By Ruth Serwaa Asare
Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has announced major investments in Ghana’s basic education sector as part of the 2026 budget, aimed at expanding access, improving infrastructure, and supporting teachers.
Presenting the budget to Parliament, Dr. Forson revealed that the government will construct 200 new Junior High Schools, 200 primary schools, and 200 kindergartens, alongside 400 four unit teachers’ bungalows and 400 places of convenience in underserved communities. Each facility will come fully furnished, providing educational access to over 200,000 additional students annually.
The Minister emphasized that basic education has long been neglected due to over concentration on secondary schooling. In response, the government will also provide free, comprehensive, curricula based textbooks, including four sets of KG books for 1 million learners, four sets of primary textbooks for 2 million learners, and nine sets of JHS3 textbooks for 1 million students. The Ghana Publishing Company will oversee printing and distribution.
Beyond classrooms, Dr. Forson outlined plans to equip schools with 2 million metal mono desks and chairs, 200 66-seater buses, 200 double cabin pick ups, and 50 salon cars for secondary schools and selected district education directorates.
“These interventions are not just about building schools; we are building the future,” the Finance Minister said, stressing that education is Ghana’s most powerful investment. He added that these measures will help build the human capital needed to sustain industrialization and economic growth.
Dr. Forson also highlighted gains from President Mahama’s economic diplomacy, including securing US$60 million from China to fund a science and technology university in Damongo and a modern market in Aflao.
