GSLIP rollout to end double-track as Education Ministry unveils major 2026 investments in secondary expansion and inclusive education

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says the Ghana Secondary Learning Improvement Programme (GSLIP), a two-year World Bank-supported project valued at US$180 million, will end the double-track system in senior high schools.

He announced that GHS 1.1 billion has been earmarked under GSLIP for infrastructure expansion and quality improvement in 2026.

The interventions include expanding Category A schools, upgrading 10 Category B schools to Category A, upgrading 30 Category C schools to Category B, and completing 30 Community Day Senior High Schools (E-Blocks). Mr Iddrisu described these initiatives as major steps toward enhancing equity and quality at the secondary level.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra following the presentation of the 2026 budget on November 13, 2025, he noted that the Ministry of Education has received an allocation of GHS 39.23 billion for programmes across basic, secondary and tertiary education.

Out of this, GHS 33.76 billion will come from government funds, GHS 3.68 billion from internally generated funds and GHS 1.8 billion from development partners.

The allocation represents a 23.5 percent increase over the 2025 approved budget.

He also announced that GETFund had been allocated GHS 9.9 billion, with GHS 4.2 billion set aside for Free SHS and Free TVET infrastructure and services.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an equitable and resilient education system, one that equips learners with the skills needed for a rapidly changing world.

Mr Iddrisu disclosed that GHS 292.4 million has been allocated for the provision of sanitary pads to girls in public schools to reduce absenteeism, improve retention and promote menstrual hygiene.

Government is also maintaining the “No Academic Fees” policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions, supported by a GHS 537.4 million allocation—an increase of 7.6 percent from last year.

A total of GHS 4.2 billion has been dedicated to sustaining and improving Free SHS and Free TVET, marking a rise from GHS 3.5 billion in 2025. The Minister said this investment ensures equal access to secondary education for every child, regardless of background.

He further announced the presentation of a comprehensive policy paper proposing free education for all learners in special and inclusive schools. The initiative includes nationwide deployment of assistive technology, improved nutritional support and continuous capacity building for teachers. An initial GHS 50 million has been allocated to commence this programme in 2026.

According to the Minister, the budget strengthens foundational learning, expands secondary opportunities, accelerates tertiary reforms and establishes a long-term national programme for inclusive and special education. He added that all manifesto commitments will be refined into performance agreements for heads of institutions under the Ministry.