Government Allocates Over 34% of Budget to Education with Focus on Technical and Vocational Training

Accra: Mr Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, Board Chairman of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and Member of Parliament for Ho West, announced the government's commitment to allocate more than 34 per cent of the national budget to education, marking it as the sector with the highest allocation. This significant investment underscores the government's recognition of education as a pivotal foundation for national development and economic transformation. According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Bedzrah made this announcement during a sod-cutting ceremony for major infrastructure projects at Afife Senior High Technical School (ASSETS) in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region. Addressing the students, he emphasized that the government's substantial spending on education is a deliberate effort to prepare young people to become future leaders and drivers of national development. 'Government is not spending this amount on education for fun. We are doing so because we want you to become the future leaders and deve lopers of this country,' he stated. He also urged students, especially girls, to take their education seriously, highlighting the importance of pursuing leadership positions and citing the Vice President as a testament to what women can achieve through education. Mr Bedzrah also pointed out that in today's competitive job market, certificates alone are insufficient and advised students to acquire practical and relevant skills, particularly in information technology. He noted Ghana's improving macroeconomic indicators and the influx of investors, stressing the need for a skilled workforce to capitalize on these opportunities. He reiterated the government's dedication to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, explaining that about 45 per cent of GETFund's budget is allocated to sustaining the programme. This focus has led to prioritizing projects that are at least 75 per cent complete, while also investing in improving school feeding, sanitation, and learning facilities to enhance education quality. Mr Bedzrah expressed optimism about the growth of the student population at ASSETS from approximately 440 to over 1,000 upon completion of the projects, which would stimulate local economic activity through job creation and increased commerce. He pledged support to transform ASSETS into the best school in the district. In addition to GETFund-funded projects, Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North, announced further interventions to improve the school's infrastructure. These include new dormitory blocks for both girls and boys, an administration and library complex, and improved sanitation facilities. Plans are also underway to enhance the school's appearance, demarcate land, and establish a school farm project to support feeding programmes. Mr Gerhard Avudzivi, Ketu North Municipal Director of Education, hailed the sod-cutting ceremony as a significant milestone for ASSETS and the municipality. He highlighted the transformation of ASSETS into a functional boarding institution, which would improve supervision, discipline, safety, inclusiveness, and student retention. Mr Avudzivi commended Mr Agbana for his persistent advocacy and assured stakeholders of close monitoring to ensure quality and timely completion of the projects.