By Ashiadey Dotse
The Minister-Designate for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has pledged to advocate for the uncapping of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to ensure more resources are available for improving education infrastructure in the country.
Speaking during his vetting in Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu acknowledged the challenges caused by the capping of GETFund, which limits the funds available for educational development. He emphasised that uncapping the fund would significantly enhance the government’s ability to address pressing issues in the education sector.
“Currently, the capped GETFund stands at approximately GHS 3.2 billion. If uncapped, it would release an estimated GHS 7.9 billion, providing substantial resources for critical infrastructure needs,” Iddrisu explained.
He highlighted key areas where these additional funds could be used, including:
Fixing over 1,800 schools in dire need of repair to reduce overcrowding.
Addressing the lack of changing facilities for young girls in about 26,000 schools to improve hygiene and access.
Expanding access to junior high schools by building an estimated 780 new facilities.
The Tamale South Member of Parliament also recalled his role in advocating for the establishment of GETFund in 1997 and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring its effective use. He stated that under former President John Mahama’s leadership, GETFund would be uncapped to unlock resources for robust educational development.
“We will work with the Minister of Finance to make this a priority and engage the IMF to review the terms that included GETFund in their negotiations,” Haruna Iddrisu assured.
He emphasised that these efforts would be geared toward improving access to quality education, particularly at the tertiary level, and addressing long-standing infrastructure deficits across the country.
