Gov’t committed to making education spending fair, inclusive, and gender-responsive – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, says Ghana is leveraging domestic financing to drive inclusive and transformative education reforms.

The statement was delivered by Dr. Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education, during a high-level webinar on domestic financing for education, where he outlined Ghana’s progress and future commitments.

Addressing participants, he stressed that financing decisions must prioritise fairness and impact.

“We are no longer concerned only with access. We are equally focused on ensuring that education spending is fair, inclusive, and responsive to gender needs,” he said.

Dr. Apaak pointed to key interventions funded locally, including the Capitation Grant Scheme, which has seen increased investment over the years.

According to him, the programme has led to “higher enrolment, reduced financial pressure on families, and better access for children in poor and rural communities, especially girls.”

He also highlighted the role of targeted programmes such as school feeding and learning support initiatives. “When resources reach both the classroom and the household, the impact is immediate,” he noted, adding that such policies improve attendance and learning outcomes.

On gender-focused interventions, he cited the government’s sanitary pad distribution policy, describing it as critical to tackling absenteeism among girls.

“By treating menstrual health as a core part of education and social protection, Ghana is tackling a key cause of absenteeism,” he explained.

Dr. Apaak further emphasised that Ghana’s broader financing framework is increasingly equity-driven.

“Budget decisions are now assessed for their impact on different groups. This ensures that equity is built into planning from the start,” he said.

Looking ahead, he outlined four national commitments, including sustaining investment, strengthening accountability, and improving efficiency.

He underscored the importance of results, stating, “We must ensure that increased investment leads to better learning outcomes especially for the most vulnerable.”

He maintained that Ghana’s approach demonstrates how domestic financing can serve as “a powerful force for change” when guided by inclusion and strong leadership.