Minister of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, says the Ministry is pursuing Cabinet approval to amend the GETFund Act to provide free education for all learners with special needs, including free tertiary education for all persons with disabilities.
He announced the proposal during a meeting with heads of special needs and integrated schools in Accra, convened to gather data, cost assessments and expert input needed to finalise a Cabinet memo.
The amendment, he explained, would also support critical investments in infrastructure and feeding for senior high schools that require urgent attention.
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Mr Iddrisu stressed the need for a structured and sustainable funding model to meet the growing demands of special needs education.
He said government is considering an annual allocation of between GHS65 million and GHS100 million to support learners with disabilities.
He noted that the decision to review funding was influenced by his visit to the Okuapeman School for the Blind during its 80th anniversary, where the conditions he observed underscored the urgency of building a world-class model for special needs education.
“If I am able to convince President Mahama, he may make a formal declaration on proper provision of free education for all learners with special needs in the country. It will allow the President to walk on the compassionate leg of the whole world,” he said.
The Minister added that the Ministry is also considering increasing the feeding grant for special school learners from GHS7 to GHS15 per student per day, a move he described as essential to meet rising costs of supporting learners with disabilities.
He praised teachers in special schools for their patience, resilience and dedication, describing them as some of the most tolerant and accommodating professionals in the education sector.
Mr Iddrisu reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving infrastructure, providing assistive devices, building teacher capacity and strengthening welfare support for special needs schools.
Heads of special needs institutions commended the Minister for his proactive leadership and called for swift measures to address the challenges hindering comprehensive and inclusive education.
