Special needs education gets GH¢100m annual lifeline

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to ensure the annual allocation of GH¢100 million to support special needs education across the country, beginning in 2027.

He said the directive was to guarantee sustained financing for the implementation of free education for learners with special needs and disabilities nationwide under the amended GETFund Act.

Announcing the policy during a press conference on Thursday, July 2, 2026, Mr. Iddrisu said the initiative formed part of government efforts to expand access to education and promote inclusive learning for persons with disabilities.

He explained that the GH¢100 million allocation, captured in the 2026 GETFund budget formula, would be maintained annually to support the programme.

“For 2027 into 2028 and for the tenure of President John Dramani Mahama, every other year, this GH¢100 million is allocated to support special needs education to allow for the effective implementation and to reach persons with special needs,” he said.

Mr. Iddrisu stressed that disability must never limit educational opportunity, adding that the policy reflects government’s commitment to inclusive education.

“Special needs and disability never mean limited opportunity. The promise of education must reach every child in every community regardless of ability, background, gender and circumstance,” he said.

He noted that Ghana currently had 39 public special and integrated schools, comprising 29 special boarding schools, seven integrated schools for the visually impaired and three integrated schools for the hearing impaired, serving about 9,000 learners.

The Minister also announced an increase in the daily feeding grant for students in special schools from GH¢8 to GH¢15, aimed at improving their welfare.

He said government remained committed to ensuring that learners with special needs receive the support required to access quality education and achieve their full potential.