SEND-Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) with a specialty in policy research and advocacy, has raised alarm over the persistent infrastructure deficit plaguing Ghana’s basic and secondary education systems.
In its preliminary assessment of selected sectors of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, the organisation highlighted how these challenges are severely undermining the delivery of quality education across the country.
The NGO highlighted in its statement that over 700 junior high schools still operate under trees or in dilapidated structures, while many second-cycle institutions continue to rely on the double-track system to manage overcrowding.
Additionally, it stressed that although the double-track system was introduced as a temporary measure to accommodate high student intake, it has exacerbated the strain on school facilities, further deteriorating the learning environment.
SEND Ghana’s analysis underscores the gross inadequacy of government funding for goods, services and capital expenditures, which currently stands at a mere 10.63 percent of the education budget.
This level of funding, the NGO argues, is insufficient to address the infrastructural gaps and deliver quality education to the pre-tertiary levels.
The analysis showed that basic education, in particular, suffers the most from chronic underfunding.
A review dating back to the 2023 Budget indicated that approximately GH₵3.5billion is needed annually to improve infrastructure in basic education, and as such the NGO is urging the government to increase allocations for goods, services and capital expenditures to enhance teaching and learning conditions.
“According to our 2023 Budget analysis, approximately GH₵3.5billion is needed annually to improve infrastructure in basic education. Government must increase allocations for goods and services and capital expenditures to enhance teaching and learning.
“While the allocation of 20 percent of allowances to incentivise teachers assigned to underserved communities is a positive step toward improving the teacher-pupil ratio and conditions for these educators, allocating 87 percent of the education budget to compensation is not equitable,” it stated.
While the government’s decision to allocate 20 percent of allowances to incentivise teachers in underserved communities is a positive step toward improving the teacher-pupil ratio, SEND Ghana warns that the current budget structure remains inequitable.
Thus, with a staggering 87 percent of the education budget being allocated to compensation, leaving little room for critical investments in infrastructure and learning materials, this looks impossible to close the infrastructure deficit.
Delays in capitation grants and depreciating value
The statement also highlighted the frequent delays in the release of capitation grants, which are essential for improving school performance through better access to teaching and learning materials at the basic level.
Although the capitation grant has increased from GH₵84million to GH₵146million – raising the per-child allocation from GH₵10 to GH₵15, it argued that inflation has already eroded its real value.
SEND Ghana is calling on the government to index the capitation grant against inflation and ensure its timely release to enable schools to utilise the funds effectively.
“Delays in disbursement only exacerbate the challenges faced by schools, particularly in rural and underserved areas,” emphasised the statement.
A call to action
As Ghana strives to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) four – Quality Education, SEND Ghana’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform.
The policy think tank is calling on the government, civil society and development partners to work together to address the infrastructure deficit and ensure that every child has access to quality education.
Addressing the challenges in the education sector requires increased funding for infrastructure development to eliminate schools under trees and improve facilities; index capitation and school feeding grants against inflation to maintain their real value; ensure timely disbursement of funds to schools and caterers to enhance efficiency; and develop clear policy guidelines for the school feeding programme to ensure transparency and quality.
