GSLIP rollout set to end double-track as Education Ministry boosts 2026 funding for secondary expansion, Free SHS and inclusive education

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says the Ghana Secondary Learning Improvement Programme (GSLIP), a two-year World Bank-supported initiative valued at US$180 million, will eliminate the double-track system across senior high schools. He announced that GHS 1.1 billion has been allocated under GSLIP for infrastructure expansion and quality enhancement in 2026.

The investment will support the expansion of Category A schools, upgrade 10 Category B schools to Category A, elevate 30 Category C schools to Category B and complete 30 Community Day Senior High Schools (E-Blocks).

The Minister described these interventions as crucial steps toward correcting imbalances and improving quality at the secondary level.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra following the presentation of the 2026 budget on November 13, 2025, he said the Ministry of Education has been allocated GHS 39.23 billion to implement programmes across basic, secondary and tertiary education.

Government funding accounts for GHS 33.76 billion, with GHS 3.68 billion from internally generated sources and GHS 1.8 billion from development partners. The allocation reflects a 23.5 percent increase over the 2025 approved budget.

Mr Iddrisu added that GETFund had been allocated GHS 9.9 billion, including GHS 4.2 billion dedicated to Free SHS and Free TVET infrastructure and services.

He outlined the government’s long-term vision to build an equitable and resilient education system that equips every Ghanaian learner with relevant skills and values.

A total of GHS 292.4 million has been set aside for the provision of sanitary pads to girls in public schools to reduce absenteeism, improve retention and support menstrual hygiene management.

The government will also continue the “No Academic Fees” policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions, backed by GHS 537.4 million, representing a 7.6 percent rise from last year.

The Minister highlighted that GHS 4.2 billion has been allocated to sustain and enhance Free SHS and Free TVET, a 16 percent increase from the GHS 3.5 billion allocation in 2025. He stressed that this investment ensures equal opportunity for learners across the country, regardless of background.

He also 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 modern assistive technology devices, improved nutritional support and continuous capacity building for teachers. An initial GHS 50 million has been allocated to support the initiative in 2026.

According to the Minister, the 2026 education budget strengthens foundational learning, expands secondary opportunities, accelerates tertiary transformation and establishes a long-term national programme for inclusive and special education.