GH¢100m allocated annually for special needs education — Haruna Iddrisu
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to set aside GH¢100 million annually from 2027 to support special needs education across the country.
The allocation is intended to provide sustainable funding for the implementation of free education for learners with special needs and disabilities under the amended GETFund Act.
Announcing the policy at a press conference on Thursday, July 2, Mr. Iddrisu said the initiative forms part of the government's broader agenda to expand access to education and strengthen inclusive learning for persons with disabilities.
He explained that the GH¢100 million allocation has been incorporated into the 2026 GETFund budget formula and will be maintained every year throughout the tenure of President John Dramani Mahama.
“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 should never be a barrier to education, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the government's commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all learners.
“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 stated.
The Minister disclosed that Ghana currently has 39 public special and integrated schools made up of 29 special boarding schools, seven integrated schools for learners with visual impairment and three integrated schools for learners with hearing impairment, serving approximately 9,000 students.
He also announced an increase in the daily feeding grant for students in special schools from GH¢8 to GH¢15 to improve their welfare and nutritional needs.