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Education Minister-Designate Vows to Unlock GETFund’s Full Potential

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Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister-Designate for Education, has made a bold pledge to advocate for the uncapping of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). This move aims to inject more resources into improving the country’s education infrastructure. Speaking during his parliamentary vetting, Iddrisu acknowledged the challenges posed by the current capping of GETFund, which limits the funds available for educational development.

Mr. Iddrisu emphasized that uncapping the fund would significantly enhance the government’s ability to address pressing issues in the education sector. He noted that the currently capped GETFund stands at approximately GHS 3.2 billion, but if uncapped, it would release an estimated GHS 7.9 billion. These additional funds could be used to:

  • Fix Overcrowding: Repair over 1,800 schools in dire need of repair to reduce overcrowding.
  • Improve Hygiene and Access: Address the lack of changing facilities for young girls in about 26,000 schools.
  • Expand Access to Education: Build an estimated 780 new junior high school facilities.

Iddrisu, who played a key role in advocating for the establishment of GETFund in 1997, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring its effective use. Under former President John Mahama’s leadership, Iddrisu assured that GETFund would be uncapped to unlock resources for robust educational development.

He pledged to work with the Minister of Finance and engage the IMF to review the terms that included GETFund in their negotiations. Ultimately, these efforts aim to improve access to quality education, particularly at the tertiary level, and address long-standing infrastructure deficits across the country.

Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO

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