenses by uncapping the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
Dr. Forson made this announcement during the presentation of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament in Accra.
He clarified that uncapping the GETFund would ensure sustainable funding for free secondary education.
“Consequently, the Capping and Realignment Act will be amended to uncap GETFund and amend the GETFund Act to provide for full funding of the Free Senior High School education,” he added.
The minister further explained that aside from uncapping the GETFund, the government had also absorbed the debt service, including both interest and principal, from the Daakye bond GETFund contracted.
He mentioned that the policy shift would not only enhance the quality of education but also expand access to tertiary education for marginalized groups, particularly Persons with Disabilities.
Dr. Forson also highlighted that GH¢564.6 million had been allocated for the provision of free curricula-based textbooks.
He noted that under the School Feeding Programme, the budget had increased from GH¢1.344 billion to GH¢1.788 billion in 2025, reflecting a 33 percent increase.
“The allocation for 2025 reflects an increase in the feeding cost per meal per child per day from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2.00, representing 33.3 percent,” he added.
Dr. Forson stated that GH¢145.5 million had been allocated to the Capitation Grant, up from GH¢84 million in 2024, marking a 73.2 percent increase over the previous year’s allocation.
GNA
KAS