2027 Budget: GH¢169m allocated for BECE fees, GH¢50m for special schools

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced GH¢169 million for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) fees and GH¢50 million to support special schools in the 2027 Budget.

Presenting the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, he said the allocations formed part of the GH¢48 billion earmarked for the Ministry of Education to support teaching, learning and access to education.

The GH¢169 million provision is intended to support the payment of BECE fees, while the GH¢50 million allocation will support learners who require specialised educational provision.

Outlining the Ministry’s spending priorities, Dr. Forson said, “vi. GH¢169 million for Basic Education Certificate Examination fees;”

He also announced GH¢166 million for the Capitation Grant, which supports basic education.

“vii. GH¢166 million for the Capitation Grant;” The budget further provides GH¢133 million for existing education interventions to sustain support for teaching and learning.

“viii. GH¢133 million for existing education interventions to sustain support for teaching and learning;”

For special education, the Finance Minister said, “ix. GH¢50 million to special schools to support learners who require specialised educational provision.”

The allocations are intended to address different needs within the education system, including examination access, basic school funding and specialised educational support.

The budget also provides GH¢227 million for teacher trainee allowances, an intervention aimed at supporting people preparing to enter the teaching profession.

Dr. Forson listed the provision among the Ministry’s allocations, stating, “v. GH¢227 million for teacher trainee allowances to support the people preparing to teach the next generation;”

Government has additionally allocated GH¢250 million to the Scholarship Secretariat to support its scholarship responsibilities.

The Finance Minister said, “We have also allocated a separate GH¢250 million to the Scholarship Secretariat to support its scholarship responsibilities.”

The allocations form part of the government’s broader GH¢48 billion provision for the Ministry of Education for the 2027 financial year, covering infrastructure development, teaching and learning, examination fees and support for students and teachers.