Child Rights International (CRI) has praised the Ghanaian government for its commitment to education and social interventions as outlined in the 2025 Budget Statement. The budget, presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, includes significant allocations aimed at enhancing educational accessibility and quality. A notable GH¢499.8 million has been set aside for the No-Academic-Fee policy, benefiting all first-year students in public tertiary institutions. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on students and their families while promoting higher education enrollment. Additionally, GH¢292.4 million has been earmarked for the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools, addressing period poverty and ensuring uninterrupted school attendance for girls. The Capitation Grant, which funds basic education, has seen a substantial increase of 73.2%, rising from GH¢84 million in 2024 to GH¢145.5 million. These measures reflect the government’s dedication to promoting inclusive education and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder students' academic progress.
In addition to these allocations, the government has committed GH¢203 million to teacher trainee allowances and GH¢480 million to nursing trainee allowances. This financial support underscores the administration’s recognition of the critical role educators and healthcare professionals play in national development. Bright Appiah, Executive Director of CRI, commended the government’s efforts, highlighting that these initiatives align with Ghana’s constitutional mandate of universal basic education. He emphasized that financial accessibility is key to equitable education and that these interventions will help bridge the gap between students from different socio-economic backgrounds. However, Appiah stressed that while the funding increases are commendable, it is essential to establish a well-structured policy framework to guide the implementation of these programs. Without proper planning, transparency, and accountability, the effectiveness of these interventions may be compromised. He called on the government to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure the smooth and efficient execution of these initiatives.
Beyond the financial commitments, CRI reaffirmed its dedication to advocating for policies that enhance quality education for all Ghanaian children. The organization called on the government to focus on long-term sustainability strategies to maintain and expand these interventions in the years to come. Appiah stressed that education is a fundamental right, and every child deserves equal access to learning opportunities regardless of financial or social status. He urged policymakers to ensure that allocated funds are used efficiently and that resources reach the intended beneficiaries. Moreover, CRI encouraged continued collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to strengthen the country’s education system. By prioritizing educational equity and resource distribution, Ghana can build a more robust and inclusive academic environment that fosters development and innovation.
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