A coalition of youth advocacy networks in the northern sector has urged the government to allocate a larger budget to basic education, aiming to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for lifelong learning opportunities.
The youth networks, comprising Northern, Northeast, and Savannah Regional Youth Networks, along with Northern Ghana Youth for Development, expressed their concerns during a press conference in Tamale.
They highlighted that basic education in the country is facing threats due to a lack of political will and commitment to funding the sector.
Ms. Faaika Abdul-Salam, Acting President of Northern Ghana Youth for Development, commended the government for implementing the Free Senior High School initiative, which has increased access to secondary education for many students.
However, the organizers expressed disappointment with the level of neglect towards basic education.
The group pointed out that out of the GH¢4.5 billion allocated to pre-tertiary education this year, Senior High Schools alone received about 90% of the funds, while only 10% was allocated to basic education.
They emphasized that a mere GH¢90 million was designated for the construction of new basic schools, an amount that would only cover the construction of 60 basic schools across all 216 districts.
