Ghana Secures Permanent Funding for Free SHS Thorough GETFund

The Government of Ghana has taken a decisive step to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program by allocating proceeds from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to finance it permanently. This policy shift was announced in the 2025 Budget Statement by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who revealed that the GETFund would be uncapped, allowing for a significant increase in funding for education. As a result, an additional GH¢4.1 billion will be made available to GETFund, supplementing the already budgeted GH¢3.5 billion earmarked for Free SHS. This move is expected to strengthen the program’s financial foundation, ensuring uninterrupted access to free secondary education for Ghanaian students. By increasing financial support through GETFund, the government aims to address key challenges that have plagued the Free SHS initiative since its inception. The additional resources will be directed toward improving school infrastructure, enhancing teaching and learning materials, and ensuring that students receive a higher quality education. Over the years, concerns have been raised regarding overcrowded classrooms, inadequate facilities, and insufficient educational resources. With the expansion of GETFund’s allocation, the government seeks to alleviate these issues and create a more conducive learning environment for students across the country. This policy adjustment also reinforces the government’s commitment to education as a critical driver of national development. By guaranteeing permanent funding for Free SHS, the administration is taking proactive measures to prevent future financial uncertainties that could threaten the program. Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson emphasized that this decision aligns with the government’s vision of ensuring that no child in Ghana is denied access to quality secondary education due to financial constraints. As the program continues to evolve, stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and education policymakers, will be closely monitoring its impact to ensure that it achieves its intended objectives of equitable and quality education for all.