Minister for Education explores new funding model for special needs schools

Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, has outlined a major policy shift aimed at securing predictable funding for special needs schools and all learners with disabilities.

Addressing heads of special schools at the Ministry’s conference room on Wednesday, Mr. Iddrisu said he was preparing a Cabinet memo to guide a definitive decision on the future of special needs education. He noted that the consultation was essential to ensure the voices of teachers and administrators directly shape the reforms.

“We need an honest, practical, and forward-looking conversation about what your needs are and the challenges facing special needs education,” he said. “This meeting is to lay the foundation for a dedicated and predictable new funding model.”

Mr. Iddrisu explained that the proposal to review the funding framework was triggered by his visit to the Okuapeman School for the Blind during its 80th anniversary.

According to him, the conditions he observed reaffirmed the urgency of building a world-class model for special needs education nationwide.

He emphasised that learners with special needs deserve reliable investment, adding, “If I am able to convince the President, he may make a formal declaration on proper provision of free education for all learners with special needs in the country. It will allow His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to walk on the compassionate leg of the whole world.”

The Minister praised teachers in special schools for their resilience, noting, “If you want to identify people who are tolerant and accommodating, you come to your category of teachers. Your sacrifices over the years have been exceptional.”

Mr. Iddrisu revealed that the Ministry is seeking Cabinet approval to amend the GetFund Act to introduce three dedicated financing areas.

The first will support infrastructure and feeding for the three inherited senior high schools requiring urgent investment. An estimated 4.2 million cedis is expected to be channelled into this component.

The second provision in the proposed amendment will offer free tertiary education for all persons with disabilities.

The third, he noted, will establish free education for all learners with special needs across the country if Parliament approves the amendment.

“I am confident the legislative process will be smooth because my party has a comfortable majority,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to present clear and actionable recommendations, stating, “Tell us what it takes to have a world-class special needs school. Your insights will guide the Cabinet memo and shape the reforms we hope to advance.”