Accra: The government has channelled GHS6.76 billion into key education programmes in the first half of 2026, reinforcing its commitment to expanding access to education, improving school infrastructure, and reducing the financial burden on students and their families. Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to parliament, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stated that the funding supports the government's broader education reform agenda, including eliminating the double-track system, strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, and widening access from basic to tertiary level.
According to Ghana Web, the mid-year review showed that GHS6.76 billion has already been released to support major education interventions, indicating the implementation of the government's commitments. The finance minister detailed that GHS4.2 billion has been transferred to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), GHS1.8 billion released to support the Free Senior High School programme, GHS537 million disbursed under the No Fees Stress initiative, GHS104 million paid as Teacher Trainee Allowances, GHS76 million allocated for the Capitation Grant, and GHS46 million used to finance BECE registration fees.
Unlike the main budget statement, these figures represent actual disbursements rather than planned allocations, providing a clearer indication of progress in implementing the government's education agenda. The minister also highlighted a US$300 million World Bank-supported programme backing these reforms, which will finance 210 major education infrastructure projects, including the construction of 10 new senior high schools across 10 regions and the rehabilitation of 150 existing schools to expand capacity.
He added that the government will also absorb examination fees for nearly 900,000 BECE candidates, double feeding grants for special schools, cover first-year tuition for more than 165,000 tertiary students under the No Fees Stress initiative, and continue providing full support for students with disabilities.
The government stated that expanding school infrastructure remains central to its plan to eliminate the double-track system by creating sufficient capacity for senior high schools. To address the growing demand for high-performing schools, the government will upgrade 30 Category C schools to Category B and 20 Category B schools to Category A, with investments in classrooms, dormitories, laboratories, and other critical facilities.
Beyond infrastructure, the reforms emphasize improving STEM education, increasing female participation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and equipping students with digital and green economy skills needed for the future labour market. The finance minister also highlighted that the government has expanded assistance for persons with disabilities, noting that full tuition and residential support has been allocated for 1,554 students with disabilities enrolled in public tertiary institutions.